April 1913 – Progress at Montrose

The Aeroplane – April 24, 1913.

The first Military Aerodrome to be established in Scotland is now in working order. The aerodrome consists of a long, narrow stubble field of about 62 acres, tented from the farms of Upper Dysart, at five years’ tenancy. It is situated about 3½ miles south of Montrose, and one mile from the sea coast, the main road between Dundee and Aberdeen running past the end of it. It stands clear of the surrounding country at the height of 300 feet above sea level, and is exposed to winds from all points. The soil is of a soft clay nature covered with short hard stubble. There is one bad hole in the middle front of the sheds, but this is being gradually filled up with refuse and earth.

The sheds, 10 in number, are erected at the east bottom corner, near the road, and are made of canvas stretched on steel tubular framework. The front poles are taken out and the front curtain pulled up for the machine going out and in.

The machines in use at present are two B.E.-2 type, Nos. 216 and 217, and three Maurice Farmans, Nos. 207, 215, and 266, and two new B.E. are expected daily. There is also word of some four or six monoplanes being drafted to this base, but at present the squadron is very much under establishment.

This squadron is composed of about 130 officers and men, under the command of Major Burke. The flight commanders and flying officers being Captains Becke, Longcroft, and Herbert; and Lieutenants Martyn, Lawrence, Pepper, McLean, and P. B. Joubert de la Ferte.

Major Burke, Captains Becke, Longcroft, and Lieutenant Lawrence fly B.E. machines, while the others are Farman fliers. The work done is as yet only reconnaissance flying and taking part in local Territorial manoeuvres. Most of the flying is done between 6.30 and 7.30 in the morning, and from 9 to 11 in the forenoon; and practically no flying is to be done on Saturdays or Sundays. The sheds are open for inspection by the public on Saturday afternoons from 2 till 4 o’clock.

The squadron is quartered in the Panmure Barracks, Montrose, and is conveyed to and from the aerodrome in two Leyland motor waggons, the officers in two Daimler cars. There are also two Phelon and Moore motor-cycles for dispatch work.

Arrangements for regular work are in a crude condition as mechanics are to be seen any day peeling potatoes or doing some such work in the barracks, this is no doubt owing to the lack of machines at the aerodrome. The guard consists of two sets of two men taking turn about for 24 hours of two hours guard and four hours sleep; and are only armed with revolvers, only three machines are in working order at present. Two Maurice Farmans are being overhauled and the planes recovered, leaving only three planes between nine pilots. Last week for three days there were only two machines in flying condition, and, suppose either of them was smashed, the squadron would have been further handicapped. This is an awkward state of affairs, and if the policy of one pilot, one machine (not to mention a spare one) is to be carried out, it is time Squadron No. 2 had a dozen more efficient aeroplanes.