16 Squadron RFC: an Army Cooperation Squadron | Colin Buxton

Over the years, we have filmed quite a lot of speakers at the branch. These have been available to view on the WFA's YouTube channel, and can also be found as 'articles' on the WFA website. However these videos have not been separately grouped for those visiting the Yorkshire branch 'landing page' on the website.

By starting a process of loading these onto the branch page, this makes a number of talks that stretch back to about 2019 'visible'.

In this presentation, Colin Buxton talks about '16 Squadron RFC: an Army Cooperation Squadron' - which was given to the branch in July 2024.

The Royal Flying Corps (RFC), established in 1912, initially focused on military and naval aviation. A key role was the support of ground forces, especially in the early days of the war.

Specific squadrons within the RFC and later the RAF were designated as "Army Cooperation" squadrons. These squadrons were tasked with direct support to the army, providing aerial reconnaissance, artillery observation, and reconnaissance for bombing raids.

This presentation looks at the history of Army Cooperation through the experiences of 16 Squadron. In this highly detailed talk, Colin Buxton discusses tasks such as Artillery Spotting, Reconnaissance, Photography and Contact Patrols. He also includes many personal recollections. The presentation also includes detailed coverage of 'Bloody April' as 16 Squadron was one of the worst affected units in Arras during April 1917.