The Royal Aircraft Factory Se5 was one of the finest fighter aircraft of the First World War, although its introduction was hampered by problems with its advanced engine design. The Se5 was a superb gun platform, but lacked the dog-fighting agility of the more famous Sopwith Camel. The Se5 design was distinctive in the use of an over-wing mounted Lewis machine gun, which allowed for a greater sweep of firepower, or the ability to fire at an enemy from below. No.1 Squadron was the founder squadron of the Royal Flying Corps in 1912 and as such has a special place in RAF history. In early 1918, the squadron, equipped with the improved SE5a fighters, engaged in low level attacks against advancing German forces and helped to repel their last desperate attacks. As the Allied air campaign moved onto the offensive, 1 Squadron Se5a's were employed in providing fighter cover for the more vulnerable bomber aircraft.

Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a

Designed by H.P.Folland as an easy-to-fly fighter, The Royal Aircraft Factory's S.E.5a bi-plane was first flown in 1917. Together with the Sopwith Camel, the S.E.5 was instrumental in regaining allied air superiority. Both friend and foe recognized the S.E.5 as a formidable fighting machine. It was fast, extremely strong and easy to fly, and was the aircraft of many WWI aces. Later model S.E.5a's had Wolseley Viper 200 hp engines, which ended the engine problems of earlier designs. A Vickers gun was fired through the air screw with synchronizing gear, and a Lewis could be fired over the top wing or directly upwards.