The Sopwith Camel Scout is a British First World War single-seat fighter aircraft that was famous for its maneuverability. Intended as a replacement for the Sopwith Pup, the Camel prototype first flew in December 1916, powered by a 110 hp Clerget 9Z. Known as the "Big Pup" early on in its development, the aircraft was armed with two .303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns mounted in the cowl, firing forward through the propeller disc. A fairing surrounding the gun installation created a hump that led to the name Camel. The top wing was flat - but the bottom wing had dihedral, so that the gap between the wings was less at the tips than at the roots.

The type entered squadron service in June 1917 with No. 4 Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service, near Dunkirk. The following month, it became operational with No. 70 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. By February 1918, 13 squadrons were fully equipped with the Camel. Approximately 5,500 were ultimately produced.

Pictured here is a Royal Flying Corps Sopwith Camel fighter that was piloted by Capt. Henry Woollett, who was attached to No.43 Squadron during Spring 1918. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Wingspan: 6-3/4-inches

Release Date: August 2009

Historical Account: "Balloon Busting" - Henry Winslow Woollett was a leading British 'balloon buster' during the First World War.

Raised in Southwold in Suffolk, Woollett was studying medicine when war broke out in August 1914. He nevertheless immediately enlisted and was given a commission with the Lincolnshire Regiment. As with many of the war's air aces Woollett served with the infantry - in his case during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915 - before seeking and receiving a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1916.

Even by the standards of the day Woollett received his wings remarkably quickly, after a mere 3.5 hours of tuition. November 1916 brought Woollett an assignment to 24 Squadron where he flew first DH2 and then DH5 aircraft. Distinguishing himself rapidly as an ace Woollett's demonstrable bravery and skill brought him the Military Cross and promotion to Flight Commander.

In August 1918, Woollett returned to England and became a flight instructor. Nevertheless keen to return to active service Woollett returned to the Western Front in time for the opening of the great German Spring offensive of March 1918, joining 43 Squadron (where he stood out by wearing, eccentrically, a leopard skin helmet and gauntlets). He also decorated his aircraft to represent the face of a Red Indian.

A specialist in the especially dangerous practice of downing enemy observation balloons - these being typically well protected by anti-aircraft artillery and by patrol aircraft - Woollett brought his tally to 35 'kills' by August 1918 (winning en route the DSO and bar to his previous MC and claiming six victories in a single day, April 12th, 1918) before he once again returned to England to oversee training duties in Eastbourne.

Also the recipient of the Legion d'Honneur and the Croix de Guerre, Woollett continued to serve following the armistice, including a spell in Iraq in the 1920s. He died in October 1969.