Lt Richard Barrett RN
403 (Fleet Fighter) Flight, FAA
I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to scan the photo album of Lt Richard Barrett (R from now on) which gives an overview of life as a navel officer and Fleet Air Arm (FAA) fighter pilot. Whilst not perhaps unique, it certainly is a large and very interesting collection of photographs that covers many years of the early developmental period in naval aviation. There are some very clear pictures of naval units at the China Station as well as some stunning shots of FAA aircraft. Later in life R left the Royal Navy and went on to become a medical doctor. During WWII he rejoined the armed forces and worked on equipment developments to save airman who ditched at sea. He also flew the Supermarine Walrus, though specific details of his later career are not known as yet. Copyright for all of these photographs rests with Hugo Degenhardt and without prior written authorisation usage is limited to private study. A word of warning; in order to preserve as much detail as possible, many of the images linked to this page are very large and may take some time to download.
Picture shows sub lieutenant Barrett in 1924.
The first picture in the photo album is one of HMS Invincible. The picture is a well known stock picture of this ship in action at the battle of the Falkland in December 1914. Invincible was sunk during the battle of Jutland in 1916 with the loss of 1026 men. There were only 6 survivors. We do not know the connection between R and this ship, though it is possible that a relative had served on this ship.
The young Richard took and passed examinations for his Naval Cadetship and was subsequently enrolled at the Royal Navy College, Osborne from the 15 September 1917. There is this rather splendid photo of the cadets 1917-18, with some signatures on the back. Our young man is third row, second from the right (and inset).
Naval Career
HMS Benbow
R’s first appointment was as midshipman aboard HMS Benbow, an Iron Duke class battleship from 12 January 1922. His call up papers state that he needed to take passage to the Mediterranean on HMS Valiant, though the front of R’s journal seem to contradict this and HMS Warspite is showing as his first ship. There are three pictures of HMS Benbow, at least two of which are stock photos purchased from the Grand Studio, Malta. This ship features regularly in R’s earlier career acting as a central base which he returned to after short postings elsewhere.
HMS Benbow Large image
HMS Benbow Large image
HMS Benbow at Malta Large image
HMS Romola
Dates? This ship was an R class destroyer, small, fast and lightly armed. It’s normal complement was only 82 men, rather different from Benbow’s complement of 1000 men.
Image source Wikipedia.
The Chanak Crisis
“In September 1922, as a result of the Chanak Crisis, which threatened war between Britain and Turkey, Romola's crew was made up to a full complement with men from the cruiser Vindictive and the destroyer, together with sister-ship Rigorous was ordered to Malta.” [Wikipedia] There is no doubt that R joined Romola at Malta and it is certain that R was present in the area during the Chanak Crises. We have several pictures in the album, not only of the fleet during the crises, but also of Istanbul and the surrounding area. After the crises, which had far reaching political affects, R returned to Benbow, and at the end of 1923 Romola went into reserve at Plymouth.
Naval units passing Istanbul
An amazing photograph showing three Royal Navy Battleships of the Iron Duke or King George V class, together with accompanying cruisers. Following is an Italian Regina Elena class pre-dreadnaught battleship. Also shown well is an American 'flush decker' or 'four stacker' destroyer mid picture pointing right. Many thanks to members of Britmodeller.com for thier help identifying these ships.
An odd picture. I wonder if the place has some significance? Large Image
Zoom into the large photograph. Is there more going on in this picture than just a good view? Large image
HMS Somme
Dates? This S class destroyer was an upgraded version of the R class that R had already served in and was part of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla. This flotilla served with the Mediterranean Fleet between 1921 and 1924, and in 1925 was transferred to the China Station where it remained until just before WWII. Whilst later serving at China station, R would have regularly seen his old ship.
Image source Wikipedia Large image
HMS Volunteer
dates? Another Destroyer, a modified W class, a little heavier than the R and S classes armed with 4.7 in guns rather than the lighter 4 in guns. She was part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla based in the Mediterranean. It would seem that R’s superiors had seen enough of his character to confirm that his daring-do attitude would best be suited for service on destroyers. Or indeed on fighter aircraft.
Image source Wikipedia
HMS C???
?
RAF Leuchars
Here is where things get even more interesting. At some point R decided to join the fledgling Fleet Air Arm, leaving Benbow and the fleet and was stationed at RAF Leuchars [where he learnt to fly?]. There are a number of photographs in the album taken at Luchars dated 1926-7, mostly showing the ubiquitous Avro 504 trainer, but also giving us a feel for the station during that time.
Leuchars airfield - complete with sheep and dog. Large image
Leuchars 1926 - Naval pilots. Large image
Engine start - one for the modellers. Large image
1926 Navel personnel. R is second from right. Large image
Masser's plane Large image
No idea if Masser (Chap with pipe in photo above?) survived the crash shown in these pictures, which does look to be serious. If any reader can provide more information, we would be pleased to hear it. Large image
Picture is dated 1927. Large image
1927 Leuchars aerodrome and Tentsmuir Large image
Clouds at 3000 feet. Large image
That sinking feeling. Large Image
1927 Leuchars "Self"
Nice picture of R which also gives a good illustration of the flying kit of the time.
Fairey IIID from HMS Furious over Leuchars.
A wonderfully clear study of this aircraft - have a look at the large image (link below). The IIID was primarily a reconnaissance aircraft, whereas the Fairey Flycatcher was designed as a fighter. Some joint exercises would have taken place at Leuchars so that the crew of each would know the needs and limitations of the other.
Fairey Flycatcher above Leuchars.
What a fantastic picture!
This is a scan of a large print that has it's own page in the photo album. You may have spotted the diagonal bracing wires in the lower corners of the shot. This is probably the forward view from an Avro 504, which the pilot of the Flycatcher, undoubtedly R, is buzzing. What do you mean health and safety?
Posting to China Station - HMS Hermes
Wei Hai Wei harbour 1927
In the photo album is this wonderful shot of Wei Hai Wei harbour dated 1927. Destroyers can be seen at left, some light cruisers, a hospital ship and what I think may be HMS Titania among others. HMS Titania was a submarine depot ship which was stationed at China Station between 1920 and 1930.
1928 HMS Hermes in Four Funnel Bay, Wei Hai Wei
Nice clear shot of R's new posting. If you download the large image, you should be able to zoom into the picture. On deck is 403 flight.
1928 Hong Kong, Possibly Suffolk, D63 Hobart and D67 Carlisle
I am assuming that this is HMS Suffolk, as she appears more than once in the album.
1928 22July Pirate Revel. Wei Hai Wei aboard HMS Hawkins
This was taken aboard HMS Hawkins (the flagship) at the time when local pirates were causing problems. Probably not politically correct, but fine in 1928! Another feature that dates the picture is the number of people smoking. Action against Chinese pirates was the only time the the Fairey Flycatcher was used in anger.
1928 HMS Hermes Port Said
A really nice clear photo of Hermes at Port Said. HMS Hermes was the worlds first specifically designed aircraft carrier. Experiance showed that it was probably too small to act as a main fleet carrier, but was fine for the Flycatcher which could land and take off on a postage stamp.
Fairey Flycatcher N9961. R's Number 9.
403 flight. WHW 1928
This is how most of my aircraft pictures look. Far away. But a nice tight formation, none the less. However the following pictures show some fantastic details of the flycather, and moreover, most of them are R's own aircraft - No. N9961.
I think this is an earlyish shot. Note, there is only one machine gun fitted.
Head on view.
Rear view. Note the checker pattern in the middle panel of top wing. I am guessing colours are white and blue.
In floatplane mode. No spinner, most images with floats have a spinner fitted.
Lovely shot showing propeller spinner fitted. I notice that the tailplane is also larger than used when wheeled. I am not sure if this is an amphibeous arrangement, or just for water use.
Great shot showing large rudder fitted.
This is a later shot from the one on the left as 9 has had a repaint. Note the different style 9. Also it looks as if R may have had a promotion - note the pennant flying from the tail.
Large image
An absolutely gorgeous shot of R in 9 passing Suffolk.
Passing a Fairey IIIF. Looks to have been taken at the same time as the shot on the left.