Item is an interview/narrative of Thomas Sehl' s experiences during World War I. Wing Commander Sehl served with the Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Interview took place on September 22, 1978.
Date:
1978-09-22
Collection:
Sehl, Thomas: my Air Force recollections
People Depicted:
Wing Commander Sehl, Thomas, b. 1899
Page Title:
Sehl_T_0130_01.mp3
Abstract:
(Side 1) Both parents were born in Victoria in the early 1870' s followed by Thomas Sehl in 1899. Educated in parochial schools in Victoria and Portland, Ore. Joined the Royal Flying Corps through their recruiting office on Government St. in July 1917. Three weeks of basic training followed at Long Branch, Ont., then the School of Military Aeronautics at the University of Toronto. (15:00) In fall 1917 he went to the flight school at Deseronto, Ont. where the class was instructed in Curtiss JN- 4 training aircraft; after five hours of instruction they were expected to fly solo. Did not control the effect of engine torque on his second solo flight and crashed on take-off. Overseas in Jan. 1918 as a second lieutenant. After advanced flying training at Uphaven he received his wings (35:00). Describes life in England. Flew the de Havilland 5 (DH-5 trainer) which he did not like and the Sopwith Camel (fighter) which he did. The latter was a very sensitive aircraft to fly and required a light hand at the controls. (45:00)
Advanced flying courses, ferried aircraft in England, and one to France. In France he was posted to No. 203 Squadron commanded by Raymond Collishaw. First engaged in attacking German artillery-spotting aircraft which were located by early radio direction-finding sets. Recounts flying experiences; his aircraft was holed by enemy action on fourteen different occasions. One enemy aircraft confirmed as shot down. Posted to No. 201 Squadron. Considerable ground-strafing which was so hard on aircraft and pilots due to vigorous enemy action that it had to be stopped for a while. Comments that he did not notice any particular slackening of the German air war as the Germans retreated toward the end. (46:00)
(Side 2) The Fokker D VII fighter aircraft was very effective against Allied machines. Offers personal thoughts on aerial fighting. Part of the army of occupation. (10:00) Returned to Canada and was demobilized. After approaching the Air Ministry early in 1939 regarding his status if war came he joined the R.C.A.F. in 1939 as a flying officer, rising to the rank of wing commander. (20:00)