The engine component, mounted on a section of the propeller, has a plaque which reads: R.A.F. Fokker Triplane Cylinder. Presented to Lieut: H.L. Taylor by the 52nd Squadron R.A.F. taken from one of three triplanes shot down by his observer and himself – April 11th 1918. German Pilot Lieut Walter Gautiffer.
The incident must have been one of the earliest victories for the RAF, occurring only 10 days after it was transformed from its previous incarnation, the Royal Flying Corps. This must also have been one of the first engagements for Lieut. Taylor himself. According to logbook records, he had completed only 50 hours of solo flying time before this date.
A downed Fokker takes off again
Pictured right is a Fokker cylinder from a WWI German triplane that made £3600 at Bonhams Oxford (17.5% buyer’s premium) sale of arms and militaria on April 13.
