Still AK. This card franked BAPO Z (Alexandria) gives the senders address as RN Balloon Base No 2, c/o GPO RAF London.
I have not been able to find anything about this unit. Any one enlighten me?
Alan
This not listed in the Navy List, but found a Kite Balloon Section based at Alexandria, this was taken over by the new RAF in April 1918
Frank Schofield
I have found on Ancestry a Harry Fothergill who was an AC2 in the Royal Navy. His record is noted as ENGT to RAF. His last posting is noted as Queen II. Any idea as to what ship/establishment this was?
Alan
His rank AC2 makes him RAF (ex RNAS)
HMS Queen (Battleship) was the base ship at Taranto, Italy, also a tug with the same name hired for harbour service during WW1
HMS Queen II was a hired trawler 1914-19
there were also Queen III and IV listed
Frank Schofield
Alan
Found QUEEN II was also at Taranto as a Parent ship for RNAS until March 1918 then later in March 1918 was at Pizzone near Taranto
Frank Schofield
Hello
Assuming 1918 is the period - "War in the Air" Vol VI, p315 Disposition of Units in Mediterranean 1Apr18 Egypt:
HQ Alexandria under a Rear Admiral
Seaplane bases at Port Said and Alex
No.2 Balloon Base Alex
the chapter continues with the arguments about the position of a kite balloon relative to the convoy it was protecting.
There were also balloon bases at Gibraltar, Bizerta and Malta, others were in preparation at Genoa, Milo and Port Said.
A footnote added that balloon stations at Brindisi and Corfu were occupied with the patrols on the Otranto Barrage.
Graham