Yank in British RanksIt's been a week since American Elliott White Springs earned his fourth aerial victory flying an S.E.5a with the RAF's No. 85 Squadron "Flying Foxes" under command of Billy Bishop. Not yet an ace upon the publication of today's article, Springs would soon be transferred to the 148th Aero Squadron. Here he would tally a remarkable string of victories in this same Sopwith Camel. This included ten Fokker D.VII's - with him felling three in just one day! Springs crashed his camel in September 1918, the same month he was promoted to command the 148th.
"He enlisted in the army in 1917 and was sent to England for training with the Royal Flying Corps. In 1918, he was one of several pilots hand picked by William Bishop to fly the S.E.5a with 85 Squadron in France. After recovering from wounds received in action on 27 June 1918, he was reassigned to the 148th Aero Squadron which was still under the operational control of the RFC. When the war ended, Springs returned to the United States where he barnstormed while writing "Warbirds: The Diary of an Unknown Aviator." His book was largely based upon a collection of letters written by his friend, John McGavock Grider, who was killed in action while serving with 85 Squadron. "Warbirds" was a bestseller and Springs continued writing books based on his experiences during World War I. Recalled to active duty in 1941, Springs served with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II." (via the Aerodrome).
"He was also known for carousing, habits he picked up overseas in the War. He toured speakeasies, drank heavily, chased women, and hosted all-night parties. He regularly visited friends "with a five-gallon jug and a strange woman." (via wikipedia)
(from the Lancaster News, 2 Jly 1918):
