Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw joined the Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S.) in January 1916. He began as a probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant, and eventually commands the famous Black Flight (No.3 Squadron, R.N.A.S.). Raymond Collishaw was the first pilot to claim six victories in one day. He was the highest scoring ace of the R.N.A.S. to fly the Sopwith Triplane. Following the Great War, he remained in the Royal Air Force, rising to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.
Raymond Collishaw is close to being the Greatest Airman of the Great War. He is certainly not the Most Famous Airman of the war. Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw, though, was one of the most-well-liked pilots. His manner, character, and leadership made him a great commander. Loved by many, and not just for having the greatest smile of any Knight of the Skies.
Trapp Family
Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw was great friends with another Canadian ace, Sub-Lieutenant George Leonard Trapp, also of the R.N.A.S. George’s older brother Stanley, also a R.N.A.S. pilot killed in December 1916. George killed 13 November 1917, at the age of twenty three. The youngest of four brothers to serve in the Trapp family was Donovan Joseph Trapp, who would also serve as a pilot, but this time with the Royal Flying Corps (R.F.C).
Only the eldest boy Major Thomas Dockrill Trapp, invalided home after serving with the 131st Battalion, survives the Great War. Donovan killed-in-action, 19 July 1918, while serving in the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) Raymond visits the Trapp family in Canada, after George’s death. Following a long courtship, Raymond married George’s sister Juanita in the summer of 1924.
Service
“While in the air you constantly turned your head, first to one side and then to the other, making sure that nothing was on your tail. This, by the way, was the reason for the traditional silk scarves worn by the fighter pilots.” – Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw
Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw was born in Nanaimo in 1893. He joined the Fisheries Protection Service as a junior seaman at the age of 14, in the summer of 1908. Serving on various ships off the coast of British Columbia, he rose steadily through the ranks. By the October 1913, Raymond is First Officer aboard the new patrol vessel CGS Fispa.
When the Great War breaks in August 1914, Raymond asks for a more active role in the Royal Canadian Navy. He grows impatient, and a few months pass But, in early 1915, he learns the R.N.A.S. is seeking recruits for pilot training.
Enlistment
Finally, in August of 1915, Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw accepted into the R.N.A.S.. However, Raymond is still in Canada. Collishaw seeks out a private facility where he obtains initial training. Unfortunately, upon his arrival to the Curtis Air School in Toronto, informed he will need to cover the then-enormous sum of $400 for his basic pilot training. In addition, he will have to cover his living expenses out of his own pocket.
Fortunately, a plan hatched wherein Canadian RNAS recruits awaiting pilot training would undergo a basic training program aboard HMCS Niobe, in Halifax. After which, they would be commissioned as probationary R.N.A.S. Sub-Lieutenants. And then, sent to England to commence flight training at government expense.
Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw made his first dual flight in a French-built G3 Caudron on 10 February 1916. Then, by the end of July 1916, he had completed pilot training and gunnery school. Finally, his first operational posting is to No. 3 Naval Wing, R.N.A.S. on the eastern tip of Kent, England.
Engagement
The most fondly remembered engagement of Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw’s career was not a military action. Following the news of Sub-Lieutenant’s George Trapp’s death, while on leave, Raymond returned to Canada in early 1917 to visit with the Trapp family in Vancouver. Raymond and George had been good friends while serving with No. 10 Squadron, R.N.A.S. On his visit, he became enamored with one of George’s two sisters, Juanita, whom he referred to as Nieta.
“While visiting the family I met the two sisters, both lovely girls, and I was immediately taken by one of them, Neita. I returned to New Westminster during my leave and before I left for overseas we had become engaged.” – Raymond Collishaw
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross was instituted in 1901 by King Edward to “recognize meritorious or distinguished services before the enemy” and could be awarded to Acting Warrant officers, or subordinate officers of His Majesty’s Fleet. Persons could not be nominated unless they had been mentioned in despatches.
For multiple engagements with the enemy in early June 1917, Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw is awarded the DFC. During this time, he engages the enemy over St. Julien, Polygon Wood, twice over Wervicq, and once northwest of Poelcapelle.
London Gazette, No. 30194, 20 July 1917
Flt.-Lieut. Raymond Collishaw, R.N.A.S.
“In recognition of his services on various occasions, especially the following:
On June 1st, 1917, this officer shot down an Albatross Scout in flames.
On 3rd June, 1917, he shot down an Albatross Scout in flames.
5th June, 1917, he shot down a two-seater Albatross in flames.
On 6th June, 1917, he shot down two Albatross scouts in flames and killed the pilot in a third.
He has displayed great gallantry and skill in all his combats.“
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
For multiple actions of engagement with the enemy in June 1917, Collishaw is nominated for the Victoria Cross. His nomination is downgraded to a DSO. After 1 January 1917, commanders in the field were instructed to recommend this award only for those serving under fire. Many DSO’s had previously been awarded for circumstances which could not be described as being under fire.
Many DSO’s were awarded to squadron commanders simply for a long period of leadership. It was also awarded to junior officers for just one engagement with the enemy. Nevertheless, the downgrading of his Victoria Cross nomination is influenced by the fact he is an R.N.A.S. officer, and not one serving with the Royal Flying Corps. Many R.F.C. pilots will go on to be awarded the VC for much less heroic actions than Raymond.
London Gazette, No. 30227, 11 August 1917
Flt. Lieut. Raymond Collishaw, D.S.C., R.N.A.S.
“For conspicuous bravery and skill in successfully leading attacks against hostile aircraft.
Since the 10th June, 1917, Flt. Lieut. Collishaw has himself brought down four machines completely out of control and driven down two others with their planes shot away.
Whilst on an offensive patrol on the morning of the 15th June, 1917, he forced down a hostile scout in a nose dive. Later, on the same day, he drove down one hostile two-seater machine completely out of control, one hostile scout in a spin, and a third machine with two of its planes shot away.
On the 24th June, 1917, he engaged four enemy scouts, driving one down in a spin and another with two of its planes shot away; the latter machine was seen to crash.“
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
The DFC was established on 3 June 1918, the birthday of King George V. Awarded to Officers and Warrant officers for “an act or acts of valour and courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy“. A straight silver bar is a further enhancement of the DFC, awarded for additional acts under terms of the cross. For actions northeast of Dixmude and over Hollebeke on 4 July 1918, Raymond is awarded the DFC.
London Gazette, No. 30827, 3 August 1918
Lt. (T./Maj.) Raymond Collishaw, D.S.O., D.S.C.
“This officer is an exceptionally capable and efficient squadron commander, under whose leadership the squadron has maintained a high place in the Army Wing. He has carried out numerous solo patrols and led many offensive patrols, on all occasions engaging the enemy with great bravery and fearlessness. Up to date he has accounted for forty-seven enemy machines, twenty-two in the last twelve months.“
Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Bar
Collishaw is nominated for the Victoria Cross a second time, for actions over Dorignies and the River Scarpe, on 22 July 1918. Once again, nomination is downgraded to a DSO. A bar is awarded for an act which would also have merited the DSO. The year of conferment is engraved on the reverse of the bar. The bar is plain gold, with an Imperial Crown in the centre.
London Gazette, No. 30913, 21 September 1918
Lieut. (T./Major) Raymond Collishaw, D.S.O., D.S.C., D.F.C. (late R.N.A.S.).
“A brilliant squadron leader of exceptional daring, who has destroyed fifty-one enemy machines. Early one morning he, with another pilot, attacked an enemy aerodrome. Seeing three machines brought out of a burning hangar he dived five times, firing bursts at these from a very low altitude, and dropped bombs on the living quarters. He then saw an enemy aeroplane descending over the aerodrome; he attacked it and drove it down in flames. Later, when returning from a reconnaissance of the damaged hangars, he was attacked by three Albatross Scouts, who pursued him to our lines, when he turned and attacked one, which fell out of control and crashed.“
Victories
Not included in the list of Collishaw’s victories are an additional eight balloons. Balloons were not easy prey. Though stationary, they were armed, well defended by planes, and were dangerous to attack.
Collishaw claimed a total of 81 planes and balloons during the Great War. He probably would have been recognized with 70 aerial victories had he flown with the R.F.C., rather than with the R.N.A.S. for most of the war.
No. Date Aircraft Opponent Location
1 25 Oct 1916 Sopwith 1½ Strutter (9407) Scout (DES) Luneville
2 25 Oct 1916 Sopwith 1½ Strutter (9407) Scout (OOC) Luneville
3 15 Feb 1917 Sopwith Pup (N6160) Halberstadt D.II (OOC) Bapaume
4 04 Mar 1917 Sopwith Pup (N6160) Halberstadt D.II (OOC) Bapaume
5 28 Apr 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.II (DES) Ostend
6 30 Apr 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.II (DES) E of Courtemarck
7 09 May 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (OOC) E of Dixmude
8 12 May 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Seaplane (DES) Ostend
DSC
9 01 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (DESF) S of Wervicq
10 02 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) C (OOC) 1 St. Julien
11 03 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (DESF) Roubaix
12 04 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (DESF) Lille
13 05 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros C (DESF) 2 Wervicq
14 05 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros C (OOC) 3 NW of Poelcapelle
15 06 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (DESF) Polygon Wood
16 06 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (DESF) Polygon Wood
17 06 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (OOC) Polygon Wood
18 07 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5490) Albatros D.III (OOC) Menin-St. Julien
19 15 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) C (OOC) St. Julien-Houthem
DSO
20 15 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) C (OOC) Menin
21 15 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Moorslede
22 15 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (DES) Moorslede
23 17 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Roulers
24 24 Jun 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (DES) Moorslede
25 02 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) C (DES) Poelcapelle Station
26 06 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (DES) Deulemont
27 06 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Menin
28 06 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Menin
29 06 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Menin
30th Victory
30 06 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Menin
31 06 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Menin
32 11 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Moorslede
33 12 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Polygon Wood
34 20 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (DES) Menin-Messines
35 21 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Paschendaele
36 21 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N5492) Albatros D.V (OOC) Passchendaele
37 27 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N533) Albatros D.V (DES) N of Menin
38 27 Jul 1917 Sopwith Triplane (N533) Albatros D.V (OOC) Polygon Wood
39 19 Dec 1917 Sopwith Camel (B6390) Albatros D.V (OOC) Ostend
1918 – No. 203 Squadron RAF
40 11 Jun 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Pfalz D.II (DES) E of Outtersteene
41 11 Jun 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Pfalz D.III (OOC) W of Armentières
42 15 Jun 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) Ervillers
43 26 Jun 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) Bussy, N of Noyon
44 30 Jun 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Pfalz D.III (OOC) Houthoulst Wood
DFC
45 04 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (OOC) Hollebeke
46 04 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) DFW C (OOC) NE of Dixmude
47 04 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) DFW C (OOC) NE of Dixmude
48 20 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) DFW C (DES) SE of Merville
49 20 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) DFW C (OOC) Miraumont
DSO Bar
50 22 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) C (DES) Dorignies
51 22 Jul 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Albatros D.V (DES) Scarpe River
52 09 Aug 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) DFW C (DES) 2000 yds NE of Locon
53 10 Aug 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) W of Bray
54 10 Aug 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (OOC) W of Bray
55 15 Aug 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) S of Damery
56 29 Aug 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (OOC) Bapaume
57 05 Sep 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (CAP) Inchy-en-Artois
58 24 Sep 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) Epinoy
59 26 Sep 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) Lieu St. Amand
60 26 Sep 1918 Sopwith Camel (D3417) Fokker D.VII (DES) E of Lieu St. Amand
Wedding
Collishaw had an explanation for his long engagement to Juanita Trapp. “Getting married during the war seemed tantamount to asking a girl if she would like to become a young widow and afterwards I had been on foreign postings where wives were not then allowed.“
After Collishaw returned from a posting in Iraq, their six-year engagement was over. They were finally married in the summer of 1924 in England. Plenty more travel would come. Numerous postings in Egypt and England, and then the Second World War, delayed their return to British Columbia.
Legacy
The is no denying Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw was one of the Greatest Airmen that ever lived. Collishaw’s squadron was known as the Black Flight because the name of each member’s plane began with the word Black. His own was the Black Maria. Vide-Admiral (Ret’d) Raymond Collishaw died in Vancouver, at the age of 94, on 28 September 1976.
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Comments
3 Responses to “Lieutenant Raymond Collishaw in the Great War”
What a great story of a hero with a lovely smile. Bravely flying those “paper planes”, bringing down the enemy, a nice bit of romance and a happier ending that lots of the boys. Thank you and God Bless, Raymond Collishaw.
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