Corgi 1/48 AA37706 SE5a F8005, 25th Aero Sqn, USAAS, late 1918

The SE5a was one of the most famous, and effective, British fighters of the First World War. Serving with the RFC from March 1917, the SE5a was well liked by its pilots. Able to engage the German machines on an equal footing the RFC's airmen were able to strike back at the previously superior German aircraft.

 After the war the SE5a was quickly removed from the RAF's inventory, replaced by more capable types such as the Sopwith Snipe. However, the SE5a had also found a home with an American unit, the 25th Aero Squadron. Still warming up on the type at the end of hostilities, the unit did not see any combat, flying only a small number of patrols before the armistice. The aircraft of the 25th were not supplied with the Lewis gun normally mounted on the top wing, this was supplied after the war, and so they went on their missions with just a single Vickers gun as armament. This machine was flown by Lt. John C. Rorison, previously of the RAF. After the war the USAAS continued to use the SE 5a as a pursuit trainer.