SE5A Interplane Strut

On 30 July 1918 Group Captain Ira 'Taffy' Jones, flying SE5A D6895 with No. 74 Squadron, fought a German Rumpler aircraft. During the engagement, this wing strut from his aircraft was damaged by gunfire (the bullet damage can be seen). After despatching the Rumpler, Jones went on to shoot down a second German aircraft before landing, when his aircraft collapsed.

Jones retained the strut as a souvenir of his combats, and used it like an autograph book. The signatories include William MacLanachan, nicknamed 'McScotch'. His teddy bear mascot Scotch Jock is on display at the RAF Museum London.