Basically a scaled-down version of the D.H.1, the D.H.2 was the RFC's first true single-seat fighter. The prototype first flew in the summer of 1915. While production was getting underway, the new and revolutionary Fokker monoplane was destroying the Allied air forces over the Western Front in what was known as the "Fokker scourge". Although in many ways an inferior design, the D.H.2 was highly manoeuvrable and fast, proving a match for the German fighter when it entered operational service in early 1916 - first serving with No 24 Squadron, RFC.

In total 400 D.H.2 were built. Armament remained similar to that of the D.H.1, but the gun had up and down movement only. However, in actual combat the Lewis gun was normally left in a horizontal position to allow the pilot to use all his skill in steering his aircraft into a favourable firing position. The type was not withdrawn from first-line service until 1917. By this time German Albatros fighters had regained superiority in the air over the Western Front, although D.H.2s based in the UK or in Macedonia or Palestine did not have to confront such advanced German fighters until late in their career. On 5 August 1916 Maj L. W. B. Rees won the VC when he inadvertently attacked ten German aircraft - he had approached them thinking they were RFC types - and shot down two of them.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1278 x 970)