rfc

I think this is a segment of a Curtiss OX-5 V8, which was a commonly used engine for training aircraft in Would War One. You have two other photos that show this type of engine. This one: shows what looks like a different segment from an OX-5, while this: shows a complete OX-5. This segment appears to be the engine's front pair of cylinders, and we're viewing it from what would be the engine's rear end. The cylinder walls have been cut away to show the pistons and valves within. The cut through the segment also shows channels where lubricating oil would flow inside the crankcase and around the crankshaft, as well as the oil sump at the bottom of the crankcase. This looks like a training tool for engine mechanics.

Thanks a lot for this information!

No medal ribbons so probably all beginners? Fine looking bunch and all sporting moustaches I see!!!!

Nice observation. Considering that this image is part of a larger collection of training slides, it would be quite reasonable to assume that these would be rookie pilots.

Apparently they are officers from No.2 squadron based in Montrose, Scotland in front of a BE-2 biplane shortly before they flew to Amiens on 13th August 1914. (Daily Record 19/04/14).

That's a late production BE2b aircraft, or an early BE2c.

Strange to think these gentlemen were likely in their 20s or 30s. Something about B&W, or the clothing & hairstyle always makes them seem an indeterminate "old" no matter how I go along aging myself; they always seem older than me!