se5

The most likely location for this photo was Omaha, AKSARBEN Field, six miles west of Omaha on April 28, 1919. The criteria fits because the field there was sod, which was unusual, as described in the Victory Loan Flying Circus, Mid-West Flight's War Diary, and it was reported to be cloudy with dark clouds and some rain, which also fits. It was reported to be a very poor day for flying, but would have been their 16th air show on their Midwest tour.

Tall fellow in front center with white scarf is Raymond Noble Estey.

Officers and S.E.5a Scouts of No. 1 Squadron at Clairmarais aerodrome near St. Omer, 3rd July 1918. Precisely Clairmarais south. Refer to: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205247599 See also www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/8091979277/ but the caption is somewhat different!

L to R: 1st Lieut. P. A. Smith, Captains T. C. Traill (RAF) and H. H. Powell, and 1st Lieut. J. L. Whitney pose in front of a Jenny being assembled at Camp Pike on April 13, 1919. Behind it on the left is the SE-5 that was flown that day, and the motorcycle with sidecar in front of it was one of two that the Mid-West Flight had just requisitioned from the Aviation General Supply Depot in Little Rock that morning. This was the Victory Loan Flying Circus, Mid-West Flight's third air show on their Midwest tour.