Andre du Plessis

25 August 2026

At this point I think it is time to give some background and history of this particular Sopwith Camel.

Captain D’Urban Victor Armstrong DFC (1897–1918) was a South African pilot who earned a remarkable reputation as one of the finest pilots of the Sopwith Camel during the First World War.

Born in Durban in 1897 and educated at Hilton College, Armstrong joined the South African Aviation Corps and went to Britain for pilot training. He subsequently served with several Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force squadrons, gaining valuable experience both on the Western Front and in Home Defence.

Armstrong was particularly renowned for his extraordinary mastery of the Camel. Fellow pilots regarded him as an exceptional aerobatic pilot, capable of performing spectacular manoeuvres at extremely low altitude. He also became highly proficient in night fighting and was one of the pioneers of Camel operations against German night bombers.

The aircraft represented here is Sopwith Camel F.1 C6713, Armstrong’s personal Camel, which he named Doris. The model depicts the aircraft in its striking overall red finish with standard RFC markings, with the name Doris displayed beside the cockpit.

Armstrong achieved four of his five aerial victories while flying C6713, including victories during night operations. His skill and courage earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Tragically, Armstrong's remarkable career ended only two days after the Armistice. On 13 November 1918, while flying C6713 at Bouvincourt, France, he was killed during a low-level aerobatic manoeuvre. He was just 21 years old.

Armstrong's short career left a lasting impression on those who flew with him. His personal Camel, Doris, therefore represents not only one of the most famous fighters of the Great War, but also the extraordinary skill and courage of a young South African aviator.

I also started, and finished the base for the model display.