CAPT Dumaresq, RAN, commanding HMAS SYDNEY, (cruiser), signalled Scapa Flow Aerodrome:- ‘As DUBLIN’s pilot has to return shortly request that CAMPANIA may be asked to supply a pilot and Camel or standard Pup, complete with two mechanics to SYDNEY’.
Two days later a perplexed query came back ‘Does Camel refer to part of equipment or to a particular type of aircraft?’ SYDNEY promptly replied: ‘The machine referred to is a Sopwith Camel aeroplane. It is the test standard fighter and has succeeded the Pup’.
CAPT Dumaresq received his aircraft shortly afterwards.