The Camel The Camel Camel’s the name of a desert beast (With a hump on the top of its back). It’s stubborn and nasty when you want it to go— Kicks and spits as a form of attack. Well way back when--- in W.W. One— [Sopwith designed many planes]— One was quirky and stubborn---had a hump on its back— Dubbed “Camel”--by coiners of names. With a rotary engine affixed to its nose— (Twin Vickers just clearing its prop) Its pilot perched forward—its petrol behind— Bad news should there be a quick stop! With a center of gravity set well to aft— (The antithesis of good stable flights)— It prowled ‘oer the trenches of northeastern France— When its pilots were looking for fights. Its rotaries demanding-- when responding to climb— Were prone to be late to be leaned— With the "fine" set too rich they were liable to stall--- Its spins to the right---very mean. The top wing was level—the lowers, up-swept— Could be told from afar—in the air— Opponents could judge between battle and leave— (When its fore or aft view got a stare). Classy dog-fighter when given the chance— Could “waltz” with the best it would seem— Its right turns most fearsome when done with finesse— “Split-essing” and rolling—a dream. Whether Clerget, Bentley, Gnome or LeRhone — Its power had one shining flaw— Couldn’t dive steeply lest over-speed happen— Altered the chase or withdraw. Took a large toll on both friend and foe— This plane with a mind of its own--- Was trusted by those who had learned of its tricks— Could kill when it spun like a stone. Feared by pilots who flew on both sides— Especially those slated to learn--- But liked and respected by those it adopted— Made them men of distinction--in turn. Bill Woodall