Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallA de Havilland DH-9 sits in the museum at Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The best-known account says parts of two aircraft reached the fort by ship in 1920 as a recognition of Bikaner State Forces’ First World War service, and that one was assembled for display. But another aviation-history account gives a different date and aircraft count, so the plane’s precise provenance remains unsettled.
What is the aircraft at Junagarh Fort?
It is a de Havilland DH-9, a First World War aircraft displayed at Junagarh Fort Museum in Bikaner. The fort is in Rajasthan; it is not Junagadh in Gujarat. The Museums of India listing identifies the DH-9 among the museum’s displays and says the British government presented it to Maharaja Ganga Singh in recognition of Bikaner State Forces’ contribution during the war.
How the aircraft parts reportedly reached Bikaner
A detailed 2021 account by Tiggy Allen says museum signage described the British government presenting parts of two DH-9s as souvenirs for the services of Bikaner State Forces. According to that account, the parts travelled by ship with returning troops and camels and reached Junagarh Fort in 1920. Maharaja Karni Singh and local craftspeople then assembled one aircraft for display.
The account links the presentation to the Ganga Risala, Bikaner’s camel corps. It says Maharaja Ganga Singh offered a 500-strong corps to the British in 1914 and that the unit served in Egypt in 1919. The aircraft story is therefore also a story of how a princely state’s military contribution was commemorated at home. These details are reported in Allen’s feature, not established here through independently examined military records.
#1 Best Overall
- 100TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES: The German Fokker D7 model has an 18-inch wingspan and includes balsa parts, tissue, and accessories. Guillow’s step-by-step instructions on the building plan make assembly easy and enjoyable.
- THE KIT INCLUDES tissue, plastic cowls, canopies, propellers, wheels, and decals for a realistic model. It can be built as a static display or a flyable model. Everything’s included except cutting tools, glue, and paint.
- ENGAGING & FUN TO BUILD: Precision laser-cut balsa pieces fit together smoothly for an engaging build. Glue the frame, cover with tissue, add plastic parts, and customize details as you wish for a unique model.
- MODEL KITS FOR HOBBY ENTHUSIASTS: Perfect for working solo or bonding with a loved one, introducing them to the rewarding, challenging, and fascinating hobby. Crafted with precision so you truly enjoy your time building.
- ALL GUILLOW'S models are proudly made in the USA, from the classics that have been around for generations to new designs and styles for today. Proud to be Your One Source for Balsa Wood Airplanes and Flying Toys since 1926!
The same feature says the displayed aircraft was reconstructed with improvised replacement components. Its original Siddeley Puma 240 engine was reportedly reused to power water pumps associated with a canal project—an example of how machinery could be put to practical use in Bikaner’s irrigation efforts.
Why the plane’s provenance is not settled
The 1920 arrival story is reported through museum signage quoted secondhand in Allen’s article; the article does not provide a dated photograph or full transcription of the sign. Allen also says it is unclear how many DH-9s came to Bikaner and whether the displayed aircraft was connected to Britain’s Imperial Gift Scheme, which the feature says distributed 60 DH-9s to India in 1920.
Rank #2
- Fully engraved panel lines
- Highly detailed cockpit interior
- Highly detailed landing gear
- Actual plane flown by the most decorated Luftwaffe pilot of WWII, Hans-Ulrich Rudel
- Highly detailed 37mm flak cannon
A separate account by Warbirds of India gives a different chronology: it says three DH-9s were gifted to the Bikaner royal family in the early 1930s, and that two later went to the UK. That account does not establish that the Bikaner aircraft were part of the Imperial Gift Scheme. The two versions differ on both date and number, and the available accounts do not resolve the discrepancy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to other aircraft from Bikaner?
Allen’s 2021 report says a photograph of deteriorating aircraft remains circulated in 1999, prompting British restorer Guy Black of Aero Vintage to visit in 2002. It reports that Black bought parts of two aircraft after negotiations with the royal family and restored both: one was sold to the Imperial War Museum, while the other is owned by Historic Aircraft Collection. Warbirds of India also reports that two aircraft were taken to the UK and identifies a restored DH-9 as E8894. These are source-attributed accounts of the other airframes; they do not identify the Junagarh Fort display plane by serial number.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Add this WW II dive bomber to your collection with this 54-piece model kit
- Features 2-underwing 37mm BK cannons, pilot and co-pilot figures, 4-piece canopy section
- Kit is molded in light grey and clear, paint and glue are sold separately
- Model Scale 1:48
- This kit is recommended for ages 12 years and up
Rank #4
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- FOKKER DR.I TRIPLANE – 2 Sheets Model with a moderate difficulty level. Assembled Size: 3.22"L x 4.1"W x 1.88"H (8.17 x 10.41 x 4.77 cm)
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions.
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
Rank #3
- 1/72nd scale
- Includes two sprues of gray styrene
- Authentic decals included
- Paint and glue not included
What can be said with confidence
- The museum display is identified as a de Havilland DH-9.
- The presentation is associated in the museum listing and 2021 feature with Bikaner State Forces’ First World War service.
- The account of parts arriving in 1920 and one being assembled at the fort is a reported provenance, not a conclusively established transfer record.
- The aircraft count, exact transfer date, and any link between the display aircraft and the Imperial Gift Scheme remain uncertain in the accounts cited here.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
