The Scout Experimental (SE) 5 fighter was introduced in 1917 and immediately proved a success but shortly after it entered service an improved version was developed. When the Se5a entered service in late 1917 it had a performance superior to all opponents and was well liked by pilots. Many preferred the SE5a with its nicer flying qualities and robustness to it tricky to fly contemporary, the Sopwith Camel. F904 was bought as military surplus by Major Jack Savage and entered the British civil register as GEBIA, one of several SE5s converted and used by Savage to pioneer skywriting with oil smoke from lengthened exhaust pipes. Its remains were restored by the RAE to military specification in the late 1950s since when it has been at Old Warden refurbished in the colours of 92 Squadron.