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Frank Barnwell designed the Bristol F-2 for the British & Colonial Aeroplane Company during the spring of 1916. The original idea was to produce a two-seater reconnaissance plane that could take over from the obsolete BE-2. However, while working on the new aircraft, Barnwell decided to make a fighter plane. The aircraft reached the Western Front in March 1917. The first few weeks were a disaster when four of the first six aircraft were immediately shot down by Manfred von Richthofen and his colleagues.

Once pilots learned to use the new machine properly, its strength, speed and agility enabled it to compete with German fighter aircraft. By 1918 the Bristol F-2 was the most successful fighter plane on the Western Front. A total of 3,101 Bristol fighter aircraft were built before the end of the war. Later versions of the plane remained in RAF service until 1932.

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(1) Major G. Allen wrote an account in March 1918 on how pilots should fly the Bristol Fighter.

Remember you have the best engine in the world. If you are careful and observe the few simple rules laid down, it is very unlikely to let you down. The hints are not my own. They are a precise of the opinions of experienced pilots are are meant as a guide to inexperienced pilots. If you cannot fly a Bristol Fighter you must resign yourself to remaining an indifferent conductor of B.E's, F.E's, D.H.6's, etc. for you will never be any kind of pilot.

(2) Major T. Higgens reported in April 1918 that if his men had been using the Bristol F2 they would have had more success against the Zeppelins.

Taking into consideration the adverse weather conditions, low cloud and mist, it is evident that the pilots who took part put up a very fine performance, showing extraordinary courage and determination. There is no doubt that if machines with a performance equal to, say, the Bristol Fighter, had been available, two Zeppelins would have been brought down.