This was an Experimental aircraft classed as an armoured Fighter/Reconnaisance aircraft.

The serials H5891 to H 5893 had originally been allotted to a cancelled batch of Airco DH11 Oxfords, but the Serials H5892 & H5893 were re-allotted to the only two Sopwith Buffalos produced which were ordered for the RAF in July 1918.

The first aircraft (H5892) was rapidly prepared for night-trials at Brooklands, where it arrived on 18 September, 1918, and was photographed there on the following day.

Very soon thereafter, on 20 October 1918, H5892 was flown to No.1 Aeroplane Supply Depot at Marquise and passed to 43 Sqn, RAF and then to 4 Sqn, AFC.

Experience in France brought recommendations for changes to the design of the aircraft.

It is unclear to what degree these recommendations were incorporated in H5893 when it was delivered to Martlesham Heath on 18 November which was only one week exactly after the signing of the Armistice.