Croix de Guerre

[sdparker]

No.1 Squadron RNAS - FRANCIS GEORGE PARKER F2358

My husbands grandfather stated that he had Croix de Guerre, but he now believes that this is called Fourargere worn by all personel when the whole unit was honoured by the French.

What would Squadron have done to win this ?

Although only an air mechanic 1^st Class he was ‘Mentioned in Despatches on 12/5/17, & although he has the actual document & a copy of The London Gazette – it does not state anywhere what he did to merit this award.

Anyone any suggestions?

We would be very grateful for any information

Sandra Parker

[Kitchener's Bugle]

Hi Sandra,

During the the First World War, the French Ministry of War first awarded the fourragère to units which had been recorded as distinguishing themselves more than once in the Orders of the Army. There were then six fourragères, depending on the numbers of Mentions in Dispatches awarded to the unit.

Foreign Units also where afforded the same, the Belgians also awarded the fourragère so it does have some logic that Parker may have been entitled to wear the Lanyard.

No 1 Squadron did a great deal of reconnaissance work in the first couple of years of the war, it is only speculation but the photographs would have been of great use to the allies as a whole. Clearly flying at relatively low level over the enermy lines was a dangerous job to say the least.

Getting hold of the squadron records/diary/logs may provide the actual answers that you are looking for. Might be an idea to contact the records office at Kew. They can usually tell you what is available and point you in the right direction.

Here is confirmation of the MID.

http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1917/1917%20-%200472.html

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/browse/D6801501?v=r

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30066/supplements/4627/page.pdf

Regards, KB.

[sdparker]

Many thanks for the information. We didn't have the Flight Global link, thank you

Having been to WDYTYA Live on Friday it was suggested that he could have been given it as he was with No 3 Squadron for a short time with Charles Rumney Sampson.

Thank you once again

Regards Sandra