Jump to content
Free downloads from TNA ×
The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

42 squadron, RFC, Cyril Acheson


94avenge

Recommended Posts

Canadian Cyril Acheson served as an observer in 42 squadron during 1917, can anyone confirm his regular pilot please ?

Lt W F Hellyar is a possibility, as both ended up at Spittlegate in training roles. Both survived the conflict.

Many thanks,

Ian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only reference I have in my RE8 file suggests that Hellyar was an observer. I'll check BE2s.

A4201 At Coventry 21.3.1917 allotted to BEF for 'B' Replacement Sqn, VTBF. SARD tested 25.3.1917 (2Lt E.H. Lawford/Sgt Davis– ‘test OK’). 42 Sqn dd ex 1 AD 5.4.1917 and collided with another machine on the aerodrome 8.4.1917 (2Lt E. Jacot/Lt W.F. Hellyar both OK). 1 AD ex 42 Sqn 11.4.1917. 42 Sqn ex 1 AD 4.6.1917 and damaged on Contact Patrol 7.6.1917 (Lt J. Cairns/Lt F.A.N. Hamilton both OK – the left-hand bottom engine bearer burnt through but the machine was landed on the aerodrome). 1 AD ex 42 Sqn 10.6.1917. 4 Sqn dd ex 1 AD 28.7.1917 and crashed landing from Artillery Observation, 1 ANZAC Corps Front, 23.9.1917 (2Lt L.A. Lewis/2Lt P. Hervey both OK – the machine ran into a ditch). 1 AD ex 4 Sqn 25.9.1917 and deleted 26.9.1917.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many thanks for your reply Mick, much appreciated. Have just down loaded his AIR76 and in the Appointments & Promotions to Lt at Feb 1917 is FO (O) I take this as "Flying Officer" (Observer) ?

Regards,

Ian

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I suspect that the AIR76 reference does mean observer. He doesn't appear in my BE2 file. I've some photographic copies of logbooks from pilots flying from Spittlegate and, when I've time, will check and see id either name appears.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The announcement appears in "Flight" of 22 February 1917 as:

Flying Officers (Observers):-

Temp. Lieut. W. F. Hellyar, A.S.C., and to be transferred to Gen. List; Jan. 20th, but with seniority from Oct. 8th, 1916.

This is a repeat of the announcement in London Gazette number 29946, dated 15 February 1917.

The following appears in London Gazette number 31058 (10 December 1918):

Capt. W. F. Hellyar relinquishes his commn. on account of ill-health, and is granted the hon. rank of Capt. 11th Dec.

Graeme

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...