42 squadron, RFC, Cyril Acheson

[94avenge]

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

[mickdavis]

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.

[94avenge]

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

[mickdavis]

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.

[topgun1918]

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

[94avenge]

Thanks Graeme and Mick, this info confirms his Observer status.

Regards,

Ian