Roy Oswald Campbell RFC/RAF

[J. Carl]

I am doing some research on the service record of a local veteran, Roy Oswald Campbell, CEF # 42241.

He joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1914 in Valcartier, Quebec. He sailed with the First Contingent in October 1914 and, after a period of training in England, arrived in France in February 1915. His unit (12th battery, 3rd Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery) was in action during the 2nd battle of Ypres during April-May of 1915 and provided artillery support for various other actions during that year. He remained with this unit until he was attached to the Royal Flying Corps in November of 1915. BSM Roy Oswald Campbell was discharged from the CEF on the 1st of February 1916 to allow him to join the RFC.

I have a copy of his RAF file. Information in this file regarding his time in the RFC is a bit sparse. The file states "Since entry into RFC, 7 months as an observer on FE2b's. Drill instructor RFC. Qualified engine fitter in RFC." The only other information that I can find of his time with the RFC is the hair-raising description of events in June 1917 that led to him being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

22025 Sjt. R. O. Campbell, R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty. Whilst acting as observer to another
N.C.O. he and his comrade performed a
most daring and successful photographic reconnaissance
for the purpose of confirming
information they had already obtained respecting the working of hostile kite balloons.
During this operation they were heavily fired
upon, and their machine put completely out
of control, but with wonderful coolness and
presence of mind they righted the machine,
Serjt. Campbell climbing on to the extreme
tip of the wing in order to do so.

He was initially assigned to 22 Squadron and would eventually serve with 87 Squadron (December 1917) and 65 Squadron RAF (June 1918). He was listed as missing 27 September, 1918 and was later confirmed as killed in action.

I am interested in any information or research advice that will help me to “fill in the gaps” in his RFC and RAF service.

[Errol Martyn]

You mention his RAF file (presumably his AIR76), but are you aware of his WO 339/115516 file? Unfortunately not downloadable but these WO339 files often contain useful snippets of information. I can recommend a commercial photographer specialising in copying TNA papers if you cannot make a personal visit to view the file. Based on my own experience of these files, his charge would most likely run to between 5 and 10 pounds for copying, depending of course on the number of pages involved.

Errol

[ForeignGong]

Hi

He was also awarded the following

Bel CdG

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31457/supplement/8987

and a Bel Decoration Militaire

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30302/supplement/9862

Peter

[nieuport11]

He was listed as Aerial Gunner with 22Sq on the June 1917 nominal roll

There are casualty reports with 65Sq on 19.6.18, 29.6.18 and 27.9.18 which I can send you if you email me with a return email address

There is a Gazette entry 17.11.17 for his appointment as T2Lt (on prob) [17.12125]

[J. Carl]

Thank you to all for the valuable information and the prompt responses. I will send a PM with my e-mail address for the casualty reports and a request for information regarding the WO339 file. I have a question regarding the Belgian Croix de Guerre and the Decoration Militaire. Were these medals typically awarded for specific acts of bravery, for length of service in a war zone or for some other reason? Is there another source of information that would provide more details than the London Gazette or the AIR76 file?

[ForeignGong]

Hi

In my experience of known citations / recommendations, both are more for bravery / gallantry rather than for good service.

With the awarding of foreign awards, it tends to be that foreign bravery / gallantry were for bravery / gallantry & meritorious / service awards were for meritorious / service & appear not to be a case of ten medals available, so the next ten service people, get what is available.

I have yet to see a foreign bravery award given for meritorious service.

I have seen where a foreign award has been given for the same action as an Imperial award, therefore the recipient has two medals affectively for the same act of bravery or meritorious service. The citations are almost identical.

peter