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Belgian Decoration Militaire to RFC Airman


claymore123

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Hello I am interested in trying to find out more about 12515 A.M.1 Archibald (Arch) Longstaff (Longstaffe) late RFC/RAF. His name is variously spelt in both variations. He was awarded the Belgium Decoration Militaire LG 15.4.18  where he is listed as one of two RFC recipients. I am trying to find what he may have received this for as his service papers list him as a driver only? Also how rare an award compared to say the Belgian Croix de Guerre? is this to RFC/RAF?

 

Any information gratefully received.

 

Thanks

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Hi

He is also listed in the LG as "12515 1st Class Air Mechanic Arch Langstaffe, Royal Flying Corps (Boston)"

See the following files at NA, Kew, appears there may be a citation


"File Air: 1/1169/204/5/2592 Award of foreign decorations to RFC & RAF personnel

Nov 1917-Apr 1918

 

32 Sect, 6th Balloon Coy, RFC. Citation. See also file Air 1/1169/204/5/2593"

 

Belg CdG approx. 4685

Belg Decoration Militaire 424 when you compare this to the number of MM's awarded it is quite rare.

 

If you do get to look at the files and there is a citation could you please let me know the details.

 

Peter

Edited by ForeignGong
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ForeignGong, many thanks this is really useful and good to know there maybe a citation. I have just reviewed his service papers which note the award but also that he was a bad boy having been found to have deliberately burnt his hand due to incompetence and on another occasion he was awarded 28 days punishment for theft so even more surprised he was singled out. 

 

If I do get the citation I will indeed let you know.

 

Thanks

 

Iain 

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Given his record of trouble he must've done something very notable to be decorated. Wonder if he saved a life in some  difficulty? Maybe due to this record he was not given a British award but put forward for the Belgian medal as he did perform well in some incident. Please do share any citation you may find.
 

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Loader thanks for your comments. Yes it does seem a little at odds but I will post a citation if track it down.

Thanks

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