CPL Robert A Button RFC

[Biggles]

G'day again chaps,

 

I have distant British relative who was in the RFC in WWI. His name is Robert Alfred Button. He was a Corporal MT Driver, but did 20 hours flying time over German lines as an acting observer. My Uncle and I have been researching, and have found some info, but I'm wondering if I can find some more, including photos etc? We think he flew as an observer in BE.2c aircraft. (I wouldn't fly that flimsy contraption in war time for a million dollars!) In 1918, he went back to England to train as a pilot. He was commisioned, and sent back to France as the war ended. I will attach what documents/info we have found so far.

Thanks!

 

Kind regards,

Caleb Shaw

British Royal Air Force, Officers' Service Records 1912-1920 Transcription.pdf

British Royal Air Force, Airmen's service records 1912-1939 Transcription.pdf

Royal Air Force Muster Roll 1918 Transcription.pdf

[ROBPUGH]

Document ref: - AIR1/2172/209/13/2 - Administrative Wing Routine Orders July - Aug 1915.

[Guest]

Hi Caleb

 

Robert Button was my wife’s Grandfather. I note you are a distant relative, I am happy to discuss Robert further, I also live in Australia. Meanwhile, i attach a photo of him in his RAF uniform for your collection>

Look forward to hearing from you

 

Cheers

 

Norm

[Guest]

Hi Norm...thanks for the response. My nephew Caleb highlighted your post to me today and it is great to connect with you. If I have it right I am your wife's second cousin - my grandmother, Alice Chapman (nee Button) was her grandfather's sister. Caleb and I have done quite a reasonable amount of research on Robert Button's service in WW1 and yet am still finding info such as some of the documents above. We would be more than happy to share what we have. I'm on the northside of Brisbane and Caleb in Ipswich....where in Aust are you? 

Caleb and I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Tim

18 hours ago, Cromdale said:

Hi Caleb

 

Robert Button was my wife’s Grandfather. I note you are a distant relative, I am happy to discuss Robert further, I also live in Australia. Meanwhile, i attach a photo of him in his RAF uniform for your collection>

Look forward to hearing from you

 

Cheers

 

Norm

 

[petet]

I am trying to work out whether the documents show that he was posted to 35 Squadron (and if so, what are the dates)

 

Regards

 

PeteT

 

 

 

[Biggles]

Hi Pete,

 

Thanks, it is always difficult to read these documents.  Might be easier if they wrote in neater cursive!

I am sure he was in 12 Squadron initially, but I see that 33 Squadron (formed from 12 sqn in 1916) is also mentioned a great deal.  In the third document I previously posted, the last line states that he went from 35 sqn? to 76 sqn, date of effect 26.10?.1918.  Before that it appears he was at 200 TS, which specialized in night flying training.  He seems to be a Flight Cadet at this time, with effect from 8?.07.1918.  He was discharged to be commissioned on 17.11.1918, with his pilot's wings.  Most of it is unintelligible to me

 

Cheerio,

Caleb

[Guest]

Hi Pete...thanks for your input. I have had a closer look at the higher quality version of Robert's documents and 35 Sqn is not mentioned - it is 33 Sqn in all of his docs. 33 Sqn 14.10.18 to 28.10.18, then to 76 Sqn. Not sure if the document I have attached is any higher quality than what Caleb posting at the beginning of the thread.

 

All of his operational service was with 12 Sqn in 1916.

 

Cheers, Tim