Anecdotes, 31 Sqn RAF: NWFP and Third Afghan 1919

[Kimberley John Lindsay]

Dear All,

The attached ("FlyPast", 1999) shows the saga of a Pilot of 31 Sqn RAF (Longfellow  died in India, 19 August 1920, having left the RAF). 

Perhaps GWF aficionados have information or anecdotes by Pilots and/or Observers, who flew Be2c aircraft during 1918, on the North-West Frontier of India, from Risalpur, and later, during the short-lived Third Afghan War 1919...?

Needless to say, any group photographs would be welcomed, and indeed, rewarded with a Goodie - plus my grateful thanks!

I have incidentally secured the BWM, Victory (2/Lieut., RAF) and IGS Afgh NWF 1919 (F-Offr., RAF) to David Thomson (from Manchester), who flew as an Observer with 31 Sqn RAF (seconded from 9th Territorial Bn., Manchesters)...

Kindest regards,

Kim.

 

Edited 13 October , 2018 by Kimberley John Lindsay

[Kimberley John Lindsay]

Dear All,

 

THE OFFICERS COMMANDING 31 SQN, RAF 1915-21

 

Capt C. Y. MacDonald: 11 October 1915

Major C. R. S. Bradley: 27 March 1916 (‘Beautiful Braddles’)

Major S. Hutcheson: 23 May 1917

Major R. G. H. Murray, MC: 22 July 1917

Capt O. Hughes: September 1918

Major E. L. Millar, MBE: 1 December 1918

Flt Lt D. H. M. Carbery, MC, DFC: 10 August 1919

Sqn Ldr A. L. Neale: 22 January 1920

Sqn Ldr A. T. Harris, AFC: 26 January 1921 (MRAF ‘Bomber’ Harris)

 

Major Murray, MC; Capt Hughes; Major Millar, MBE; and Flt Lt Carbery, MC, DFC, all commanded during Thomson’s time with 31 Squadron (29 July 1918 to 21 October 1919).

 

Kindest regards,

Kim.

 

 

[Airshipped]

Carbery was awarded the Bar to the DFC there with 31 Squadron. 

 

However, Carbery's earlier gallantry is the subject of some coverage in 'War in the Air', as he was responsible for 59 Squadron having a broken artillery wheel as its symbol.

 

If I recall correctly, there was an article in Cross & Cockade on 31 Squadron, so you might well pick up a few anecdotes, or a starting point for pilots' memoirs.

[Kimberley John Lindsay]

Dear Airshipped,

Many thanks for this information. Much appreciated!

Kindest regards,

Kim.

[Kimberley John Lindsay]

Dear All,

I have failed to track down the 31 Sqn article in Cross & Cockade. Perhaps someone has it 'at their fingertips', so to speak...?

On the other hand, a friend in South Australia has beamed me the Roll of 31 Sqn recipients of the Indian General Service Medal 1908-35 (including my F/O - F-OFFR on his IGS - David Thomson, an Observer). 1 (clasp Afghanistan NWF 1919); 2 (Mahsud 1919-20); 3 (Waziristan 1919-21); 4 (Waziristan 1921-24)...

Kindest regards,

Kim.