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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

William Solomon - Carpenter in the R.A.F.


Rory Reynolds

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I have a Boer War Medal to the above chap and, by chance, whilst researching him, I stumbled across the fact that he had WWI service with the RFC/RAF. I am a novice at interpreting the Service Cards for these chaps and would like some help to do so please. I attach the relevant portion for those who are able to assist.

 

Regards

 

Rory

Solomon snap.JPG

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Since no one has attempted this I'll have a go.

 

He transferred to the RFC (from where?  Perhaps from some other part of the army when his Carpentry skills were recognised) as a third class Air Mechanic on 6 September 1917.

 

At an unspecified date he was with 7 Training Depot Station (this was at Feltwell in Norfolk, see https://www.rafweb.org/Stations/Stations-F.htm#Feltwell ) and came into being on 1 November 1917.  There is some info at https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/18161-7th-training-depot-station/  

and https://www.forgottenairfields.com/airfield-feltwell-1469.html and Googling will reveal more I'm sure.

 

 

When the RAF came into being on 1 April 1918 he transferred to it still as an AM3 but was promoted to 1st Class Air Mechanic the following day.

 

He was transferred from 7 TDS to Midland Area HQ on 16 August 1918 (this was at Leamington Spa).  Having been reclassified on 1.1.1919 as a Leading Aircraftman, he went to Northern Area HQ on 19 October 1919 (Midland area having been abolished the day before as part of a rationalisation).  See also https://www.rafweb.org/Organsation/Cmd_H1.htm . 

 

On 27.3.1920 he was sent to Spittlegate (also spelled Spitalgate, near Grantham in Lincolnshire) - I can't make out whether it is MO or MD Squadron.  I can't at this moment suggest what this is an abbreviation for but can have a look later.  See also https://www.rafweb.org/Stations/Stations-S.htm#Spitalgate.  The last line is cut off but looks like he was demobilised on 7 April (1920?)

 

 

 

 

Edited by pierssc
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Many thanks pierssc - this provides exactly the context I was looking for. Despite googling a number of sites I couldn't find the LAC reference which you have now provided. Solomon joined the "Army" in October 1914 (see below) but I have yet to track down his service papers prior to his joining the RFC.

Solomon snap.JPG

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