RE 8 Aircraft C2986 “Baroda No 15”.

[JRG]

Another photograph here of a No 5 Squadron RE 8 Aircraft C2986 “Baroda No 15”. Possibly ‘B’ Flight, Sept – November 1918. 

 

The aircrew crew are named (as in previous photographs) as Lieutenant Archie Douglas (Scottish) and the Observer is 2^ndLieutenant E G W Coward, Royal Field Artillery (Australian).   

 

The ground crew are Flight Sgt King, LAC Cole, LAC Andrews.

Service details of 2nd Lieutenant Edwin Gordon Whitaker Coward have been found, he formerly served with ‘C’ Battery 57th RFA, before transferring to the R.A.F, joining No 5 squadron on 3rd September 1918.  Shortly afterwards on the 15th September he was flying as Observer to Captain Charles Franklin Galbraith DFC, in RE8 C2789, when they were in action with enemy aircraft. On the 30th September Coward recommended for the Military Cross for his bravery during this action.  The citation reads,

“For conspicuous gallantry whilst acting as observer to Captain Galbraith DFC, on 15th September 1918. Captain Galbraith, his pilot was severely wounded in combat with enemy machines whilst flying over Palleul and forced to land 200 yards in front of our lines. With wonderful promptitude and absolute disregard of danger or his own safety, 2nd Lieutenant Coward extricated his pilot in the face of heavy shell fire which was opened on the machine immediately it landed and assisted him to our lines. An infantry officer who came to the assistance of them both was wounded” 

The aircraft landed at map reference Q15a77.  

Coward did not receive the Military Cross, he was Mentioned in Dispatches, London Gazette 23.12.18 15030.

The Pilot Lieutenant Archie Douglas is not yet identified, his first name may not be “Archie” He is thought in a previous photograph to be badged to the Royal Engineers.  Any suggestions as to his identity would be gratefully received.

 

Edited 12 June , 2020 by JRG

[Kimberley John Lindsay]

Dear John,

Excellent saga of a gallant Aussie. Many thanks!

Kindest regards,

Kim.

Edited 12 June , 2020 by Kimberley John Lindsay

[JRG]

Kim,

My pleasure.

John

[nieuport11]

Archibald Douglas, DOB 21.5.1899, ref. AIR 76/138/46 (Elgin, Scotland)

The AIR 76 just records him as posted to EF 7.9.18

However, this is the same man as on casualty card CF05853

Embarked 7.9.18

Posted 5 Sq 27.9.18

To demob camp 7.5.19

And on casualty report 20.1.19:

RE8 C2914 misjudged landing from test. Ok (LAC W Loudon Ok)

[JRG]

Thank you Nieuport11,

 

I had seen the casualty report on the misjudged landing but missed the preceding.  Great help.

 

best wishes 

 

John