Identifying R.F.C. Other Ranks Airmen

[josquin]

R.F.C. communiques, squadron records and combat reports often omit the forenames/initials and service numbers

for Other Ranks airmen.  Service numbers listed in casualty reports, such as those compiled in the Air History Index,

frequently do not correspond to service numbers in AIR 79 service records at the National Archives.  I am requesting

forenames/initials and service numbers for the following airmen from squadron record books, summaries and

combat reports.  I have any information that has been included in the Air History Index and the casualty cards

at the R.A.F. Museum. 

i

Sgt, Holt                    2 Squadron      (in June 1917)

2Air Mech. E. Hale     45 Squadron    (in May 1917)

Air Mech. Taylor        1 Squadron      (in August 1916)

Air Mech. Talbot        20 Squadron    (in August 1916)

Cpl. Stacey                 70 Squadron    (in August 1916)

2Air Mech. Boswell    9 Squadron      (in April 1917)

Sgt. Girling                 2 Squadron      (in February 1917)

1Air Mech. S. Castle   52 Squadron    (in December 1916)

1Air Mech. Settle        9 Squadron     (in June 1917)

2nd Lieut. Evans         18 Squadron    (in June 1916) although listed as 2nd Lt., this may be 5333 2Air Mech. C. Evans

 

Thank you for any information that may be forthcoming.

 

Josquin

 

[Annette Carson]

For the book I recently published I was hoping to identify a fitter by the name of Evans and a rigger by the name of Fowle or Fowler who worked together on 'A' Flight of 78 Squadron in the first half of 1918. If you were able to shed any light on the identity of either man I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks and kind regards

Annette

[josquin]

Annette,

Regrettably, I have no information for 78 Squadron ORs at this time, but I will post any findings of interest.  Data specifying squadron postings

are frequently omitted from the OR service records in the AIR 79 series at the National Archives, Kew.  As additional complications, squadron

record books often list OR rank and surnames only, especially for ground crew such as fitters and riggers.

Best regards,

Josquin

 

 

 

[Annette Carson]

I wish you success in helping to identify any of these fine men who have been so greatly overlooked.

[pierssc]

I don't have any information about the people in question, but can I suggest a line of enquiry you could follow?  In researching some 5 Squadron personnel, I discovered the 15 Wing Casualty Returns.  These included personnel (officers and men) leaving Squadrons in the Wing for return to Home Establishment as well as those killed, sick or injured.  Numbers, rank, and initials were given, as well as the reason.  The file I found was AIR1/1547/204/78/7. I only copied a few pages.  I just put it forward as a suggestion that you might look at relevant Wing (or even Brigade) records to see if there is anything similar for the Squadrons you are interested in.  I seem to recall that this was the only such record I found for the Wings I was interested in for the fairly limited period I was looking at.  I am afraid it would probably involve a visit to the NA.

[josquin]

Pierssc,

Thank you for indicating how the Wing and Brigade files at the National Archives can be an additional avenue for my research.

I will look into how this may be possible after TNA restores its services post-COVID.

Best regards,

Josquin

[charlie962]

On 28/09/2020 at 06:16, josquin said:

1Air Mech. Settle        9 Squadron     (in June 1917)

Perhaps

3339 James Henry Settle.   RAF Svc record on FMP says 9 Sqdn at time of trf to RAF. rank in June 1917 1am

[charlie962]

On 28/09/2020 at 06:16, josquin said:

Sgt. Girling                 2 Squadron      (in February 1917)

Try 2752 Albert Arthur Girling

[charlie962]

On 28/09/2020 at 06:16, josquin said:

Air Mech. Talbot        20 Squadron    (in August 1916)

Perhaps  10089 Charles Hubert Talbot,  embarked 17/1/16 20 Sqdn, Home Est 26/11/16

Edited 29 September , 2020 by charlie962

[josquin]

Charlie,

Many thanks for your highly informative posts that provided identifications that I found elusive.  

Talbot's service details fit well with the brief mention for him in Sellwood's 20 Squadron history

("Winged Sabres"). 

Best regards,

Josquin