Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to Royal Flying Corps Pilots

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Good afternoon all, Does anyone know how many DCM's were awarded to RFC pilots, who the individuals were and where the medals are now?  Many thanks Clive  

[topgun1918]

In my database I have listed 103 awards of the DCM, including one Bar, up to October 1918.  I don't collect medals so cannot say where any recipient's medal is now located.

Graeme

 

 

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Hi Graeme, Thanks for the information, 103 awards make the medal quite rare to the RFC / RAF, what I am trying to ascertain is how many of the 103 awards were awarded to Pilots, I have only ever seen one on the market for sale.  I seem to remember reading but cannot remember where that only 32? of these were for air operations.  I think my best bet is to purchase the book listing all DCM awards to the RFC and go through the citations.  Thanks again Clive    

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Hi All, Just checked on the Noonan Medal archive and they state approximately 10 awards of the DCM were made to Sergeant Pilots. Regards Clive

[topgun1918]

Hi Clive,

All too often the term 'pilot' has been used as a catchall for 'aircrew', so I went along that route.  The four recipients of the DCM that I can positively identify as pilots are:

1370 Serjeant Carr, R.H., Royal Flying Corps (Now 2nd Lieutenant Special Reserve); Gazetted 23 June 1915, Citation 30 June 1915:

For the conspicuous gallantry and ability with which he has carried out the duties of a pilot.

 

1376 Serjeant Scholefield, E.R.C. (now 2nd Lieutenant in Special Reserve of Officers), Royal Flying Corps; Gazetted 23 June 1915, Citation 30 June 1915:

For the conspicuous gallantry and ability with which he has carried out the duties of a pilot.

 

54267 Sjt. C.R.L. FaIcy, R.F.C.; Gazetted 16 August 1917:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst acting as pilot to another N.C.O. he and his comrade performed a most daring and successful photographic reconnaissance in order to confirm information previously gained as to the working of hostile kite balloons.  During operations they were heavily fired upon, and their machine put completely out of control, but thanks to their great coolness and presence of mind and to a feat of great daring performed by his comrade in order to right the machine Sjt. Falcy regained control and brought the machine back in safety to our lines.

 

6391 Sjt. F. Johnson, D.C.M., R.A.F. (Kettering).; DCM Gazetted 26 April 1917, Bar Gazetted 3 September 1918:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in encounters with enemy aeroplanes, with the following results:—Attacked and crashed a Pfalz scout, drove down an Albatross out of control.  On previous occasions he had destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven three down out of control.

The majority of the remaining awards are for Observers/Gunners or for work on the ground (recovering damaged aircraft from close to the front lines).

When I have chance later today, I'll sift through my data and see if I can identify awards for air operations.

Graeme

  

 

 

 

 

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Hi Graeme, That is fantastic, only leaves six to find I am going to trawl the medal dealers auction archives and see if I can add some more, off the top of my head there is Sgt Pilot A. R. Hervey Bathurst 29 Sqn  LG 17.4.18, Tom Mottershead?  VC & DCM, Sgt R. C. Taylor 13 Sqn LG 22.10.17  and Sgt. later 2nd Lt. P. Spargo LG 3.9.18 (possibly RAF when won and not RFC).  Not many left to find if Noonans are correct at there being ten.  All accept Sgt Tom Mottershead were found on the Noonan's Auction Archive site and are therefore in circulation somewhere but what I did notice was that the majority of them are in broken groups meaning the campaign medals are missing, which is a great shame. 

[topgun1918]

Eight more pilots:

ELTON, 1429 Sergeant Ernest John MM; No 22 Sqn; 26 June 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During the past month he has destroyed six hostile machines and brought down another out of control.  On two of these occasions he has caused two enemy planes to crash to earth, although on each occasion his formation was fighting against very heavy odds.  He has at all times displayed the most marked courage, skill and determination.

HERVEY-BATHURST, 49181 Sergeant Arthur Reginald; 1 January 1918, Citation 17 April 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  He has on all occasions shown the greatest gallantry and resource in engaging enemy aircraft.  During a combat, though seriously wounded in the knee, he brought his machine back safely by skilful piloting and landed it at his aerodrome without damage.  He has always displayed a fine aggressive spirit, and has set an excellent example to his men.

HOPPER, 2015 Sergeant Fred; No 25 Sqn; 28 March 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst on reconnaissance duty, he, with his formation, was attacked by five enemy 'planes.  Though stunned by a wound in his arm, with his engine out of action and controls shot away, he succeeded in evading three of the enemy scouts which had closed on him, and crossed the line at a low altitude.  He landed his machine without injury to himself or his observer.  Later, he shot down two enemy planes completely out of control, and throughout he has shown the greatest vigour, determination and courage.

MOTTERSHEAD, 1396 Sergeant Thomas; No 20 Sqn; 14 November 1916 - For conspicuous gallantry when on a bombing raid.  He dived down to 1,500 feet, blew up one ammunition train with, bombs, and attacked another with machine gun fire.  On rising he was attacked by a "Fokker" from behind, but by skilful and daring manoeuvring he enabled his observer to destroy it by fire.

RIDGWAY, 35972 Sergeant J F; No 15 Sqn; 11 May 1917 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while engaged in a photographic reconnaissance.  He was attacked by several hostile machines, and, although his observer was killed and he himself wounded, he succeeded in obtaining seventeen photographs and in effecting a successful landing.

SPARGO, 1504 Acting Sergeant Percy; 3 September 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When clouds were low and weather conditions unfavourable, he flew at a height of 300 feet, and in face of intense rifle and machine-gun fire dropped his bombs on the objective, destroying a machine-gun emplacement gun and crew.  He then flew along the hostile trenches, bringing machine-gun fire to bear on the occupants, and caused many casualties.  He then returned to his aerodrome for more bombs, but in view of the weather conditions he was not allowed to go out again.

STEPHENSON, 769 Sergeant Thomas Frederick; No 11 Sqn; 4 March 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  While flying over the enemy's lines he was attacked by twelve hostile scouts and engaged four of them, one of which he destroyed.  He was then attacked by another of the enemy machines, and, though his observer had been wounded, he succeeded in destroying it.  His machine was then rendered almost uncontrollable by a shell, the right wing being almost shot off, but he succeeded in landing it in our front-line wire.  He has destroyed five hostile machines and shown splendid courage and determination.

TAYLOR, 4400 Sergeant Robert Charles; 22 October 1917, Citation 26 January 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When sent out with an observer to take important photographs he saw six hostile scouts approaching him.  Realising that there would be no further chance of doing the work as clouds were coming up he continued taking the photographs until the hostile scouts came within fifty yards' range, although his machine was the only British one in the vicinity.  He then turned on them, and by skilful manoeuvring enabled his observer to crash one.  Another was then attacked and driven down in a spin, after which the remaining four retired, and he completed the photographs.  He has always shown the greatest determination and gallantry.

Graeme

 

 

 

[pierssc]

I can offer Sergeant H.G. Smith of 5 Squadron (RFC No. 23921).  His citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads "For conspicuous gallantry during an aerial combat with two enemy machines. Although wounded, he kept control, and continued to manoeuvre his machine so as to offer the most difficult target to the enemy." (Supplement to the London Gazette, 26th March 1917, p.2989.)  The action in question was on 16th February 1917.
 

Edited 9 October , 2023 by pierssc

[topgun1918]

Good spot - SMITH, 23921 Sergeant Herbert George.

[topgun1918]

And another one:

CLINCH, 2105 Sergeant Stanley James; No 27 Sqn; 19 November 1917, Citation 6 February 1918 – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on long distance bomb raids.  On one occasion he dropped bombs on an airship shed and on another bombed an important railway station from 700 feet.  He has taken part in 14 successful bomb raids, showing great courage and initiative.

 

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Hi All,  Here is the list 14 pilots in alphabetical order thank you all so much Regards Clive

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDALS AWARDED TO RFC / RAF PILOTS IN THE GREAT WAR

 

1370 Serjeant Carr, R.H., Royal Flying Corps (Now 2nd Lieutenant Special Reserve); Gazetted 23 June 1915, Citation 30 June 1915:

For the conspicuous gallantry and ability with which he has carried out the duties of a pilot.

2105 Sergeant Clinch, Stanley James; No 27 Sqn; 19 November 1917, Citation 6 February 1918 – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on long distance bomb raids.  On one occasion he dropped bombs on an airship shed and on another bombed an important railway station from 700 feet.  He has taken part in 14 successful bomb raids, showing great courage and initiative.

1429 Sjt. Elton, Ernest John MM; No 22 Sqn; 26 June 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During the past month he has destroyed six hostile machines and brought down another out of control.  On two of these occasions he has caused two enemy planes to crash to earth, although on each occasion his formation was fighting against very heavy odds.  He has at all times displayed the most marked courage, skill and determination.

54267 Sjt. Falcy C.R.L.  R.F.C.; Gazetted 16 August 1917:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst acting as pilot to another N.C.O. he and his comrade performed a most daring and successful photographic reconnaissance in order to confirm information previously gained as to the working of hostile kite balloons.  During operations they were heavily fired upon, and their machine put completely out of control, but thanks to their great coolness and presence of mind and to a feat of great daring performed by his comrade in order to right the machine Sjt. Falcy regained control and brought the machine back in safety to our lines.

49181 Serjeant Hervey-Bathurst A.R. 1 January 1918, Citation 17 April 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  He has on all occasions shown the greatest gallantry and resource in engaging enemy aircraft.  During a combat, though seriously wounded in the knee, he brought his machine back safely by skilful piloting and landed it at his aerodrome without damage.  He has always displayed a fine aggressive spirit, and has set an excellent example to his men.

2015 Sergeant Hopper Fred; No 25 Sqn; 28 March 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst on reconnaissance duty, he, with his formation, was attacked by five enemy 'planes.  Though stunned by a wound in his arm, with his engine out of action and controls shot away, he succeeded in evading three of the enemy scouts which had closed on him, and crossed the line at a low altitude.  He landed his machine without injury to himself or his observer.  Later, he shot down two enemy planes completely out of control, and throughout he has shown the greatest vigour, determination and courage.

 

 

6391 Sjt. Johnson, F. D.C.M., R.A.F. (Kettering).; DCM Gazetted 26 April 1917, Bar Gazetted 3 September 1918:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in encounters with enemy aeroplanes, with the following results:—Attacked and crashed a Pfalz scout, drove down an Albatross out of control.  On previous occasions he had destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven three down out of control.

1396 Sergeant Mottershead, Thomas; VC No 20 Sqn; 14 November 1916 - For conspicuous gallantry when on a bombing raid.  He dived down to 1,500 feet, blew up one ammunition train with, bombs, and attacked another with machine gun fire.  On rising he was attacked by a "Fokker" from behind, but by skilful and daring manoeuvring he enabled his observer to destroy it by fire.

35972 Sergeant Ridgway J F; No 15 Sqn; 11 May 1917 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while engaged in a photographic reconnaissance.  He was attacked by several hostile machines, and, although his observer was killed and he himself wounded, he succeeded in obtaining seventeen photographs and in effecting a successful landing.

1376 Serjeant Scholefield, E.R.C. (now 2nd Lieutenant in Special Reserve of Officers), Royal Flying Corps; Gazetted 23 June 1915, Citation 30 June 1915:

For the conspicuous gallantry and ability with which he has carried out the duties of a pilot.

23921 Sergeant Smith H.G. of 5 Squadron (RFC No. 23921).  His citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads "For conspicuous gallantry during an aerial combat with two enemy machines. Although wounded, he kept control, and continued to manoeuvre his machine so as to offer the most difficult target to the enemy." (Supplement to the London Gazette, 26th March 1917, p.2989.)  The action in question was on 16th February 1917.

1504 Acting Sergeant Spargo Percy; 3 September 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When clouds were low and weather conditions unfavourable, he flew at a height of 300 feet, and in face of intense rifle and machine-gun fire dropped his bombs on the objective, destroying a machine-gun emplacement gun and crew.  He then flew along the hostile trenches, bringing machine-gun fire to bear on the occupants, and caused many casualties.  He then returned to his aerodrome for more bombs, but in view of the weather conditions he was not allowed to go out again.

769 Sergeant Stephenson Thomas Frederick; No 11 Sqn; 4 March 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  While flying over the enemy's lines he was attacked by twelve hostile scouts and engaged four of them, one of which he destroyed.  He was then attacked by another of the enemy machines, and, though his observer had been wounded, he succeeded in destroying it.  His machine was then rendered almost uncontrollable by a shell, the right wing being almost shot off, but he succeeded in landing it in our front-line wire.  He has destroyed five hostile machines and shown splendid courage and determination.

 

 

4400 Sergeant Taylor Robert Charles; 22 October 1917, Citation 26 January 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When sent out with an observer to take important photographs he saw six hostile scouts approaching him.  Realising that there would be no further chance of doing the work as clouds were coming up he continued taking the photographs until the hostile scouts came within fifty yards' range, although his machine was the only British one in the vicinity.  He then turned on them, and by skilful manoeuvring enabled his observer to crash one.  Another was then attacked and driven down in a spin, after which the remaining four retired, and he completed the photographs.  He has always shown the greatest determination and gallantry.

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Hi All,  Have located seven of the fourteen medals, 3 of which are in museums and 4 on the open market:

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDALS AWARDED TO RFC / RAF PILOTS IN THE GREAT WAR

 

1370 Serjeant Carr, R.H., Royal Flying Corps (Now 2nd Lieutenant Special Reserve); Gazetted 23 June 1915, Citation 30 June 1915:

For the conspicuous gallantry and ability with which he has carried out the duties of a pilot.

‘A Contemptible Little Flying Corps’ by I. McInnes and J. V. Webb states his medals are held by the RAF Museum Hendon.

2105 Sergeant Clinch, Stanley James; No 27 Sqn; 19 November 1917, Citation 6 February 1918 – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on long distance bomb raids.  On one occasion he dropped bombs on an airship shed and on another bombed an important railway station from 700 feet.  He has taken part in 14 successful bomb raids, showing great courage and initiative.

1429 Sjt. Elton, Ernest John MM; No 22 Sqn; 26 June 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During the past month he has destroyed six hostile machines and brought down another out of control.  On two of these occasions he has caused two enemy planes to crash to earth, although on each occasion his formation was fighting against very heavy odds.  He has at all times displayed the most marked courage, skill and determination.

54267 Sjt. Falcy C.R.L.  R.F.C.; Gazetted 16 August 1917:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst acting as pilot to another N.C.O. he and his comrade performed a most daring and successful photographic reconnaissance in order to confirm information previously gained as to the working of hostile kite balloons.  During operations they were heavily fired upon, and their machine put completely out of control, but thanks to their great coolness and presence of mind and to a feat of great daring performed by his comrade in order to right the machine Sjt. Falcy regained control and brought the machine back in safety to our lines.

49181 Serjeant Hervey-Bathurst A.R. 1 January 1918, Citation 17 April 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  He has on all occasions shown the greatest gallantry and resource in engaging enemy aircraft.  During a combat, though seriously wounded in the knee, he brought his machine back safely by skilful piloting and landed it at his aerodrome without damage.  He has always displayed a fine aggressive spirit, and has set an excellent example to his men.

His DCM and Belgian Order of Leopold were sold by J. Collins Medals in June 2012 for £4750.

 

 

2015 Sergeant Hopper Fred; No 25 Sqn; 28 March 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst on reconnaissance duty, he, with his formation, was attacked by five enemy 'planes.  Though stunned by a wound in his arm, with his engine out of action and controls shot away, he succeeded in evading three of the enemy scouts which had closed on him, and crossed the line at a low altitude.  He landed his machine without injury to himself or his observer.  Later, he shot down two enemy planes completely out of control, and throughout he has shown the greatest vigour, determination and courage.

6391 Sjt. Johnson, F. D.C.M., R.A.F. (Kettering).; DCM Gazetted 26 April 1917, Bar Gazetted 3 September 1918:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in encounters with enemy aeroplanes, with the following results:—Attacked and crashed a Pfalz scout, drove down an Albatross out of control.  On previous occasions he had destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven three down out of control.

His DCM & bar, BWM & VM were sold by Noonan’s Medals in February 2023 for a hammer price of £22,000.

1396 Sergeant Mottershead, Thomas; VC No 20 Sqn; 14 November 1916 - For conspicuous gallantry when on a bombing raid.  He dived down to 1,500 feet, blew up one ammunition train with, bombs, and attacked another with machine gun fire.  On rising he was attacked by a "Fokker" from behind, but by skilful and daring manoeuvring he enabled his observer to destroy it by fire.

His medals are held in the Lord Ashcroft Collection.

35972 Sergeant Ridgway J F; No 15 Sqn; 11 May 1917 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while engaged in a photographic reconnaissance.  He was attacked by several hostile machines, and, although his observer was killed and he himself wounded, he succeeded in obtaining seventeen photographs and in effecting a successful landing.

1376 Serjeant Scholefield, E.R.C. (now 2nd Lieutenant in Special Reserve of Officers), Royal Flying Corps; Gazetted 23 June 1915, Citation 30 June 1915:

For the conspicuous gallantry and ability with which he has carried out the duties of a pilot.

‘A Contemptible Little Flying Corps’ by I. McInnes and J. V. Webb states his medals are held by the RAF Museum Hendon.

23921 Sergeant Smith H.G. of 5 Squadron (RFC No. 23921).  His citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads "For conspicuous gallantry during an aerial combat with two enemy machines. Although wounded, he kept control, and continued to manoeuvre his machine so as to offer the most difficult target to the enemy." (Supplement to the London Gazette, 26th March 1917, p.2989.)  The action in question was on 16th February 1917.

 

 

1504 Acting Sergeant Spargo Percy; 3 September 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When clouds were low and weather conditions unfavourable, he flew at a height of 300 feet, and in face of intense rifle and machine-gun fire dropped his bombs on the objective, destroying a machine-gun emplacement gun and crew.  He then flew along the hostile trenches, bringing machine-gun fire to bear on the occupants, and caused many casualties.  He then returned to his aerodrome for more bombs, but in view of the weather conditions he was not allowed to go out again.

His DCM,1914 Star & bar were unsold by Noonan’s Medals in there auction of September 2000.

769 Sergeant Stephenson Thomas Frederick; No 11 Sqn; 4 March 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  While flying over the enemy's lines he was attacked by twelve hostile scouts and engaged four of them, one of which he destroyed.  He was then attacked by another of the enemy machines, and, though his observer had been wounded, he succeeded in destroying it.  His machine was then rendered almost uncontrollable by a shell, the right wing being almost shot off, but he succeeded in landing it in our front-line wire.  He has destroyed five hostile machines and shown splendid courage and determination.

4400 Sergeant Taylor Robert Charles; 22 October 1917, Citation 26 January 1918 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When sent out with an observer to take important photographs he saw six hostile scouts approaching him.  Realising that there would be no further chance of doing the work as clouds were coming up he continued taking the photographs until the hostile scouts came within fifty yards' range, although his machine was the only British one in the vicinity.  He then turned on them, and by skilful manoeuvring enabled his observer to crash one.  Another was then attacked and driven down in a spin, after which the remaining four retired, and he completed the photographs.  He has always shown the greatest determination and gallantry.

His DCM (BWM & VM missing) was sold by Noonan’s Medals in April 2023 for a hammer price of £4,800.

 

[topgun1918]

One source states that the RFC received 80 DCMs and the RAF four plus a Bar to an earlier award.  The same source states the the first RAF awards were Gazetted on 26 June 1918; my database contains details of six awards to the RAF after this date.  Having gone through my files, I've finished with a total of 112 DCMs and one Bar awarded up to 3 October 1918.

Graeme

[Clive ex RAF plumber]

Thanks Graeme the total 112 plus one bar is the definitive total I would think, the number awarded to Pilots being 14 plus one bar and of these only four appear to be available to private medal collectors. A very rare medal for all the medal collectors out there. Thanks very much for the information and your interest in the post.  Kind Regards Clive    

[collectorsguide]

RAF DCMs : 5 PLUS 1 BAR=6 [4 FLYING AWARDS]

RFC DCMs :92 ,0  BARS. FLYING AWARDS ;35

                         From my Annotated DCM Roll. ATB Headmaster xx

[topgun1918]

Getting a little off-topic, but the five RAF flying awards I have listed are:

London Gazette number 30766, dated 26 June 1918

No 2565 Corporal Walter BEALES, No 48 Sqn RAF - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Whilst returning alone from a reconnaissance he was attacked by three enemy machines.  Though he was wounded in the hand he drove down one of them out of control, and drove off the others in a running fight lasting ten minutes.  On a later occasion he ably assisted his pilot in bringing down two enemy machines, one of which went down in flames.  He performed excellent work during recent operations in engaging ground targets, often flying at very low altitudes under heavy fire.  His keenness and determination have been a great incentive to the other N.C.O.s. in his squadron.

No 1429 Sergeant  Ernest John ELTON MM,  No 22 Sqn RAF - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During the past month he has destroyed six hostile machines and brought down another out of control.  On two of these occasions he has caused two enemy planes to crash to earth, although on each occasion his formation was fighting against very heavy odds.  He has at all times displayed the most marked courage, skill and determination.

London Gazette number 30879, dated 3 September 1918

No 6391 Sergeant  Frank JOHNSON DCM, No 22 Sqn RAF (Bar to DCM) - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in encounters with enemy aeroplanes, with the following results:—Attacked and crashed a Pfalz scout, drove down an Albatross out of control.  On previous occasions he had destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and driven three down out of control.

No 1504 Acting Sergeant  Percy Gardiner SPARGO, No 47 Sqn RAF - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  When clouds were low and weather conditions unfavourable, he flew at a height of 300 feet, and in face of intense rifle and machine-gun fire dropped his bombs on the objective, destroying a machine-gun emplacement gun and crew.  He then flew along the hostile trenches, bringing machine-gun fire to bear on the occupants, and caused many casualties.  He then returned to his aerodrome for more bombs, but in view of the weather conditions he was not allowed to go out again.

London Gazette number 30932, dated 3 October 1918

No 67051 Corporal Acting Sergeant Ernest Arthur DEIGHTON, No 20 Sqn RAF - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  In little more than a fortnight he has shot down five enemy aircraft.  He has shown remarkable marksmanship and coolness in action, and is a valuable asset in his squadron.

 The two non-flying awards are:

London Gazette number 30879, dated 3 September 1918

No 36427 Corporal  William Nightingale BALDWIN - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During a withdrawal he collected a party of men, and, under heavy bombing, attacks by low-flying enemy aircraft, succeeded in saving a quantity of valuable stores.  He directed his men with great zeal and energy, and set them a splendid example of coolness and determination.

No 47616 Corporal  Percival Alexander OVENDEN - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty under heavy shell fire whilst in charge of the balloon guard.  In spite of heavy shelling, he made repeated attempts to repair a balloon which had been damaged.  Later he returned with a party to remove the deflated balloon, when a shell fell amongst them, wounding five.  He was largely instrumental in removing them to safety.

Source - my annotated database compiled from numerous editions of the London Gazette, the Register of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, etc.

Graeme

 

[collectorsguide]

RAF DCMs : 5 PLUS 1 BAR=6 [5 FLYING AWARDS]

RFC DCMs :92 ,0  BARS. FLYING AWARDS ;35

                         From my Annotated DCM Roll. ATB Headmaster xx

HI,My error! My Roll does state both Johnson's awards were for flying with 22 squadron. I should have put flying award after Bar. 

My Roll entry for Baldwin is as follows; BALDWIN W.N. DCM MSM CPL 36427 RESERVE DEPOT RFC DCM L/GAZ; 3.9.18.NORTH RUSSIA.

AWARDED FOR SAVING STORES DURING AN AERIAL ATTACK ON THE RUSSIAN FRONT [NORTH RUSSIA] SERVED WITH THE RESERVE DEPOT RFC, FROM : 24.3.17 TO 2.1.18. SO NOT RAF.

                            ATB Headmaster 

[topgun1918]

Yes, the London Gazette entry shows him as 36247 Cpl W N Baldwin, RFC (Grimsargh).  

My error also- the first of Johnson's DCMs was for service with No 22 Squadron, Gazetted on 26 April 1917 - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as an observer.  He was attacked by three hostile machines and shot one of them down.  He has previously shot down three other machines.

He achieved four victories as an observer with No 22 Squadron between September 1916 and February 1917.  After training as a pilot he went on to claim a further nine victories with No 20 Squadron and three with No 62 Squadron.  The Bar to his DCM was for his service with No 20 Squadron, not Number 22 - curst these index fingers, they have a mind of their own!

Graeme