Lt Herbert Triggs 34 Squadron

[thedawnpatrol]

Just aquired this very nice lot to Herbert William Guy Triggs, after training he joined 34 squadron in Italy…….as can be seen from his last log book page, his service with 34 was short.

leaving 10th August 1918…..

anyone got access to his service record or any further info on why his service was cut short?
 

thank you

[andygkemp]

The 34 Sqn SRB shows that Triggs had a few instructional flights during the last week of July and the first week of August, with different pilots, concentrating on landings. The implication is that he was being assessed before being let loose with an observer. There are no flights mentioned after 6th August 1918.

His AIR76 shows he arrived in Italy with 34 Sqn 21-Jul-1918 and was back in Southampton by 14-Aug-1918.

Andy

[mickdavis]

A couple of entries in my RE8 file:

 

B793            SARD 10.9.1917, allotted to BEF, VTBF. 1 AD dd ex England 22.9.1917 (engine 30877). 42 Sqn dd ex 1 AD 27.9.1917 (same engine), to Italy with the unit 11.1917. 34 Sqn as a/c P dd ex 7 AP 3.6.1918 (Capt G. Andrews/Flt Sgt C. Crighton), returned early from Patrol 20.6.1918 (Lt F.D. Smith OK/2Lt R. Walker ill) and wrecked on Test Flight 3.8.1918 (Lt H.G.W. Triggs OK, the machine crashed on landing).

B2299         At Napier’s 5.12.1917, allotted to BEF, VTBF and to be despatched in packing case. 2 ASD Repair Park by 31.12.1917. 2 AIS ex 2 ASD 16.1.1918 (engine 29476/WD12306). 2 ASD ex 2 AIS 29.1.1918. 7 Brigade Italy dd in packing case ex 2 ASD 14.2.1918.  34 Sqn dd ex 7 AP 23.3.1918 (same engine), tested as new machine 30.4.1918 (2Lt R.C. Cain/2Lt C. Bengle), in crashed landing from Special Mission 22.7.1918 (Lt H.W.G. Triggs OK), force landed on French aerodrome after engine failed on Contact Patrol  9.8.1918 (Lt J.S. Nicoll/Italian officer both OK) and in landing crash 25.8.18 (2Lt J.S. Nicholl OK). 7 AP ex 34 Sqn 2.10.1918. (2Lt C.G. Carter, same engine, Vickers L6799 – also recorded as being returned 3.10.1918 by Lt R. Evans).

[thedawnpatrol]

Thanks Andy & Mick, its possible to think then that whilst flying B793 on the 3rd August 18 they crashed and he was injured............

Mick, i think the 2nd ref to B2299 and Triggs mention in France is wrong..............? 

thank you both.

 

[mickdavis]

The 22 July 1918 incident was in Italy.

[Tawhiri]

Looks like he has three separate service records, one as an airman which will be available through FindMyPast, an Army officer's personal file which won't be digitized, and finally an RAF officer's personal file in the AIR 76 series which will be digitized.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11765545

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1177925

https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8235679

His associated casualty form runs to two lines, which add nothing to what you already know.

https://www.casualtyforms.org/form/31548

From his AIR 76 file he appears to have ended up at GHQ Blandford after leaving 34 Squadron. He was initially commissioned as a temporary 2nd Lieutenant on 5 January 1918.

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30477/supplement/854

If you search the Gazette using his full name you'll find him rejoining the Equipment Branch of the RAF Volunteer Reserve in May 1938, and then making regular appearances throughout WW2.

[thedawnpatrol]

Thank you Tawhiri

that's really useful...............