Lt RV Franklin RFC

[stevenbecker]

Mates,

Do you have any info on the award of the CdeG by France to this officer.

Lt Rodney Vernon Franklin gained his commision from the AIF with the 10th Bn Lancaster Regt in Nov 1915 and transfered to the RFC and served with 16 Sqn RFC.

He was killed during an accident when his aircraft crashed out side Suez in Jun 1917 while serving as an instructor with 58 Training Sqn RFC.

Can you give any details of his service with 16 Sqn RFC and how, where and why he gained the CdeG.

Cheers

S.B

[Dolphin]

Steve

2Lt R V Franklin (Franklyn?) had an eventful time with No 16 Sqn. On 10 October 1916, while flying BE 2c 4162 he was wounded by ground fire from enemy trenches. On 1 November 1916, again in 4162, and with Lt C N Jones as observer, both airmen were wounded when their aeroplane crashed on landing at Bruay. On 4 December, he was flying an artillery observation mission in BE 2c 4592 with 2Lt W J Lindsey when they fought a German Roland C.II at 5000 feet over Ballieul.

Lt Franklyn was killed in an accident when flying Martinsyde S.1 4250 in Egypt on 24 June 1917.

I hope that this is useful.

Gareth

[Stebie9173]

From the London Gazette 14-8-1916 (Published 11-8-16)

ROYAL FLYING CORPS.

Mil. Wing.—

The undermentioned appts. are made: —

Flying Officers.—

20th July 1916.

Temp. 2nd Lt. R. V. Franklin, R. Lanc. R., and to be transfd. to the Gen. List.

I can't find mention of the Croix de Guerre.

Steve.

[stevenbecker]

Thanks mates,

That clears up that he served on the Western front before transfering to Egypt.

I have no confirmed sourse for the CdeG other then a number of references to that award to him. But considering many were not published that is not unknown.

Cheers

S.B