OBS

[Guest KevinEndon]

Could anyone inform me what the lettering at the end of the rank stands for please. Many thanks

LIEUTENANT(OBS) ELLIS PHILIP CHALLINOR ROYAL FLYING CORPS 1st Sqdn. Died 17/10/1916

[joseph]

Hi,

Observer.

Regards Charles

[Guest KevinEndon]

Could you please give me more info on this. Was he a front line observor a munitions observor or did the obs have many jobs. Thanks

[joseph]

Originally in the RFC, as in most early air forces, the observer was in command of the aircraft while the pilot just 'drove' the machine. This was found to be less effective in combat than having the pilot in charge. Observers were usually taught only enough piloting to be able to land their aircraft in case the pilot was killed or wounded. It was very common for experienced observers to be selected for pilot training. He would navigate and direct the aircraft completing the tasks required, intelligence, bombing or directing artillery.

Regards Charles

[Guest KevinEndon]

Many thanks for the information provided its nice to know what some heros did for King and country.

[bernardmcilwaine]

Lt ellis and his pilot Lt c c godwin were reported missing when their two seater nieuport failed to return from bombing enemy buildings with incendiaries and 20ib bombs,he was 23 and lived at knivenden hall,mount rd leek,[now a home for the elderly],he and his pilot are buried in adjacent graves at pont-du-hem cemetary,he originally joined the highland light infantry.