2nd Lt O R Kelly.

[Bob Coulson]

Would be grateful for any information regarding this man who died on May 2nd 1917.

Bob.

[Dolphin]

Bob

2Lt Oscar Ralph Kelly of No 53 Sqn RFC (formerly Northumberland Fusiliers) was flying as observer in RE 8 A3243, piloted by 2Lt Frederick Adams, when they were killed in action near Messines on 12 May 1917 while on a photographic mission. They had left Bailleul aerodrome at 1345.

There were two German claims to have brought down A3243. A Flugzeug Abwehr Kanone (Flak) battery claimed to have fired the fatal shots, but the claim was discounted. Ltn Max Müller of Jasta 28 claimed an enemy aeroplane near Hollebeke at 1425, and this was credited as his 10th victory; he went on to be credited with 36 before his death on 29 November.

There's more information on the combat, and a photograph of 2Lt Adams, in Under the Guns of the Kaiser's Aces, by Norman Franks and Hal Giblin, ISBN 1904010024.

I hope this is useful.

Gareth

[Stebie9173]

London Gazette 22-6-1917

Flying Officers (Observers).—

Temp. 2nd Lt. O. R. Kelly, North'd Fus., and to be transfd. to Gen. List, 11th May 1917, with seniority from 19th Jan. 1917.

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/archiveVi...;selHonourType=

Steve.

[Bob Coulson]

Gareth/Steve, many thanks for the info, just what I needed.

Bob.

[Cnock]

Hello Bob,

Grave of 2Lt. Oscar Ralph KELLY at Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery, Wijtschate.

Regards,

Cnock

[Bob Coulson]

Cnock,

That's brilliant, many thanks for doing this.

Bob.