Willywombat Posted 2 July , 2007 Share Posted 2 July , 2007 Flight Cadet William Douglas Henderson is on the school memorial I am researching. He died in a flying accident on 28/11/18, aged 29, whilst training at Montrose. I would imagine that most men of his age would have volunteered, or been conscripted, long before 1918 and I was wondering if he had any previous military service and how I could go about finding out about it. I thought about the medal index cards, but there are quite a few W D Hendersons and I'm not sure if the card of a man who transferred to the RAF would be with the Army ones, or elsewhere. Does anyone know? Does his rank of Flight Cadet give any clue as to his previous military service? I was wondering that if he had been an officer prior to transferring to the RAF, perhaps he would have retained his army rank (or been given an equivalent) whilst in training? Any pointers would be much appreciated! Bob. PS - since posting, I have found him on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, but still as a Flt Cdt, with no further information. I know he was in Canada in 1912. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
per ardua per mare per terram Posted 2 July , 2007 Share Posted 2 July , 2007 He may have a record in AIR 76 (at Kew on microfilm), which is fortunately in alphabetical order, but these are very sparse. To access his RAF service record you need his service number. The MICs are for army awards and do not always pick up transfers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esskay Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 A bit of guesswork - but wonder if this is him http://data2.archives.ca/cef/gpc006/389024a.gif (front of attestation) http://data2.archives.ca/cef/gpc006/389024b.gif (back of attestation) From CWGC your man was buried in Gloucester Old Cemetery - a fair way from Montrose (presume Scotland) - so he probably had a connection with that area On the 1901 census there is a 12 year old Douglas Henderson (b Gloucester) living at Hucclecote, Gloucestershire in a family that included 10 year old Margaret The 1891 census shows the family living in Gloucester (William is William D on this one) His birth seems to have been registered in Gloucester in 1st qtr of 1889 The records linked above show born Gloucester (but 8th Dec 1889)?? and next of kin sister - Margaret Not sure - but looks like its possible?? Cheers Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esskay Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 From the Passenger Lists on Find My Past - I wonder if this is William and his sister heading out to Canada?? Though they were going to different ports and looking at the actual transcript - he was in 2nd class and she was in 3rd Name: Mr Wm D HENDERSON Date of departure: 17 May 1911 Port of departure: Bristol Passenger destination port: Montreal, Canada Passenger destination: Montreal, Canada Age: 22 Marital Status: Single Sex: Male Occupation: Timber Trade Passenger recorded on: Page 14 of 26 Click here to view image The following people with the same last name travelled on this voyage: - Margaret HENDERSON Page 1 of 26 View transcript Ship:ROYAL GEORGE Official Number:125643 Master's name:James Harrison Steamship Line:Royal Line Canadian Northern Steamships Limited Where bound:Montreal, Canada Square feet:10054 Registered tonnage:5685 Passengers on voyage:881 Name: Margaret HENDERSON Date of departure: 17 May 1911 Port of departure: Bristol Passenger destination port: Quebec, Canada Passenger destination: Quebec, Canada Age: 21 Marital Status: Single Sex: Female Occupation: Domestic Cheers Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esskay Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 If that is your man - looks like he was with the 4th Divisional Ammunition Sub-Park of the CEF - they have their war diary online at http://data4.collectionscanada.ca/netacgi/...mp;r=14&f=G Lots of individual pages to read though!! Seems as though they were involved with transporting ammunition (I think) so his trade or calling - auto-mechanic could fit in well Cheers Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veklee Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 ive a trio and plaque to a guy called f e k sneddon flight cadet died on his first solo flight medals are to city of london yeomanry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veklee Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 nat archives kew have a fair bit on accidents (mind u not mine ) all sorts of guys being killed while the armourer loads the guns etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willywombat Posted 3 July , 2007 Author Share Posted 3 July , 2007 Well.... I'm stunned! Thanks so much to all of you, especially Sue, for all the trouble you've gone to on my behalf. William Henderson is indeed a Hucclecote man and did have a sister, Magaret, so it looks as though you've scored a hit there. I am not at all familiar with the Canadian records and know absolutely nothing about passenger lists and you've saved me no end of headaches. A BIG thankyou!! Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
per ardua per mare per terram Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 Here's a link to the order form for the Canadian copies https://www.collectionscanada.ca/copies/sec...5010-5100-e.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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