David_Bluestein Posted 19 March , 2008 Share Posted 19 March , 2008 Helping out a friend at work who understands through family myth that her grandfather was a British Great War Ace. She wondered if it would be possible to prove this as fact: His name was: PICKRELL Thanks, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John(txic) Posted 19 March , 2008 Share Posted 19 March , 2008 No-one of that name in "Above the Trenches", I'm afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Bluestein Posted 19 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 19 March , 2008 Thanks very much for taking the time to check, greatly appreciate the help. It seems likely that at the very least this fellow was in the RFC/RAF. Is there a way to confirm that bit? My very best wishes, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APW Posted 19 March , 2008 Share Posted 19 March , 2008 Suggest you start with the National Archives medal records and see if you get a match. This is the link http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...line/medals.asp there are about three pages of Pickrells. If you provide the initials someone may be able to help you further. There are no obvious matches in the RAF Aug 1918 officers list. Patrick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItemCo16527 Posted 20 March , 2008 Share Posted 20 March , 2008 No one by the name "Pickrell" on the Aerodrome's list of aces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 20 March , 2008 Share Posted 20 March , 2008 There was a Corporal Hugh Ward Pickrell awarded the DFM in 1920: London Gazette 12-7-1920 AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL. 26645 Corporal James Turner Bunting (63rd Squadron, Kurdistan). 19154 Serjeant Percy Ivor David (63rd Squadron, Kurdistan). 206740 Corporal Hugh Ward Pickrell (63rd Squadron, Kurdistan). 31105 Serjeant Sidney Claud Spink (63rd Squadron, Kurdistan). http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.a...t=&similar= Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Bluestein Posted 20 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 20 March , 2008 Oh Excellent stuff thank you ALL for you help. Steve, I think you found the man...BIG THANKS. He fits the description, as he was supposedly flying in Mesopotamia after the war. Really appreciate your help everyone! David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebie9173 Posted 20 March , 2008 Share Posted 20 March , 2008 It looks like 63 Squadron was a ground support squadron flying RE8s in a Reconnaissance/Bomber role. As such he may not have had the opportunities to score "kills" as a fighter pilot would. He may have been an observer, rather than a pilot in any case. However, the DFM was a flying gallantry medal so he definitely flew. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John(txic) Posted 20 March , 2008 Share Posted 20 March , 2008 In illustrious company, being in the same Gazette as Raymond Collishaw! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Bluestein Posted 20 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 20 March , 2008 Thanks again, very good stuff. Do you think there could be a citation for his DFM? As I note theres none shown on the LG link. Never the less great results, and many thanks for finding my man. Best wishes, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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