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Aviation History
1918
1918 - 1077.PDF
SEPTEMBER 26, 1918. HONOURS Italian Honours for R.P.C. IT was announced in a Supplement to the London Gaxette of September 12ththat the following decorations have been conferred by the King of Italy for distinguished services rendered in the course of the campaign :— Silver Medal for Military Valour. Temp. Capt. W. G. Barker, D.S.O., M.C., R.F.C.; Temp. Sec. Lieut. J. E.BonnUcsen, R.F.C.; Temp. Capt. M. B. Frew, D.S.O., M.C., R.F.C. ; Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) R. S. P. Boby, Lanes. Fus. and R.F.C.; Capt. W Er Moles--worth, M.C., R. Muns. F. and R.F.C. Bronze Medal for Military Valour. 8639 Sgt- C. A. Barton, R.F.C.; 1429 Sgt. E. J. Elton, R.F.C.; 7228 1st Air-Mech. C. H. M'Carthy, R.F.C.; 7061 Sgt. S. R. Marston, R.F.C.; 59404 Sgt. A. H. Muff, R.F.C.; 10219 ist.Air-Mech. G. E. Richardson, R.F.C.; 113031Sgt. J. Ryan, R.F.C.; 3116 Sgt. W. E. Smith, R.F.C. M.Ms, for R.A.F. IT was announced in a supplement to the London Gazette on September 13th that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the field to the undermentioned :— i 12737 Sgt. H. G. Howard, R.A.F.; 402637 2nd Air-Mech. B. C. Rhodes, R.A.F., attd. R.G.A.; 55961 2nd Air-Mech. H. C. Thomas, R.A.F. Honours for the R.A.F. It was announced in a Supplement to the London Gazette issued on Sep-tember 21st, that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the undermentioned rewards on officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force,in recognition of gallantry in flying operations against the enemy :— Awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. Lieut. (T. Maj.) RAYMOND COLLISHAW, D.S.O., D.S.C., D.F.C. (late R.N.A.S.).—A brilliant squadron leader of exceptional daring, who has destroyed 5r •enemy machines. Early one morning he, with another pilot, attacked an enemyaerodrome. Seeing three machines brought out of a burning hangar he dived five times, firing bursts at these from a very low altitude, and dropped bombson the living quarters. He then saw an enemy aeroplane descending over the aerodrome ; he attacked it and drove it down in flames. Later, when return-ing from a reconnaissance of the damaged hangars, he was attacked by three Albatross scouts, who pursued him to our lines, when he turned and attackedone, which fell out of control and crashed. (D.S.O. gazetted August nth, 1917 ; D.S.C. gazetted July 20th, 1917 ; D.F.C. gazetted August 3rd, 1918.) Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) BBRNARD ARTHUR SMART, D.S.O. (Sea patrol).—Led hisflight for 160 miles over sea aad land, and destroyed by bombs an important •enemy airship shed. This service was carried out under exceptionally difficultcircumstances,requiringgreatskill,and wasmost creditably performed. (D.S.O. gazetted November 2nd, 1917.) Awarded the Distinguished Service Order.Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) WILLIAM FORSTER DICKSON (Sea Patrol).—Displayed great skill and gallantry on the occasion of a long-distance bombing raid. He suc-ceeded in dropping bombs on an airship station from a low altitude with destruc- tive effect, and although subjected to severe fire from the enemy obtained valu-able information. Capt. (T. Maj.) DAVID EDMUND STODART, D.F.C.—Whilst commanding aflight of the Royal Air Force the whole of the flying officers had become inca- pacitated through sickness or wounds, and their duties were then performed byhimself, in addition to his administrative work as commanding officer. During this period Maj. Stodart dropped 115 bombs on the enemy's position, exposed326 negatives over enemy territory, and acted as observer for 163 rounds of our heavy artillery. In a period of 21 days this officer was 35 hours in the air, per-forming all the duties of an entire flight, a record which it would be difficult -to surpass. Awarded a Second Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lieut. (T. Capt.) ARTHUR HENRY COBBY, D.F.C. (Australian Flying Corps).—One evening this officer, in company with another machine, attacked five Pfaltz Scouts, destroying two ; one fell in flames, and one broke up in the air. Theofficer who accompanied him broughtdown a third machine out of control. While -engaged in this combat they were attacked from above by five triplanes. Dis-playing cool judgment and brilliant flying, Capt. Cobby evaded this attack and Teturned to our lines in safety, both machines being undamaged. A deter-mined and most skilful leader, who has destroyed 21 hostile machines or balloons, accounting for three machines and two balloons in four days. (The announce-ment of award of first Bar is also contained in this Gazette ; D.F. Cross was gazetted on August 3rd, 1918.) Awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.Lieut. WILLIAM GORDON CLAXTON, D.F.C.—This officer is conspicuous for his <<K>urage in attack. Recently in one day he destroyed six enemy aeroplanes—•four in the morning and two in the evening. In 13 days he accounted for 14 machines. His utter disregard of danger inspires all who serve with him.(D.F.C. gazetted August 3rd, 1918.) Lieut. (T. Capt.) ARTHUR HENRY COBBY, D.F.C. (Australian Flying Corps).—An officer whose success as a leader is due not only to high courage and brilliant Hying, but also to the clear judgment and presence of mind he invariably dis-plays. His example is of great value to other pilots in his squadron. During recent operations he shot down five machines in eleven days, accounting fortwo in one day (D.F.C. gazetted August 3rd, 1918.) Lieut. (T. Capt.) JAMES IRA THOMAS JONES, M.C., D.F.C., M.M.—A gallant•officer who in the last three months has destroyed 21 enemy aeroplanes. On one occasion he attacked a Halberstadt two-seater, which was escorted by two• scouts. On his approach the scouts deserted the two-seater, which he shot down in flames. He then pursued the two scouts, one of which he destroyed.(M.C. gazetted September 16th, 1918 ; D.F.C. gazetted August 3rd, 1918 : M.M. gazetted August 10th, 1916.) Lieut. (T. Capt.) EDGAR JAMES MCCLAUGHRY, D.F.C. (Australian FlyingCorps).—In the short space of one month this officer has destroyed 10 enemy . aeroplanes and balloons. He has organised and carried out numerous raidson the enemy, frequently at very low altitudes. Altogether he has destroyed 15 aeroplanes and four balloons. Early one morning he crossed our lines toattack a balloon which he had previously located. As soon as daylight allowed he dived and opened fire on the balloon, which was on the ground, descendingto within 50 ft. of it. The balloon burst into flames. He then attacked some -horse transport, dropping bombs and firing some 360 rounds at 1,500 ft. altitude.(The award of D.F.C. is also contained in this Gazette.) faeut. (T. Capt.) JOHN STANLEY FLEMING MORRISON, D.F.C.—A distinguishedand zealous officer whose success in carrying out photographic reconnaissances js marked. He has also on several occasions led his flight on long-distance bomb-ing raids, displaying sound leadership and powers of endurance. (D.F.C. gazetted June 3rd, r9i8.) r ?t- -fT" CaP*-) GEORGE EDWARD HENRY MCELROY, M.C., D.F.C. (Royaluar. Artillery).—In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has «arried.out numerous patrols, and Bying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy•casualtiesjon massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams. Sec, both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite ballooas'and43 machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness, and dash have at all times set a fine exampleand inspired all who came in contact with him. (M.C. gazetted March 26th, 1918 ; first Bar April 22nd, 1918 ; second Bar July 26th, 1918 ; D.F.C. gazettedAugust 3rd, 1918.) Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Lieut, CHARLES TORR ANDERSON.—'An exceptionally skilful and intelligentobserver, who on numerous occasions has most successfully directed artillery fire on hostile batteries, transport and massed infantry. His reconnaissancereports also have been most valuable and accurate, and of the greatest assistance * to our raiding parties. Recently in 24 hours this officer was in the air for overseven ; during this time he directed fire on four hostile batteries, all of which were silenced, and three heavy explosions were caused He also reported byzone call ten other batteries, good results being obtained on each position. In addition, he carried out two valuable reconnaissances of enemy wire entangle-ments at low altitudes. Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) SYDNEY ANDERSON (Sea Patrol).—In an engagementbetween three of our machines and seven of the enemy this officer displayed, remarkable courage and determination. Wounded early in the fight and suffer-ing great pain, he continued the action, and drove down one hostile aircraft, causing it to make a very bad landing. Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) THOMAS COCHRANE ANGUS (Hon. Artillery Coy.).—Agallant and skilful officer, who has taken part in 11 long-distance night bombing raids. On one of these his machine alone, out of the five detailed, reached theobjective. The weather conditions were most difficult; despite this, and in face of severe anti-aircraft fire, he successfully bombed his target. Lieut. GORDON FRANK MASON APPS.—A bold and skilful airman who in recentoperations has destroyed six enemy aeroplanes, accounting for two in one flight. He displays marked determination and devotion to duty. Lieut. OWEN MORGAN BALDWIN.—A gallant and skilful pilot who has on manyoccasions attacked troops and transport at low altitudes. Recently he encoun- tered 12 enemy aeroplanes, two of which he crashed. He has, in addition,accounted for five other machines showing at all times fearlessness and resource^ Capt. ARTHUR THOMAS BARKER (Sea Patrol).—Has led flights of seaplanes onlong-distance reconnaissances, attacking hostile aircraft wherever found. He has set a fine example in gallantry and determination to all serving with him. Lieut. JOHN ROSS BELL (Dorset Regt).—This officer is an exceptionallygallant and determined pilot, who has taken part in 37 raids, five of which he has led. On a recent occasion, the formation of which he was leader was attackedby 12 aeroplanes. He fought his way to his objective and successfully bombed it. On the return journey continuous fighting took place, and three enemyaeroplanes were driven down. Lieut. ROBERT STEVENSON BELL.—This officer, while carrying out observa-tion service from a balloon, was subjected to heavy and continuous shell fire for over 2r, hours, his balloon being punctured in nme places; despite this hecontinued "his observation. On several previous occasions he has displayed equal coolness and disregard of danger, carrying on his observation service inface of heavy hostile fire. Lieut. (T./Capt.) WILLIAM WEDGWOOD BENN, D.S.O. (London Yeo.).—Agallant observer of exceptional ability. After setting out on a bombing raid, the Scout machines assigned to act as an escort became separated, and it thenbecame necessary for the bombing planes to proceed on their task without support. Capt. Benn's machine took the lead, followed by three other bombers,and succeeded in dropping his bombs (direct hits) on an enemy aerodrome. On the return journey the bombing machines were attacked by several enemyscouts, which were eventually driven away. Recently, this officer organised and carried out a special flight by night over the enemy's lines, under mostdifficult circumstances, with conspicuous success. He has at all times set a splendid example of courage. h Capt. ERIC BOURNE COULTER BETTS, D.S.C, (Sea Patrol).—An observer officerof great skill who has carried out over 20 long-distance photographic recon- naissances during the past four months, and in conjunction with his pilot, hasbrought home about 1,000 photographs of enemy positions of inestimable value, in addition to destroying eight enemy machines. Lieut. GEORGE HOLYOAKE BOX.—This officer has taken part in 18 long-distance night bombing raids and ten long-distance night reconnaissances, at all times showing exceptional keenness, untiring energy and devotion to duty. Onenight he carried out a very important reconnaissance laFting 3! hours, bringing back most valuable information. Immediately on his return he proceeded on abombing raid ; having found his objective, he descended to a low altitude and successfully bombed the target. He was in the air that night six hours. Lieut. ALBERT JAMES ERNEST BROOMFIELD.—This officer shows great deter-mination and skill in carrying out night reconnaissances, frequently under adverse weather conditions and at very low altitudes. During last month hewas engaged in eight most successful reconnaissances. On two consecutive nights when, owing to the darkness he was compelled to fly at about 500 ft.altitude, he located and bombed with success an important railway junction. _ Lieut. COLIN PETER BROWN (Sea Patrol).—Was engaged in a bombing raidon an enemy seaplane base by night, and dropped his bombs from a height of 500 ft., causing considerable destruction. Shortly afterwards he bombed anenemy aerodrome in daylight, also from a height of 500 ft., and then descended to 300 ft. and destroyed an enemy machine. On arriving at his aerodrome 59bullet-holes were found in his machine. He has since then destroyed two enemy aeroplanes. Lieut. Brown has been engaged in several other aerial flights, andhas proved himself a gallant and resourceful flight leader. Lieut. RICHARD CLAUDE CAIN.—By his skill and initiative as an observerthis officer has on many occasions directed fire on enemy artillery, wagon lines and convoys, causing serious damage. His work has been most valuable,carried out at times under very difficult conditions. On a recent occasion he successfully bombed a bridge, obtaining a direct hit at a low altitude. Lieut. (T./Capt.) JOHN FOSTER CHISHOLM, D.S.C. (Sea Patrol).—A gallant,and successful Fight Commander. He has led his formation in 25 raids in a period of 30 days, generally to a distance of 25 miles over the lines. On arecent occasion he encountered seven enemy aircraft whilst he was engaged m bombing a particularly dangerous enemy position. He destroyed one enemymachine, and hisf ormation accounted for three more. All our machines returned safely. *•• Lieut. LEONARD ARTHUR CHRISTIAN (late R.N.A.S. .—Since joining hissquadron this officer has taken part in 47 bomb raids, displaying at all times keenness and determination, and rendering his pilot most valuable support. Hehas accounted for four enemy aeroplanes, destroying two, and driving down two out of control. Lieut. HENRY EDWARD CLARK (Sea Patrol).—An officer of exceptional skill anddetermination as observer and bomb-dropper. He has been engaged on 30 raids, and recently obtained direct bits on a great enemy war factory whichcaused immense explosions and fire therein. Sec Lieut. GEORGE BRENTON COWARD (Sea Patrol).—A very efficient pilotand able leader who has done most valuable service, displaying at all times the IO77
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