Referring back to his service record, Fred remained in France until May 18, 1918, at which time he returned to England.
A military record discloses that in November of 1918 he was seconded for service with the newly-formed Royal Air Force[1], and assigned to the 253 Squadron, RAF Bembridge. He is listed as an Observer Officer, placed in charge of the payroll department. I have no doubt that Fred was sent to the RAF because of his prior payroll experience while Adjutant of the Mersey Defence District.
While searching through the box of documents I uncovered a communiqué from Captain D. Dustin, Officer Commanding 74th Wing, RAF Calshot. In the letter he recommended Fred for a promotion to the temporary rank of Lieutenant. A further search produced a memo affirming that Fred was promoted to the permanent rank of Lieutenant – retroactive to July 1, 1917.
During the period Fred operated the payroll department for the RAF, the RFA sent a message requesting his return to his RFA unit forthwith. Within the same communiqué, the RAF requested he remain with them for an additional two weeks, reasoning that with a heavy work load and complicated payroll system, his skill level was required until a replacement could be trained. (Figure 14)[2] Therefore on August 7, 1919, the Officer Commanding, RAF Navigation School, Calshot, drafted a letter cancelling Fred’s orders to report to his RFA unit. (Figure 15)[3]
I speculated as to whether he learned to fly during the time spent with the RAF. I found nothing within his records indicating he received flight training; however, I have a photograph showing Fred in an aviator’s suit. [i]
I posted the photo on the “Great War Forum” website; a member identified the suit as a standard RAF issue Sitcom Suit, made from proofed khaki twill, which was rubberized and lined with mohair. (Figure 16) [4]
It is indisputable that while serving with the RAF, Fred wore an officer’s uniform with an Observer’s Half Wing, located above the left top pocket of his uniform jacket. His uniform would be congruent with his Navigator’s training, and gave credence to the fact that he had an aviator’s flight suit. Nevertheless, this latest discovery contradicts our personal family lore, and ruins a good story. (Figure 17)[5]
Prior to my in-depth research, it was believed that a cherished, wooden picture frame, containing photographs of both Fred and his wife, was likely crafted from the remains of a WWI aeroplane propeller. However, a further assumption was made that the propeller came from an aircraft flown by Fred, which now appears to be false.
Discovered among his personal items was a photograph of a Short 184 seaplane serial number N9111. It is unknown if Fred flew or was a navigator on this type of aircraft; yet whatever the case, it is an interesting photograph. (Figure 18)[6]
Fred's official military record shows that he transferred back to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers as Captain, on the 26th of February, 1920, at which time he left the service and returned to his civilian occupation of electrician.
The exact reason he ended his journal on May 6th, 1915 will remain unknown.
[1] Originally British aero-squadrons were named the Royal Flying Corps, but in 1918 the RFC amalgamated with the Royal Naval Air Service and changed to the Royal Air Force.
[2] Document requesting RFA give extension to Fred remaining with RAF
[3] Document cancelling RFA order for Fred to report back to duty with RFA
[4] Photo of Fred in flight uniform
[5] Photograph of Fred in RAF uniform with half-wing above left breast pocket
[6] Photograph of a Short 184 seaplane
[i] Ibid
Letter cancelling the RFA (orders by the RAF) for Fred to return to the RFA
Request from RAF that Fred stay an additional two weeks
Fred in his RAF flying suit
Fred in his RAF uniform - notice half-wing above left pocket - indicating he was an observer
A picture of a N9111 Short Seaplane
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