Which squadron?
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Can anyone identify the two-seater unit, whose officers feature in this excellent photo?
Thanks!
JohnG
Hello John,
I have been able to identify one of the pilots in your photograph.His name is Harold Hemming, Worcs. Rgt., R.F.C. & R.A.F.
He started out as an observer before training as a pilot (1916).
He was awarded the Air Force Medal in 1919.He served with the R.A.F. into the 1920’s.
His larger than usual R.A.F. service record is on Find My Past.
He had an interesting life. From afleetingpeace.org
Major Harold Hemming, Air Force Cross
Director (with Alan Butler as Chairman) of the ‘Aircraft Operating Company’. In 1925, they were air surveying in British Guiana.
In 1923, he flew Alan Butler’s DH37 ‘Sylvia’ in the King’s Cup, coming 5th (as had Alan himself, the year before), and then borrowed it again in 1925, coming 3rd.
Unfortunately, while he was making a test flight in 1927 in the DH37 (now re-engined and called ‘Lois’) the aircraft hit a scoring board and crashed. The passenger was killed and Hemming lost an eye and sustained other injuries.All the best.
Hi Robert,
Sorry about not replying earlier. Well done, thanks very much, I will download his records a.s.a.p. and thanks for additional information, when and if I find any more I will post it on the forum.regards
John
Hi John, no problem.
He was commissioned from the Royal Engineers.The pilot from the North or South Staffordshire Regiment might be worth investigating.
I’ve been looking through the Army Lists, and there can’t be more than 35 – 40 officers from this regiment who served with the Royal Flying Corps.
Hi,
I have been going through his AIR76 and his post war service. As far as WW1 is concerned he served with three squadrons 16/10/17 103 Sqn, who were based at Serny during his term with the squadron 10/12/17.
109 Sqn on DH9’s were a home based wireless squadron and 13/07/19 with 244 Sqn who served in Ireland.Looking at the Photo, I would discount 109 and 244. Presumably the photo is of his time with 103?
john
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