FEBRUARY
7,
igiS.
" I turned quickly and let the nearest one have a handful of lead, which seemed to deter him somewhat,
for he dived away E a s t . "
stayed. How I managed to keep my 'bus straight in that when I crossed the line and saw the familiar " Nisson " hut
cloud is a mystery. The rain was as bad as ever, and my I rejoiced greatly.
goggles had to be wiped every few seconds. When I next
Fortunately I recognised the town of A
, and thus knew
came down I was over shell-torn country, and my relief my position.
was great. A few belated " Archies " announced their
I flew around for a while to try and see any other machines,
arrival in the customary way, but I Was past letting such then I " nosed " for home, feeling, well, just a little bit shaken,
things as " Archies " bother me then. I was near home, and but ready, nevertheless, for another " show." '' CUMULUS."
a
a
Service Medal was awarded, as announced on October 22nd,
1917, have now been published :—
77690 1st Class Air-Mech. A. W. CANT, R.F.C.—For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on reconnaissance and
offensive patrols. He has on more than one occasion caused
great confusion and many casualties amongst hostile infantry
by attacking them with his machine gun at a low altitude,
and on two occasions has shot down hostile machines which
attempted to interfere with his photographic work.
3116 Sergt. W. E. SMITH, R.F.C.—For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in carrying out artillery observa- •
tion at very low altitudes and during unfavourable weather
conditions. As a consequence of his daring, he was subjected
to continual heavy rifle and machine gun fire, which on one
occasion seriously damaged his machine, but he has at all
times shown great perseverance and gallantry, and been most
successful in carrying out observation for the artillery with
w*riom he was co-operating. He has twice been brought down
by anti-aircraft fire as a consequence of his"low flying, but has
each time successfully landed on our side of the line.
48027 Pnr. W. T. SMITH, R.E., attd. R.F.C.—Conspicuous ;
gallantry and devotion to duty whilst acting as aerial gunner
to an officer. Having shot down an enemy machine, his own
pilot was wounded, and fell forward insensible on to the control
lever. Pioneer Smith then climbed forward along the plane, *
pulled the pilot off the lever and got the machine under control.
The officer then partially recovered, whereupon he remained'
standing on the side of the fuselage shouting words of encouragement to him, and the machine was eventually landed
without much damage, entirely owing to his exceptionally;
gallant and prompt action.
;
4400 Sergt. R. C. TAYLOR, R.F.C.—For conspicuous'
gallantry and devotion to duty. When sent out with a n '
observer to take important photographs he saw six hostile'
scouts approaching him. Realising that there would be no
further chance of doing the work as clouds were coming up,
he continued taking the photographs until the hostile scouts
came within fifty yards' range, although his machine was the
only British one in the vicinity. He then turned on them,
and by skilful manoeuvring enabled his observer to crash one.
Another was attacked and driven down in a spin, after which
the remaining four retired, and he completed the photographs.
He has always shown the greatest determination and gallantry.
11 2
»43
Honours for the R.F.C.
IT was announced in a supplement to the London
Gazette issued on February 4th that the King has been pleased
to confer the following rewards for gallantry and distinguished
service in the Field.
Distinguished Service Order.
• 2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) J. T. B. McCudden, M.C., Gen.
List and R.F.C.
2nd Lieut. (A. Capt.) A. E. McKeever, M.C., R.F.C., S.R.
Second Bar to M.C.
2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) A. C. Youdale, M.C., R.F.C., S.R.
(1st Bar gazetted Oct. 27th, 1917, M.C. Sept 26th, 1917).
Bar to Military Cross.
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) L. J. MacLean, M.C., R.E. and R.F.C.,
(M.C. gazetted October 2nd, 1915).
Military Cross.
Capt. J. C. L. Barnett, Oxf/and Bucks. L.I. and R.F.C!
2nd Lt. (Temp. Capt.) C. E. Barrington, R.F.A. and R.F.C.
Temp. 2nd Lieut. B. D. Bate, Gen. List, and R.F.C.
Temp. Lieut. R. S. S. Brown, Gen. List and R.F.C.
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) O. C. Bryson, Yeo. and R.F.C,
Temp. 2nd Lieut. P. W. S. Bulman, Gen. List, and R.F.C.
Lieut. (T. Capt.) R. L. Chidlaw-Roberts, Hants, and R.F.C.
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) J. M. Child, Manch. R. and R.F.C.
2nd Lieut. J. H. Cooper, Arg. and S. Highrs., and R.F.C.
and Lieut. W. E. Davis, Glouc. R. and R.F.C.
Lieut. F. H. Dear, R. Suss. R. and R.F.C.
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) I. A. J. Duff, Dorset R. and R.F.C.
2nd Lieut. R. L. M. Ferrie, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
Temp. 2nd Lieut. A. M. Kinnear, Gen. List, and R.F.C.
Temp. 2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) A. S. Lee, Notts, and
Derby and R.F.C.
Lieut. R. F. S. Mauduit, D. Gds. and R.F.C.
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) V. A. H. Robeson, R.F.C., S.R.
2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) W. W. Rogers, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
Capt. H. T. F. Russell, R. Welsh Fus. and R.F.C.
Temp. Capt. W. H. N. Shakespeare, R.F.C.
2nd Lieut. L. E. Shaw-Lawrence, E. Kent R. and R.F.C.
Temp. 2nd Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) J. A. Slater, Gen. List
and R.F.C.
Details of Gallant Deeds.
THE following details of service for which the Distinguished