Mervyn Johns RFC WW1

[Brian1]

Many thanks for the offer of help. It is much appreciated.
Brian

[liverpool annie]

If he was born on 02/18/99 in Pembroke Wales - he was only 15 when the war started ! so we have to assume if he saw service  - it had to be  - towards the end - are you sure he did Brian? maybe he didn't get anywhere - that's why you can't find anything !!!
Is he a relation?

Annie

[Brian1]

Hi Annie,

I had already come to the conclusion that he joined just prior to the RFC becoming the RAF.
I do know he served in both branches of the service, but I don't even know if he went out to France. On Google there are a few sites, but all they mention is that he was in the RFC and RAF and then go into realms on his stage and film life.
I am no relation to him but have just acquired his Sam Browne belt, so I was trying to get a little provenance on him.

Brian

[Springbok]

Annie ,

Sadly many children of only 14yrs. were lying about their ages and serving  and dying on the Western Front in WW1. The recent TV programmes have covered the efforts of a MP to bring these youngsters back.
Despite which, the Ministry denied that any children were in the Army and even towards the end of the War ,recruiting officers were still signing under age youngsters,such was the death rate.

Not for nothing was the Phrase "Cannon Fodder" used

My Father was 16yrs.(in 1914) when he did just that with a number of his young friends.

[Brian1]

Hi Springbok,
It's certainly a salutary thought ! All those young men thinking they were going off to Glory only to become as you put it ' cannon fodder'.

Brian

[liverpool annie]

I checked 1901 Welsh census - he's not there under Mervyn! - must have another name! 

Annie

[Brian1]

Hi Annie,

         Now the plot thickens!!
Wonder what name he would have been christened?  Perhaps Mervyn was a middle name that he decided was better than his first given name?
        I will try asking the family member who is sending me the Sam Browne.

Regards
Bria

[Brian1]

Annie,

 As you can see I have just past my 'Lee Enfield 'stage in posting!

Received this bit of info from Great War Forum

The RFC Communiques 1917-1918 by Bowyer has a R. Johns listed.

Jan 29, 1918 - "Flight Sub-Lt R. Johns shot one EA down completely out of control, and two others were driven down" I believe from the text prior to this line he was with 8 Squadron RNAS.

Might not be your man but I thought it was worth a mention


Brian

[Brian1]

Annie,

Just found out he is D.M. Johns

Brian