"The Naval Flier"

[mike800966]

Attached is a pic of who, I think, is my paternal grandfather. It sits here in a faded silver plate frame.
Can anyone help with the cap badge- does it conflict with the flying wings. I have had it suggested that he may have been a petty officer attached to airships? Wing collars,, 1920's?

Can you help please?

Thanks also to Andy for kindly resizing the image

Mike

[philipsearching]

About two thirds down this web page http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235160-nieuport-scout-pilot-identification_rnas-or-rfc/ is an image of a cap badge identified as for RNAS ratings.

The Royal Naval Air Service was combined with the Royal Flying Corps to form the RAF in 1918, which suggests that the photo is probably before that date.

A quick Google image search for RNAS cap badge  shows more than one type of badge (some with anchors, some with birds) - I can't identify the precise image, but I would suggest that your man is c1915-1918 probably a petty officer.

Hope this helps.
Philip

[MaxD]

Would you like to post his name and any other info - date/place of birth?
maxD

[mike800966]

Thanks to everyone!  I have just been looking at the RNAS Navy records and they list a possible. That name is George Stephenson Borm Manchester July 1884
The one I am looking for is my grandfather George Burton Stephenson  From his birth cert. he was Born Barton upon Irwell nr Manchester 22/03/1887.
So I dont think thats the one
So I have a picture, a rank and a birth cert but I cant tie them together.. is that it?

Mike

[MaxD]

I think you can eliminate the 1884 Stephenson  - he didn't make it above the rate of Able Seaman and the cap and badge are certainly that of a Petty Officer.

That said, I haven't been able to find a RN record or an RAF record or a candidate on the 1 Apr 1918 RAF muster roll which listed all those RNAS and RFC men who became RAF on that date.

Two thoughts occur - did your man possibly serve beyond 1920 in which case his record would not be on line but still with MOD.  Did he marry while in the service, his marriage cert would give some service details.

maxD