Brothers awarded MC how common was it

[annsa]

Hi Jody,

Rather than paste all the information, can you go to the link:

http://www.rafcommands.com/dcforum/DCForumID6/12687.html#13

All the best,

Ann

[jody 101]

Thankyou Ann,
 That was wonderful of you to do that on my behalf. I don't have access to Point Cook as I am in West Aust but will try googling it and see if i can get anything. I did find the story of the loop on the qantas site but there is not much info on him as he didn't get on with Hudson Fysh and i dont think they saw eye to eye about many things.
Thankyou again Jody

[annsa]

Hi Jody,

You're welcome. I should check back on the RAF Commands link a few times. Terry, who has cracked how to look up stuff on the London Gazette has added a little more info. I'll try to get hold of Graham Neale who I have been in touch with, however, it was a few years ago and I don't now have his e mail address. He is a WW1 RFC researcher and a friend of a friend of mine. He may well have the DFC citations or recommendations or at least should be able to say where would be a good place to look for them.

All the best,

Ann

[jody 101]

Wendi
 Thankyou so much for that link to the library. I didn't think they would allow me to join as i am in Australia but they did. What a treasure trove.  Thankyou again Jody

[Wendi]

Your welcome    You certainly do have a lot of research to do on your chaps !!!

Glad it helped.

Wendi 

[annsa]

Hi Jody,

Another snippet of info posted by John Larder:

'Born 20/1/1890. Known as " Wiggy". First saw service with Signal Section (TF) of the RE, received MC in late 1915 and being mentioned in despatches. Seconded to RFC, flew as an observer in 15 Sq. before being selected for pilot training in 1917. In April 1918 flew to France with 87 Sq. on Dolphins and remained with the unit until 1919. Awarded DFC and in August 1918 took command of "C" Flt. On one occassion he and Lt. C.K. Oliver pursued a German 2 seater over Amiens. When the dolphins closed in, the pilots found that their guns had become frozen with cold, and the guns of their adversary were similarly affecyed. All the four airmen could do was wave at each other! 14 victorie. Mid again in 1919.Emigrated to Australia after the war, serving with RAAF: he died in September 1968. (Above the Trenches - Shores/Guest/Franks) '

I believe that Chris Shores sometimes visits the RAF Commands site. I'll see if I can find him or alternatively ask one of the other researchers, Brian Cull, who has co-written with Chris, if there is any additional information available and where he got his info from.

Regards,

Ann

[jody 101]

Ann please thank them for their information.
 Arthur did a bit of service (teaching Aussies to fly) with the raaf, but i don't think it was for long.
He also flew for Qantas and did the airmail run from Port Hedland for a while.
 He had a wondering spirit and didn't seem to settle for a long time.Tobacco farming in Rhodesia before and during WW2 then back to England for a few years before finally settling in West Aust in 1953.
He was friends with Jimmy Woods( not sure if he flew with him) who ran a small flight service between Perth and Rottenest Island ( about 12 miles from Perth W.A.). I remember going in a car with Mr and Mrs Woods to visit my grandparents. Sheer luxury... leather seats (would have been vintage then) beautifully kept and i was all of 6 years old but can still remember. Any more info would be great as my memories of him are limited. I would love all the tidbits that make him real.
Jody

[annsa]

Hi Jody,

Another snippet from Teery who is an expert at searching the London Gazette:

Ann, Herewith the LG entry for Vigers's m.i.d. while with the RAF:

/War Office,
11th July, /1919.
The following is a continuation of Sir D. Haig's Despatch of 16th March,
1919, submitting names deserving of special mention: —
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
Vigers, Lt. (A./Capt.) A. W., M.C., D.F.C., 87th Sqdn.

Regards,

Terry