Falling Out

There is a family story that during his first crash Reginald was thrown from the plane and only managed to survive by hanging on to his Lewis gun as he dangled outside the plane.

This was not actually an uncommon event since the observers didn't have safety harnesses to hold them in. There was an interesting post by Stephen on on the Aerodrome forum

Lt. John Pugh, a Bristol observer with 48 squadron in the summer of '18, told me that there were no seats or straps for the observers in his unit.

I was absolutely stunned and wrote back to him for a clarification.

He replied emphatically and in all bold letters that there were absolutely NO seats and NO straps of any kind in the rear cockpit of his Bristol F2b. He held on to the gun mount and braced himself against the sides of his cockpit for support.

Other units and other aircraft no doubt varied in their equipment but Pugh's reply seems to confirm that in at least some cases, observers were in a pretty difficult position during hard maneuvers.

In the crash that claimed the lives of 2Lt.J.B.Cowan Lt.J.N.Jones, the plane crashed near the town of Lichtervelde, Belgium. Cowan's body was recovered and buried in the town, but Jones body was not. I assume from this that Jones tragically fell from the plane before the final crash. Jones body must have been recovered later as he was buried in the New British Cemetery at Harelbeke.

My Uncle emailed me saying

"I was often told by dad it was a case of hold on tight when taking off and landing. As its says no seats, belts, or anything. What would H&S SAY NOW?"

48 Squadron's Movements

1916
15 Apr formed in Netheravon
Jun to Rendcombe

1917
8 Mar to Bellevue, France, assigned to 13th Wing, 3rd Brigade, Third Army
15 Sep to Leffringkoucke, assigned to 14th Wing, 4th Brigade
5 Dec to Liettres
22 Dec to Flez, assigned to 22nd Wing, 5th Brigade

1918
22 Mar to Champien, East of Roye
24 Mar to Bertangles, North of Amiens
26 Aug to Boisdinghem, assigned to 11th Wing, 2nd Brigade
30 Sep to St. Marie-Cappel
23 Oct to Reckem
17 Nov to Nivelles
19 Dec to Bickendorf

1919
26 May to India

Is Reginald in this Photo?

I spotted this photo on the Great War Forum of members of 48 Squadron on their way to India after the First World War. I would love to think that Reginald was one of the men in the photo. There is something about the man sitting in the centre that makes me think it could be him but I cannot be sure. Also the man behind the man sitting on the left reminds me of Irvine especially since in nearly every photo of him he has his arm around one of his mates.

Thanks to Trevor Henshaw posted the photo on the forum and then sent me a high res copy of the photo. Trevor went back and looked through the set of photos that he had of 48 Squadron and in the first picture he found Reginald.

Reginald, Peck + Doddy

Manual: Hints to Observers

New Romney 29/7/1918

Lecture by Lieutenant Brockman

Clothing
1: Helmet
A good plan is to cut off neck portion of helmet as when flying it generally prevents helmet from turning with head. Cover neck by silk scarf then wind woollen scarf round neck + leave it loose. Pull up over bottom part of face as far as nose then put on the flying coat.
Case face with Vaseline when flying as 20,000 ft.

2: Goggles
Combine with face mask if possible. “Triplex” glass is the best, tinted.
Anti-dim or ???asso used on glass prevents same from getting fogged for about 1½ hours. Afterwards use handkerchief.

3: Flying Coat
The Flying Coat is exchanged overseas for a Sidcot Flying Suit.

To keep Feet Warm
Wear golasses or overshoes over boots.
Silk socks should be worn next to skin + woollen socks over same.
If flying boots are too large wear extra pair or two of socks.

Hands
wear pair of mittens or silk gloves underneath gauntlets. The flaps on back of gauntlets should be cut off as they are likely to come unfastened + therefore get in the way.
A hot baked potato could be put in coat pocket + taken out when hands begin to numb.

Instruments
Watch, compass + altimeter.
Ingersol watch is about the best.
A small hanging shelf could be made for the above + have same fastened on + detach shelf from machine after flight.
The watch is carried in case the observer's seat is away from Pilot's + he is unable to see Pilot's watch.
Compass can be obtained at Flight Office.
Altimeter is not essential but it is always well to know at what height you are flying.
Binoculars may also be carried.

Equipment
About 6 pencils should be carried not copyink.
These should be kept in all available pockets.
Drawing Pins for maps + postcards so that you have a have a hard surface to write on.
Celluloid clock dial.
Perforated note book for writing messages to Pilot + message bags.
One or more elastic band.
First field dressing.

Lewis Gun Spare Parts
Get a piece of canvas and have receptacles made for bolt screen balance. Screw driver, toggle + 2 small pockets for C.G.S. + Feed Pa??e + Spring + Pinion Group.
Verey Lights
Be careful where you fire Verey lights as they are highly inflammable.

Co-operation between Pilot + Observer
Arrange with Pilot before flight the line or route to take.
Let Pilot know as soon as you see machine over enemy's' line.
Signs should be made up so that Observer + Pilot can communicate with each other.
No paper should be taken up with any official information on it as it may fall into enemy hands.

Maps
For Corps Observers: 1/40,000 Reconnaissance + 1/20,000 Trench + 1/10000 Trench Maps
For Army Observers: 1/40,000 Reconnaissance + 1/100,000 Rec. + 1/250,000 N.W. Europe Maps.
Maps should be carried in a certain position so that you can refer to them quickly.
Get a piece of canvas or wood + glue a 1/40,000 map on one side + 1/100,000 on the other.
Paint in lakes, trenches, roads, woods, batteries.

Gunnery Routine Overseas
Two guns are allotted to an Observer + he should take a personal interest in them.
Strip + examine gun carefully after cleaning.
Examine magazines after being brought from Armoury.
Be careful in muddy weather not to dirty magazines when stepping into machine.
Every Observer should get as much Dual Control practise as possible.

Hollands

Hollands was an observer in 48 Squadron.

Irvine / Jock

Irvine was a pilot in 48 Squadron. He is also referred to as Jock in some of the photos in the album.

UPDATE: Irvine is Sgt. Francis Knox Irvine from Aberdeen.

Longerich

Longerich is just outside Cologne and was visited by the squadron on their tour of enemy aerodromes after the war.

Hollands + Joney



Crucifix

Group Photo

Back Row: Jock, Joney, Raymond & Ambler
Front Row: Teed, Taff & Ward

Raymond

Raymond as an Aviator

Raymond as a Sailor

Billy Eade

Sgt. William A. Eade was a pilot in 48 Squadron.

Joney

Joney

Could this be observer Lt. T. L. Jones who is recorded flying with Capt Cunninghame and Lt. Cowan. The badge he is wearing indicates that he was an observer.

Blancy

Reginald's nickname in the Squadron was Blancy, of course after his surname White.

La Décoration Militaire de 2ème classe

Front

Back

La Décoration Militaire (Military Decoration) was originally instituted in 1841 with the 2nd Class version being awarded for gallantry, devotion to duty, or exceptional service.

Daily Orders of the Belgian Army

While trying to find why Reginald was awarded the two Belgium medals I wrote to the Belgium War Museum to ask if they had copies of his citations. Unfortunately they didn't but they did send me this reply:

Dear Sir,

In response of your E-mail, dated 17th December 2009, I am honoured to forward you an extract of the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army, dated 5th February 1919, announcing the award of “La Décoration Militaire de 2ème classe” and “La Croix de Guerre” to Mister Reginald WHITE.

I am however, unable to provide you with a copy of the Royal Decree awarding these honourable decorations. If these decorations were awarded with a citation, it certainly would have been mentioned in the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army.

After the war, a number of honourable decorations were put at the disposal of the foreign military authorities. It was however up to these military authorities to decide who was eligible for these decorations.

Yours faithfully,

Dirk Vanginderhuysen

Adjudant-chef
General Direction Human Resources
Personnel Division
Notarial Under Section
Honourable Decorations

La Croix De Guerre

Front

Back

La Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) medal is a Belgium military decoration which was instituted on the 25th October 1915 and awarded to foreign nations for acts of heroism carried out on Belgium soil.

Reginald was awarded the medal on the 5th February 1919 as mentioned in the Daily Orders of the Belgium Army. I an struggling to find the extact reason Reginald was awarded this medal. If these decorations were awarded with a citation, it certainly would have been mentioned in the Daily Orders of the Belgian Army. After the war, a number of honourable decorations were put at the disposal of the foreign military authorities. It was however up to these military authorities to decide who was eligible for these decorations.

Service Record

The service records for men who served in the RAF can be searched for and downloaded from The National Archives.

Reginald's Service Record

Reginald's service record gives the following information:

Official No. 110761
Christian Names. Reginald Leslie Gordon
Surname. White
Birth Date. 19.11.1899

Current Engagement in H.M. Forces - ARMY
Date Current engagement commenced - 11.12.17
Age at that date - 18 1/12
Duration of Period of Engagement - D.F.W.
Date of actual entry into R.F.A. - 11.12.17
Date of actual entry into R.A.F. - 1.4.18

Civilian Occupation - Solicitor's Clerk

Person to be informed of Casualties
Name - William White
Address - 7 West St, Buckingham, BUCKS
Relationship - Father

Description on Engagement in H.M. Forces
Height - 5 feet 10 inches
Chest - 29 inches

Transfer to R.A.F. reserve - 28.3.19 A3/15436

Movement & Promotions

Trade Section

Medals Section

Medal Index Card

The medal index cards were created by the Army Medal Office near the end of the First World War. The detail the service mans medal entitlement, rank and unit. The medal index cards can be searched and downloaded from the National Archives web site.

From Reginald's medal card we can see that he was a Observer in 48 Squadron of the RAF with the service number 110761. His date of entry into the war was the 18th August 1918.

I'm not sure what the writing in the Remarks box means.

This card to be ????? to ????? when ??? war card is received. KW/9/1917

The medal card doesn't tell us anything we didn't already know but if researching a soldier from the First World War the medal index card is the best starting point.

Retirement

Man who has married thousands of
couples is retiring tomorrow

A man who has married thousands of people retires tomorrow (Friday). He is the Registrar for the Aylesbury Registration District, Mr. Reginald White, of Tring Road, Aylesbury. Since 1954 Mr. White has been keeping careful record of all in the Aylesbury area who give birth, die or marry.
It was in 1930 that Wendover born Mr. White first came to work in Aylesbury. Previously for 10 years he had been Clark to the Guardians Officer at Buckingham.
In Aylesbury he worked as deputy county public assistance officer until being made Deputy Superintendent Registrar in 1949. After five years as deputy, Mr. White was made Superintendent Registrar.
During this period he also became secretary of the Bucks Old People's Welfare Committee,
At the age of 65 in 1965 he retired from these positions. But the very next day he was re-engaged as Superintendent Registrar on a part-time basis for the district which includes the Borough of Aylesbury and Aylesbury and Wing Rural Districts.

GROUND AND AIR
During the first world war Mr. White enlisted as an infantryman, but was soon transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. As an observer he served with the 48 Squadron. During his service on the Continent he was awarded the Belgian Medaile Militaire and the Croix de Guerre and palm.
After the first world war had ended Mr. White continued serving in the R.A.F. As an observer in the third Afghan war.
After his service career ended in 1919, Mr. White went to work at Buckingham where he was concerned with the administration of the Poor Law. In 1926 he joined the Special Constabulary, later becoming Chief Inspector for the Aylesbury Division during the second world war. Altogether he served for 25 years.

WORK FOR M.I.5
In the first two years of the war, in addition to his normal work and his commitments in the Special Constabulary, Mr. White took on another activity – this time for M.I.5
With his own wireless equipment converted he acted as a voluntary wireless interceptor engaged in trying to locate transmissions of any enemy agents who might be in the area.
“It's a varied and interesting life I've had,” says Mr. White who is married and has a son and daughter.
For 14 years from 1932 he was secretary to the Aylesbury branch of the British Legion, during which time the membership rose to over 1,000.
while living at Steeple Claydon in the late 1920's he formed a troop of Scouts, and a highlight of that time was when he played in band before Queen Mary when she visited Stowe School near Buckingham.
Now that he will have more free time Mr. White hopes to be able to devote more attention to his garden and to his other activities which include serving as a sidesman at Holy Trinity Church, Walton, and acting as secretary of the Parochial Church Council and secretary of the Churchman's Guild.
Mr. White's committee work will continue as a member of Bucks Old People's Welfare Committee and a member of Aylesbury Old People's Welfare Committee.

OBITUARY

Former Superintendent Registrar Mr. Reginald Leslie Gordon White, of 337, Tring Road, Aylesbury, died last week at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The was 80.
Born and educated in Wendover, Mr. White was decorated for his war service and was a well known member of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Walton, Aylesbury.
During the first world war he was an observer gunner in the Royal Flying Corps.
After being shot down three time over Europe he was awarded the Belgium Honours of the Medal Militaine Avec Palme, and the Croix de Guerre.
After the war he returned to Aylesbury and worked in a solicitor's office in Buckingham. He was also Clerk to the Board of Guardians.
When the Poor Law administration was transferred to the County Council in 1930, Mr. White entered the new Public Assistance Department and was later appointed Deputy Assistance Officer.
In 1954 he became Superintendent Registrar and retained this position until his retirement in 1968.
He was also secretary of the Old People's Welfare Committee and as a result took a keen interest in the old people's homes in the county.
Mr. White married local girl Miss Margaret Davey, a fellow worker in the Public Assistance Department, in October 1939 as St. Mary's Parish Church, Aylesbury.
In his younger days Mr. White was interested in the Scout Movement and was for many years Scoutmaster of the Steeple Claydon Troop.
In later years he was secretary of the Aylesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion and finally vice-president up to the time of his death.
He was a Freemason and past master of the Ferdinand de Rothschild Lodge and Chapter, and more recently a founder member of the Probus Club of Aylesbury Vale.
Mr. White attended Holy Trinity Church, Walton where he was a Sidesman. He held various positions a the church such as secretary of the Sidesmen's Guild a member of the Parochial Church Council, and a Recorder of the Pledged Giving Scheme.
He was also very fond of gardening and a keen philatelist.
Mr. White leaves a widow, a daughter, and a son and three grandchildren.
The Rev. Peter Hancock conducted a funeral service at Holy Trinity Church on Friday, and this was followed by cremation at Amersham.
Funeral arrangements were by K. Y. Green, of Aylesbury.

Lt. Herbert Thomas

Herbert Thomas served in the Royal Air Forces and was a pilot in 48 Squadron.

3rd October 1918 - Was on a bombing run on Izegham led by Capt. Cunninghame and Lt. Brunton 12 Fokkers approached them from the south. During the combat Herbet Thomas claimed to see the plane piloted by Lt J.B. Cowan go down in flames.

9th October 1918 - During a patrol with observer 2Lt F.H.G. Coomer sent a Fokker down out of control at 1650 hours over Coutrai.

26th October 1918 - Herbert Thomas and observer 2Lt F.H.G. Coomer failed to return from a patrol and were last seen over Renaix at about 1330 hours. The patrol was led by Capt Phillips when they encountered 12 Fokkers, camouflaged in a dark green and black checkerboard on the planes with brown and white tails, at 1330 hours. It was during this encounter when Thomas' plane went down. Capt Philips claim one Fokker in this encounter.

Lt. Ludlow Norman Jones

Son of Ludlow Mainwaring Jones and Georgina Jones, of Moyroe Nanagh, Co. Tipperary. Ludlow intially served as a Lieutenant in the 11th South Wales Borders Regiment before transferring to the Royal Air Forces in 48 Squadron as an observer.

3rd October 1918 - Missing in Action with pilot Lt. J.B.Cowan in F2b E2523. They where last seen near Ingelmunster at 1750 hours. Squadron member 2Lt Herbert Thomas said he saw their plane go 'Down in Flames'.

Lt. Ludlow Jones was 21 years old and was buried at Harlebeke New British Cemetery.

2Lt. G Thorneton-Norris

George Thorneton-Norris was born in India where his Grandfather had moved to from Lanc. During the First World War he served in the Royal Flying Corps as pilot in 48 Squadron.

3rd October 1918 - While on a bombing run on Izegham led by Capt. Cunninghame and Lt. Brunton 12 Fokkers approached them from the south. Thorneton-Norris was flying with his observer Sgt R.L.G White in Bristol F2b serial E2534. The Enemy aircraft attacked them over Ingelmunster. Thorneton_Norris engaged a Fokker Biplane (white fuselage, black&white tail) and after White fired 50 rounds the Fokker burst into flames and went down. During this engagement Capt Cunninghame claimed 2 Fokkers but unfortunately the F2b piloted by 2Lt J.B.Cowan went down in flames and he and his observer Lt. L.N.Jones were reported Missing in Action.
Combat report #586 of 48 Squadron (PRO Air 1/1829/204/202/22)

25th October 1918 - Flying Bristol F2b serial E2534 with his observer Sgt R.L.G White they were forced to land at Deerlyck at 2.45pm due to anti-aircraft fire. Both OK.

George became a bit of an inventor, especially in the field of Aviation and many patents in his name can be found.

Electric medical appliance
Folding crib and the like
Instrument for indicating the operating time of vehicles and other devices
Electric foot massage appliance

George worked as an Aviation Salesman at Selfridges between the wars and also workd for Scholl in Clerkenwell inventing household items, such as the electric hot water bottle. George also built he own plane which he named Eileen after his wife.

He also had an article published in the magazine Popular Science Monthly just before the war.

Detecting Leaks in Inner Tubes
by Means of Smoke
WHILE in India recently I entered a motorcycle contest, which was of the town-to-town type. It was from Calcutta to Gya, a distance of 300 miles, over roads which were covered with small, sharp-pointed stones, old shoes, nails and other things such as are to be found where there is bullock traffic of the eastern type, all of which are liable to make small punctures. Not being able to procure water to test my tubes and locate minute leaks, I took a pocketful of cigarettes along with me and found the following method a wonderful time and temper-saver as well as the only means of finding such punctures.
The defective tube is taken out and the valve removed. Then two or three mouthfuls of smoke are puffed into the tube, after which it is inflated as much as possible. The smoke will be seen to ooze out of any punctured place. The spot can then be sandpapered and dressed while the smoke is oozing out and locating the place for the repair patch. After the patch is applied the valve is again taken out to let the remainder of the smoke escape and the tube is ready for use again.

An obituary for George was published in Flight and Aircraft Engineer Journal dated 29th February 1955

Well known to many customers of the aircraft division of the Lockheed Hydraulic Brake Co., where he was a sales engineer for ten years, Mr. George Thorton-Norris died suddenly on Thursday, February 14th., at the early age of 55. Mr. Thorton-Norris, who served as an R.F.C. pilot in the First World War, leaves a widow and an eight-year-old son.

Thankyou you George's grandson Andrew Thorton-Norris for much of the information on this page.

Third Anglo-Afghan War

After the war Reginald briefly returned to England but early in 1919 the Squadron left England to sail around the Cape of Good Hope and onto India. Their Bristol Fighters were dismantled and packed into creates for the journey. On arriving in Calcutta, India they boarded a train to take them across the country to the Afghanistan boarder, the crates containing the Fighters were loaded on as well. The train journey took a couple of weeks to complete. In June 1919 the squadron was based at Quetta, India (now Pakistan), for Army co-operation work on the North West Frontier with Afghanistan. While there the squadron was involved in the Third Anglo-Afghan War when King Amanullah of Afghanistan declared war on the British India and the Afghans seized a large tract of land near the historic Khyber Pass. 48 squadron was one of 5 RAF squadrons that were ordered into action against the Afghan hill-tribes in the mountainous region of the Khyber Pass. A make shift aerodrome was laid out near Dakka village as a base for the squadrons. The Bristol fighters were used in bombing missions on Jalalabad. The bombing campaign by the RAF was one of the main factors that drove King Amanullah to call for a truce with the British.

Make shift Aerodrome used by the Squadron in Dakka, 1919.

BE2E Biplanes at the Dakka Aerodrome, 1919.
Few Snapshots from our Aviation History

During tour in India Reginald contracted Malaria and also got frost bite on his cheeks flying over the Kyber Pass. After a few months in India the RAF was being reorganised and Reginald was offer the position of an Officer in the RAF but he and some friends decided to leaved the Air Force and return to England. For his tour in India Reginald was awarded the India General Service Medal with Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 Clasp

Capt. Fredrick Joseph Cunninghame

Fredrick Cunninghame was born on the 23rd April 1894 in Northampton. In September 1914 he was a working as a journalist.


When the war started he enlisted in Edgar Mobbs' Battalion, "D" Company, 7th Northamptonshire Regiment.

He joined in the R.F.C. in September 1917. He was transferred to 48 Squadron on the 8th May 1917 where he served as a pilot. He gain the status of flying ace by claiming 5 victories.



2nd July 1918 - At 1950 hours with observer 2Lt Knowles engaged a Pfalz scout south-east of Foucaucourt and 50 rounds were fired from the front guns at a range of 100 yards. Shots could be seen entering the fuselage which began to emit smoke, and it fell over on it's side and went down alternatively diving and stalling, apparently out of control.

Some time during this period Cunninghame was promoted to Captain.

28th September 1918 - Led with his observer Lt Brunton an offensive patrol. South east of Roulers saw a formation of six Fokkers about 1,000 feet below them. At 1445 hours he dived on them and singled out the rearmost and when about 200 feet from the E.A. fired about 50 rounds at it. Something was seen to fall from the E.A. He continued to fire and the top right plane folded with the Fokker going down in a right hand spin. It's final fate could not be observed due to clouds below.

3rd October 1918 - Led a bombing run of F2bs on Izegham with his observer Lt.Brunton. They where approached from the south by 12 Fokkers and engaged them. These E.A. had white fuselages with black and white tails and they attached the Bristols over Ingelmunster. Brunton opened fire on the leader at long range and after a few rounds the plane burst into flames and went down East of Inglemunster. Immediately another E.A. was engaged and Brunton fired a full drum into this one which fell out of control and crashed north of Lendelede. During this combat Lt G. Thorneton-Norris and Sgt R.L.G. White engaged one of the Fokkers and after 50 rounds had been fired from the rear the E.A. burst into flames and went down north-west of Iseghem. Unfortunately one plane in the patrol piloted by 2Lt J.B.Cowan with Lt L.N. Jones went down in flames and both pilot and observer where reported 'Missing in Action'.

14th October 1918 - While leading an offensive patrol with observer Lt Jones they observed 10 Fokkers west of Thielt at 0855 hours. They dived and they overshot the first E.A. but he fired 100 rounds into another and shot away part of the elevator or tail plane. The Fokker, with a white tail, side-slipped and spun down out of control, disappearing into the mist below.

Family Photo

The White Family - 1915
Back: Irene White, Arthur White, Reginald White
Front: Phyllis White, Henrietta White, William White, Mabel White

This photograph was taken during 1915 in Buckingham shortly before Arthur, the eldest son, left for France with his Territorial Regiment (Ox. & Bucks Light Infantry). The family who lived at the Police House in the village of Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire travelled the six miles to the photographers in a wagonette. This was hired from the proprietor of the "Phoenix" public house for two shillings and sixpence. The publican, Mr Billy Harris, supplemented his public house takings with the hire of this vehicle. The family was accompanied on their journey by a cousin Charles White (later Reverend). Whilst the photograph was being taken Charles tried (with an obvious lack of success) to make everyone laugh by pulling faces.

2Lt. James Basil Cowan

James B. Cowan father's family originally came from County Atrim, Ireland. In 1893 in Melbourne, Australia, his father, Alex Dow Cowan, married his mother, Margaret MacLeod of Wallan Wallan, Victoria, Australia. James was born in St Kilda, a suburb of Melbourne, on the 13th May 1894.

Before the war he studed at Queen's College, Melbourne before becoming a Bank Clerk

14th August 1914 - Enlisted into the 2nd Austrailian Field Artillery Bridgade (No. 806).

20th October 1914 - Embarked from Melbourne on board Transport A9 Shropshire.

1915 - Transfered to Pay Corp as a Corporal (No.151)

8th April 1915 - Joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force

9th July 1915 - Admitted to Hospital in Alexandria suffering from Synovitis knee.

16th July 1915 - Transfered to the Convalescent Depot, Mustapha.

14th September 1915 - Discharged to Base Details at Convalescent Camp, Glymenopoulo.

31st August 1916 - Admitted to Military Hosptial, Bulford, England.

15th September 1916 - Discharged from Military Hosptial, Bulford, England.

26th January 1917 - Attends R.F.C. No.3 School at Exeter College and taken on strength.

16th March 1917 - Appointent to a commission in the Royal Flying Corp. A call had been made by the R.F.C. for officers and other ranks from A.I.F. to train as pilots. James was one of the first group of 200 Australian Cadets from the 1st A.I.F. to attend the School of Aeronautics training course at Oxford University.

20th March 1917 - Joins No.12 Reserve Squadron.

10th August 1917 - Graded as a Flying Officer.

6th October 1917 - Joins UK Eastern Training Brigade.

November 1917 - Joins No. 74 Squadron.

13th December 1917 - Injured.

15th January 1918 - Discharged from Hospital.

6th February 1918 - Returned to 74 Squadron.

Photo taken by 2Lt Herbert Thomas
'Over The Front' Volume 4 Number 2
5th March 1918 - Joins 68 Training Squadron.

13th April 1918 - Promoted to Lieutenant.

28th April 1918 - Joins No. 8 Training Squadron.

3rd August 1918 - Joins 48 Squadron in France, flying Bristol Fighters.

31st August 1918 - While on an offensive patrol, with observer Sgt R.L.G. White, over Elverdinghe, Cowan was forced to land his Bristol F2b (Serial E2469) after being hit by anti-aircraft fire.

2nd September 1918 - On an offensive patrol, flying a Bristol F2b (serial C943) with his observer Lt. T.L. Jones west of Lille. At 1930 hours a formation of five Fokkers biplanes dived on them. Lt T.L. Jones fired a red flare to warn the rest of the of the patrol then opened fire on the nearest E.A. which went into a vertical dive smoking and then burst into flames. At 1945 while on their way home they were attacked by three more Fokkers. Both Cowan and Jones fired at one of the E.A. which rolled over and fell completely out of control. They were shot up during the dog fight but returned to the aerodrome ok.

26th September 1918 - Left Hazelbrouck at 9.55am to go on an offensive patrol, flying a Bristol F2b (E2282) with his observer Lt. L.N.Jones. East of Menin they encountered 8 enemy aircraft and engaged them in combat. Their engine was shot up and they were forced to crash at 12pm.

29th September 1918 - While on an offensive patrol, flying a Briston F2b (E2520) with Lt.L.N.Jones as his observer they had a mid air collision with another plane in their patrol (E2530) at 8.15am. The other plane, piloted by 2Lt WS Rycroft with observer 2Lt HC Wood, went straight down and crashed near no mans land. Cowan managed to limp home before crashing on the airfield. Rycroft and Wood were both injured in their crash and taken to hospital.


The pilot in the cockpit is the Australian 2/lt W. Stanley Rycroft who was WIA on the 30th September 1918.
The photo taken by 2Lt Herbert Thomas
'Over The Front' Volume 4 Number 2

3rd October 1918 - Capt F.J.Cunninghame was leading a bombing run over Izegham when a group of 12 Fokkers were spotted to the south and engaged. Two of the enemy aircraft were shot down in the ensuing air battle. Cowan's Bristol F2b (serial E2523) was seen to go 'Down In Flames' by Squadron member 2Lt Herbert Thomas at 1750 hours near Ingelmunster. The group returned to their aerodrome to report Cowan and his observer, Lt L.N. Jones, as 'Missing in Action'

Cowan's plane crashed in the vicinity of the 'Onlede Molen', (busy windmill) between Lichtervelde and Gits. The crash site was 15 miles North West from where the air battle had taken place. Cowan probable died in the crash and was buried next to a cross near a farmhouse outside the town of Lichtervelde. Jones was not buried with Cowan so was probably capture by the Germans and taken to a Military Hospital in Lichtervelde were he died the same day from his wounds.

The town of Lichtervelde was liberated a few weeks later.

Original location of the grave of James Cowan near Lichtervelde.
Photos taken by Filip Van Devyvere
After the war Cowan's remains were exhumed and taken to the New British Cemetery in Dadizele.

Grave of James Cowan at the New British Cemetery in Dadizele.
Photo taken by Filip Van Devyvere
Tributes were paid to Cowan in the Melbourne Newspaper "The Argus" on the 3rd October 1921 by members of his family.

Cadet White

Reginald White as a Officer Cadet

Reginald joined the RAF on the 1st April 1918 and was originally a Cadet (No 110761) with "B" Flight, No 3 Squadron. He trained in the South East of England (Hythe, Eastchurch and New Romney) until August 1918. At the end of August Reginald joined 48 Squadron as an observer.

Grandad's Medals

Sky their battlefield

In the book Sky their battlefield, which lists all allied aerial casualties of the Great War, Reginald is mentioned three times.

31st August 1918 - Flying Bristol F2b serial E2469 with his pilot 2Lt JB Cowan, crashed after an offensive patrol at Elverdinghe - forced to land after taking a hit by anti-aircraft fire.

1st October 1918 - Flying Bristol F2b serial E2531 with his pilot Lt EC Shurley, shot up during combat on an offensive patrol to Menin. Both OK.

25th October 1918 - flying Bristol F2b serial E-2534 with his pilot 2Lt G Thorneton-Norris, Forced to land at Deerlyck at 2.45pm due to anti-aircraft fire. Both OK.