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.