19580 Corporal Alfred Richard Waite

[ferret]

A bit of a long shot, this one, but here goes...

I have recently received the Death Certificate of 19580 Corporal Alfred Richard Waite, formerly of 100 Squadron, who died on the 6th of October 1917 in Kettering General Hospital. Amongst other contributory causes, a spinal fracture contributed to his death. I have searched through "The Annals of 100 Squadron" as well as a large number of WW1 documents relating to the squadron that I have in my possession, but can find nothing that mentions any incident in which he was involved whilst with the squadron to cause him such injuries. I've downloaded his service record from findmypast.co.uk and again, whilst his injuries and qualification for a disability pension are recorded, nothing about what caused them, which is probably to be expected. The only other document relating to him on the National Archives website is is medal card. A Google search has turned up nothing.

As I said, it's a long shot, but does anyone have any further information on the cause of Cpl. Waite's injuries? There is a small chance that there may be something recorded in the 9th Wing records (under whose control 100 Squadron were from the 6th of September 1917 to the 11th of October 1917), or the 10th Wing records under whose control 100 Squadron operated prior to the 6th of September 1917. Unfortunately, I do not have these records yet and am unlikely to be at the National Archives to view them for a few weeks yet.

Thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to offer up any information.

Best wishes,

Greg

[Graeme]

Greg

Acting Corporal Waite was injured in an accident on 8 April 1917 when FE2b A783, piloted by Lt H D Hardman, took off for circuits but hit a clump of bushes on the aerodrome, removing the undercarriage and completely wrecking the machine.

Maybe this was the cause of the injuries to which he later succumbed?

Source: AIR 1/847/204/5/381 - Reports on aeroplane and personnel casualties 01 April 1917 - 14 April 1917

Graeme

[ferret]

Graeme,

That is fantastic, thanks for such a fast reply!! Looking back at his service record, there is a note dated the 21st of April to say he was admitted to 20 General Hospital (?) at Dannes? The record is difficult to read, so that may not be an accurate transcription. On the 24th it shows him at the County of London Hospital, and on the 21st of August, at Kettering General Hospital.

Thanks Graeme, I think you've cleared up a little mystery for me there!! I owe you a pint

All the best,

Greg

[Graeme]

Greg

As far as I can see, Dannes is on the west coast, a little way north of Étaples. 100 Squadron was then based at Izel-lès-Hameau, so quite possibly Waite was taken from there to Dannes (some 65 Km west) for onward transport to England (Boulogne being the closest big port to Dannes).

Graeme

[ferret]

Graeme,

Thanks for this additional information. It does all seem to fit and I've added the information to the Roll of Honour for the forthcoming book - you will be credited of course.

Thanks again and very best wishes,

Greg