Lancelot "Duke" de Saumerez

ffross · 15 February 2020, 11:06 AM

I was searching for more info on Duke, a squadron mate of my grandfather while he was with the 41st RFC. I found an old thread from the Aerodrome, ca 2008, where someone was asking for more info. I thought I'd at least put a photo up, in case there was still someone searching.

Lancelot_de_Saumerez_Duke by Frank Ross, on Flickr

R Gannon · 15 February 2020, 02:04 PM

Hi

Lt Lancelot de S Duke served with 84 Sqn (SE5s) 10 Feb 18 to 23 Apr 18 when wia (arm) during a combat with 9-10 Fokker Triplanes, possibly from Jasta 12. (one engaged and shot down crashed by Lt AW Proctor was green with black tail). Duke also sent a Triplane down OOC. Also a Pfalz OOC on 11 Apr 18.

Russ

Graeme · 16 February 2020, 01:48 AM

Duke had previously served as an Observer with No 35 Squadron, from 4 November 1916 until 30 July 1917. After pilot training, he joined No 84 Squadron on 10 or 11 February 1918 and was slightly injured in S.E.5a B4886 when he force landed at Dury due to engine trouble on offensive patrol on 10 March.

Duke was unhurt when S.E.5a C5400 was shot through by machine-gun fire from the ground on offensive patrol over Peronne on 25 March.

As Russ has posted, he was wounded in combat on 23 April.

He returned to No 84 Squadron on 28 September 1918 and remained with the unit until 8 April 1919.

On 11 April 1918, he claimed an Pfalz Scout out of control east of Albert while flying S.E.5a B8403 and he was flying the same machine on 23 April when he claimed a Fokker Triplane out of control north-east of Framerville. These claims appear in RAF Communiques number 2 and 4, respectively.

As far as I know, he was involved in no actions as an observer that led to any claims being made.

His Distinguished Flying Cross was included in the King's birthday honours list of 3 June 1919 (Gazette number 31378, page 7031) so was announced without citation:

Air Ministry,
Strand, London, W.C. 2.
3rd June, 1919.

His Majesty The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned rewards to Officers and Other Ranks of the Royal Air Force, in recognition of distinguished services rendered during the war:—

AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Lt. (A. /Capt.) Lancelot de Saumarez Duke (Can. Inf.). (FRANCE)

Graeme