2 RFC pilots

JoaoMVM · 4 February 2009, 10:18 AM

Hello all!

Im looking for information about 2 RFC pilots. Their claims, squadrons they served and is possible, birth dates. They are:

Captn Whitworth Morgan
Captn A. St.Clair-Morford

An information,specially on their possible claims and entry and exit dates on squadrons will be very appreciated.

Regards

Joao M.

Graeme · 5 February 2009, 11:15 AM

Joao

MORGAN, 2nd Lieutenant Whitworth Archibald Cecil, Welsh Regiment, No 24 Sqn; Military Cross, 27 July 1916. Three claims - two EA forced to land on 10 and 18 June 1916 and a two-seater "captured" with Capt J A Crook of No 11 Sqn; this was possibly Ltn Otto Koch (Pow) + Ltn Martin Mengel (Pow), KG 3/Ks 13 [?]

He was later a flight commander in 79 Sqn (wia 31 May 1918).

from Flying Marines

Albert Clarence St Clair Morford was the only R.M. Officer to fly in the R.F.C. although Orde-Lees was also in the R.F.C. developing parachutes, but he was not a pilot.

He was severely wounded in 1916 whilst serving with the R.M. Brigade in France. On recovery he volunteered for flying with the R.F.C. on 7 July 1917. Although no records have been traced, apparently he had a reputation for reckless flying, in fact is possible that recklessness was the cause of his death years later.

He returned to Corps Duty on 6 January 1919 and continued in normal R.M. appointments ashore and afloat until retiring on 1 October 1943. However he was almost immediate recalled for service on the Staff of A.N.C.X.F., followed by Staff of Naval Comdr Eastern Task Force. After this he was appointed in Command of R.M. Military School, Thurlestone on 15 August 1944. It was here that he was killed when he unfortunately looked out of a tank hatch on the live firing range and was hit in the head by a bullet.

He was born in 1893.

Graeme

JoaoMVM · 5 February 2009, 12:54 PM

Thank you very much Greame!

Just a couple of clarifications please:

What is the date of Whitworth Morgans 3rd victory? Captn Crook of 11 Sqdn was flying a Nieuport single seater or a FE2b two-seater?

On Morford i have him in 64 Sqdn in October 1917 and on 23 Sqdn in August 1918 (wounded in action on both months) ...all this from information u previously gave me

Best Regards
Joao

Graeme · 5 February 2009, 01:38 PM

Joao

Morgan's third claim was also on 18 June 1916; Crook was in a Nieuport. I have a notion that Morgan remained in the RAF and got to be a Wing Commander or Group Captain

St Clair-Morford was indeed wounded twice, firstly in DH5 A9237 on 23 November 1917 (while with No 64 Sqn) and secondly on 8 August 1918 in Dolphin C8111 while with No 23 Sqn. I can't see that he made a claim with either squadron.

Graeme

JoaoMVM · 5 February 2009, 01:56 PM

Much appreciated Graeme!

Regards
Joao

TomMorgan · 22 April 2009, 04:34 AM

Joao,
Whitworth Archibald Cecil Morgan MC bar was my Grandfather. If you like I would be happy to share what information I have.
Regards
Tom Morgan

josquin · 22 April 2009, 05:40 AM

Joao

W.A.C. Morgan, birth registered in the 3rd Quarter (July-Sept.) 1894, at
Bedminster

A.C.St.C. Morford, birth registered in the 3rd Quarter 1893, at Brentford;
Morford had a Royal Aero Club Certificate (gives his birthdate &
birthplace) that I cannot access at this time.

Regards

Josquin

Graeme · 22 April 2009, 10:13 AM

Albert Clarence St Clair Morford received RAeC certificate number 4679 dated 19 May 1917. He had previously served with the Royal Marine Light Infantry.

Whitworth Archibald Cecil Morgan received ticket number 1950 dated 7 October 1915.

Graeme