Fl/Lt Walter Roper D.F.M.

[barrageballoon]

I have found a WWI A.C.2 who was awarded the D.F.M. for services in France.
Now what are the chances of finding a medal citation?
Can anyone shed light on his WWI career?

Thanks Peter

This man was in the R.F.C. and was awarded the D.F.M. in May 1919 when he was listed in the London Gazette as:
402609 A.C.2 Walter Roper from Leeds was awarded the DFM for services in France gazetted 3rd June 1919.
He was also awarded the Decoration Militaire (Belgian) February 20th 1919 as 402069 2nd Corporal Storeman Walter Roper.
Post war he joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
He was in pre-war and joined No. 916 (County of Warwick) Balloon Squadron
On 27th March 1939 he was granted a commission as an Acting Pilot Officer.
As an Acting Pilot Officer with the D.F.M. he was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer on 13th July 1939.
War was imminent and on 1st September 1940 he was then promoted to Flight Lieutenant (temporary).
On 21st April 1945 he was transferred from Balloon Command to Administration and Special Duties.
He was awarded the Air Efficiency Medal on 26th January 1950.
He relinquished his commission on 10th February 1954 and was granted permission to retain the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

[john_g]

There does not appear tp be a citation with this award. His number is very high and he was either transfered in from another Regiment or renumbered by the RAF. He joined the Army on 30/10/15.

john_g

66 Squadron

[barrageballoon]

Hello John,
I presume you have acces to a rare collection of DFM data?
RFC/RAF SERVICE NUMBERS tells me that the number range for his service number 39640 to 40300 means July-Oct 1916 RFC - transfers.
I was wondering how you knew that date of joing the army??

Many thanks
Peter

[john_g]

Afraid I do not have a rare collection of DFM Data base but I do have a book that list DFC, AFC, DFM and it shows the date his DFM was gazetted with the words no citation.

I do have a copy of Air10 which says that he joined on 30/10/15, that he was storeman in the RFC and a Clerk in the RAF.

There is a AIR 76 for a W Roper at

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Search Results

which would cost £3.50 from the TNA.

Also in class WO339 there are the following W Roper's listed for files
WO339/70520, WO339/103263,WO339/116363 one of which might be your man.

There is a Lt W E Roper in class WO374/59041


Cheers

John-G

66 Squadron

[barrageballoon]

Thanks a lot I wil dig that set of files out next week weather permitting!
Thank you