Role of RAF Reserve Squadrons

[crab79]

Hi,

I am researching a Sgt Pilot WM Jackson who died in a flying accident on 30th Sep. 1916. He was flying an FE2B from Mousehold Heath and belonged to No 9 Reserve Squadron.

Before his death he had not served overseas, only in the UK at Farnborough and with 19, 10 and then 9 Reserve Squadrons. He had passed his RAC certificate in June 1916.

I have his Air 79 papers, MIC, medal roll, RAC certificate and photo, etc.

He was awarded the British War and Victory medals, whch means that some of his UK service must have been considered as 'operational'.

So to my question; does anyone know what the role of these reserve squadrons was? Did they take part in operations to defend the UK?

Thanks for any assistance,

Regards, Steve

[Graeme]

Steve

Reserve Squadrons were essentially training units but they could be called upon to assist in Home Defence if necessary.

Graeme

[crab79]

Graeme,

Thank you, very helpful, that was what I had suspected. I am trying to work out why he was awarded the medals when he not not left the UK. It could be that he flew as a gunner/observer before pilot training, and maybe had at least one engagement with an enemy aircraft.

Regards, Steve

[crab79]

Nils,

Thanks for your reply.

Aircrew delivering aircraft to France from the UK could earn the British War Medal on its own. Aircrew flying in the air defence of Britain could earn the 14/15 Star BWM and Victory before end of 1915, or BWM and Victory from 1st Jan 1916.

I was not aware of the book by Cole & Cheeseman, thanks for checking that.

I have the medal card which does show BWM and Vic, and there is a note on the back saying his mother applied for medal and certificate. I also have the Medal roll and this shows the two medals, although there are some ticks and crosses that I cannot decipher. Having checked the MIC for others listed on the roll with the same ticks/crosses, some have the same entitlement.

The medal issue could be a mistake, or it could be that as he was qualified to fly and could be called upon to fly in the air defence of Britain, even if he had not actually flown in action, then he qualified, .

Regards, Steve