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Hugh_A._Halliday · 2 March 2002, 05:10 AM

Barrett (post 50) asked about First World War VC nominations that failed, and although I was certain such had happened, I could give no examples. I have one now.

BORTON, Amyas Eden, Captain. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and Royal Flying Corps - No.8 Squadron - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 3 July 1915.

"When on flying reconnaissance near Staden on June 7th, 1915, Captain Borton was wounded in the head and neck by a bullet from a hostile aeroplane, and although suffering from loss of blood he contrived, with the assistance of his observer, Captain Marshall, to bandage his wounds and completed the reconnaissance on the prescribed course. His injuries are such that he is not yet out of danger.

"Captain Marshall continued his observations, after rendering all possible ad to the pilot, who was gradually losing consciousness, notwithstanding that the German aeroplane was persistently attacking. The valuable report supplied by this officer is as detailed and complete for the last as it is for the first part of the reconnaissance.

The original recommendation by Lieutenant-Colonel C.J. Burke (Officer Commanding 2nd Wing, RFC) dated 8 June 1915 is worth quoting; it appeared (edited) in Aeroplane of 4 February 1933.

"I have the honour to bring to your notice the gallant conduct of Captain A.E. Borton yesterday. When a long way from our lines he was overtaken by a hostile machine that was greatly superior to his both in climbing power and speed. Almost immediately Captain Borton was very badly wounded through the neck and jaw and the machine became out of control. He apparently pulled himself together by a tremendous effort and regained control. The situation he was then in might strike terror into the bravest. He was badly wounded, bleeding terribly without ability to stop it. The hostile machine could with impunity fire at him when it liked and he was miles from home...Even if [sic, "Only if ?"] he was not hit again could he hope to have strength to last until he reached the British lines, or would loss of blood do what his enemy wanted ? If ever there appeared a hopeless and defenceless position, this was one.

"It is a marvellous thing that in his condition he could follow his course, but he doggedly stuck to it. The gallant conduct and devotion of this officer cannot be brought out in a report, but after the most careful thought and consideration, it forces itself on me that he is worthy of the highest reward and I have the honour to submit that he be rewarded with the Victoria Cross."

2 March 2002, 05:10 AM	#61 (permalink)
Hugh_A._Halliday Scout Pilot Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 300	Barrett (post 50) asked about First World War VC nominations that failed, and although I was certain such had happened, I could give no examples. I have one now. BORTON, Amyas Eden, Captain. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and Royal Flying Corps - No.8 Squadron - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 3 July 1915. "When on flying reconnaissance near Staden on June 7th, 1915, Captain Borton was wounded in the head and neck by a bullet from a hostile aeroplane, and although suffering from loss of blood he contrived, with the assistance of his observer, Captain Marshall, to bandage his wounds and completed the reconnaissance on the prescribed course. His injuries are such that he is not yet out of danger. "Captain Marshall continued his observations, after rendering all possible ad to the pilot, who was gradually losing consciousness, notwithstanding that the German aeroplane was persistently attacking. The valuable report supplied by this officer is as detailed and complete for the last as it is for the first part of the reconnaissance. The original recommendation by Lieutenant-Colonel C.J. Burke (Officer Commanding 2nd Wing, RFC) dated 8 June 1915 is worth quoting; it appeared (edited) in Aeroplane of 4 February 1933. "I have the honour to bring to your notice the gallant conduct of Captain A.E. Borton yesterday. When a long way from our lines he was overtaken by a hostile machine that was greatly superior to his both in climbing power and speed. Almost immediately Captain Borton was very badly wounded through the neck and jaw and the machine became out of control. He apparently pulled himself together by a tremendous effort and regained control. The situation he was then in might strike terror into the bravest. He was badly wounded, bleeding terribly without ability to stop it. The hostile machine could with impunity fire at him when it liked and he was miles from home...Even if [sic, "Only if ?"] he was not hit again could he hope to have strength to last until he reached the British lines, or would loss of blood do what his enemy wanted ? If ever there appeared a hopeless and defenceless position, this was one. "It is a marvellous thing that in his condition he could follow his course, but he doggedly stuck to it. The gallant conduct and devotion of this officer cannot be brought out in a report, but after the most careful thought and consideration, it forces itself on me that he is worthy of the highest reward and I have the honour to submit that he be rewarded with the Victoria Cross."