missing man in 43 Squadron Photo

Is the pilot in the middle of the upper row L.L.DeJean? The main photo is attributed to 43 squadron (see page 192 "Above The Trenches," Norman Franks, Grub Street) and identifies lower left pilot as Capt. A.H. Orlebar. He doesn't join 43 until August '18, so we know the approx. date of this photo. The small photo over-layed next to the chap in the middle of the upper row is the official photo of L.L.DeJean from his Royal Aero Club ticket. L.L.DeJean, an American, joined the R.F.C. in Canada in October, 1917, arrived Eastbourne June 22, 1918, received his RAeC 'ticket' or pilot's certificate August 2 or 3, spun into ground and seriously injured at 50 T.D.S in Eastbourne August 4, according to casualty cards at RAF/Hendon. Are they the same man? Does anyone have any other photos of 43 squadron?

[Ira_Silverman]

Charles:

I don't know if this will help at all, but here goes:

I have an autographed copy of a book in my hands, WINGED TRAILS, by Louis de Jean, published by the California Press in San Francisco in 1927. It is a book of aviation poetry, much of it WW1 related, but also about flying the air mail and other aerial interests of the time.

No bio of DeJean, but there is a pen & ink portrait of him with RFC wings. RFC wings? - privately published in the states? - It appears that he could be your man.

FWIW.

VBR,

Ira

[Ginger.]

What type of aircraft did 43 Squadron fly?

[Ira_Silverman]

Ginger:

Apr - Dec 1916 - Various (BE.2e, Avro 504K, etc.)
Dec 1916 - Sept 1917: Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter
Sept 1917 - Oct 1918: Sopwith Camel
Aug 18 - Sept 19: Sopwith Snipe

From Halley, James J. THE SQUADRONS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE. Air-Britain, 1980.

HTH

VBR,

Ira

Dear Ira,
Thank you so very, very much. This is what I love about the forum ! Yes, he is the same man. I have his 'ticket' and pasted inside next to his photograph is a small pen-and-ink drawing of him in uniform, just as you describe. I ahve been trying to find out whatever ahppened to him and you ahve given me the answer. I have just searched, found and ordered a copy of his book of poetry. This is so exciting! If you would like to see photos of his 'ticket,' go to http://charlesgosse.home.mindspring.com, it exhibits my collection and shows this item. Again, thank you so very much.

Charley

[Ira_Silverman]

Hi Charley:

You made my day!

I visited your website (as I do on a regular basis – your collection is something you should truly be proud of) and looked at his certificate. The drawing is the same drawing and the signature/autograph matches.

It’s when the Internet gets “personal” that it’s potential is realized.

With best regards,

Ira

Ira,
When the two photos of L.L. DeJean are overlayed, there is an uncanny likeness, it's impossible to think of them being separate people. The 43 squadron picture had to have been taken no earlier than August, 1918, because Orlebar joined it that month. But De Jean crashed August 4, so that leaves a very small window - August 1, 2, 3 or early morning on the 4th - in which De Jean and Orlebar could be in the same picture. But this doesn't make sense because De Jean crashed at 50 T.D.S. in Eastbourne, while 43 was still in the field in France, so I conclude the picture is most likely taken after the war. The last entry on DeJean's casualty card is Dec. 10, 1918, where he is transferred to another hospital. Perhaps he joined 43 in 1919?

The 43 squadron photo credit is to the writer R.C. 'Chaz' Boyer, but I don't know from which of his books. Any ideas?

[Ira_Silverman]

Charles:

I’m not having a lot of luck finding the source of the photo. I thought it may have been in Bowyer’s AIRMEN OF WORLD WAR 1, but after searching through it tonight, I can say with some certainty that its not. Likewise I struck out in searches of indices of Cross & Cockade (USA and International) and Over the Front.

It may be that its from his personal collection. I still have a few other places to look; I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

VBR,

Ira

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it.

[Ira_Silverman]

Hi Charles:

I couldn’t find the same picture as in OVER THE FRONT, but I found two more of 43 Squadron personnel in Bowyer’s SOPWITH CAMEL – KING OF COMBAT (Aston Publications, 1988).

I’m e-mailing them to you separately.

In looking at the photo in your pilot’s wallet, I’m thinking he looks more similar to the man standing in the middle of the OTF picture (next to the man you’ve highlighted). I could be completely wrong – you’ve got a much clearer picture than I.

In the first photo I sent (43 Squadron 1918.BMP), note the officer sitting on the far right – he appears to be that same gentleman.

The second photo (43 Sqn – 2.bmp) has all 5 officers ID’d – no DeJean there.

What are your thoughts? What leads you to believe DeJean is the man on the right?. I’ll keep looking for more pictures. Nothing like a good challenge!

VBR,

Ira