Rudolf Berthold

My great uncle was shot down in a BE2c on April 16 1916 while flying with the RFC. He was killed instantly by a machine gun bullet but his observer survived as a prisoner of war and returned to England on September 11 1917. Rudolf Berthold was credited with this victory. I would like more specific information on this claim. If anyone can send me in the right research direction it would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Scotty]

Greetings Tony,

Your Great Uncle, 2Lt W.S. Earle and his observer 2Lt C.W.P. Selby were part of Number 9 Squadron RFC flying in a BE2c aircraft number #2097 on an Artillery Observation Patrol.

As you already know, they were shot down south of Maurepas by Obltn. Rudolf Berthold of KEK Vaux. This was his 5th Victory..

2Lt. Selby was wounded and captured, and subsequently made it Switzerland on December 24th 1916 and then to the UK on September 11th 1917..

Source:The Sky Their Battlefield by Trevor Henshaw.

I hope this is helpful to you...

Scotty

[Graeme]

All I can add is that his christian names were Wallace Sinclair.

Source: "Officers Died In The Great War 1914-1919"

Graeme

You might be able to obtain copies of (1) his casualty card and (2) his photograph, which likely is identical to the one in his Royal Aero Club pilot's license or 'ticket,' as it was called then, by writing to
Curatorial Officer, Dept of Research & Information Services
R.A.F. Museum Hendon
Grahame Park Way
London NW9 5LL.

You may also want to look at the extract at the Commonwealth's War Graves Commission at http://www.cwgc.org/ as well as visit Cross+Cockade magazine's web site to do a search on his squadron through the articles index.

You could also research him at the Public Records Office in Kew, London, England or, if you can't go over, the staff can suggest researchers who, while they will charge you a fee, they could turn up a great deal of detail, combat reports, and so forth. It is important that you tell the P.R.O. and RAF Hendon that you are next-of-kin. Good luck !