7 Sqdn Capt. U.A. Lidell VC

Regulus · 28 February 2002, 05:14 AM

On the 31st july 1915 he and 2ndt Lt. Peck flew an RE5 and were attacked by a large biplane in the Brugge area. Normally this should have been by a plane of the Marine Landflieger or Feldflieger Abteilung 40. Didn't find anything in general KTB of Marine, but don't have all details on the units, and probably doesn't have anything to do with an incident of II MLFA at Moorsele. Any idea's by whom they were attacked ?
Lidell earned a VC for bringing back his badly damaged RE5. It looks as if he was quite seriously wounded as he died about a month later. Anyone know exactly when he died and where ?
I'm also looking for the text on his VC. :

Thanks !

VBR from Regulus

Scotty · 28 February 2002, 09:23 AM

Hi Regulus,

On this site, go to the "Links" button and scroll down to "Victoria Cross Reference". *That site has all of the information you are looking for...

VBR
Scotty

Regulus · 28 February 2002, 11:11 AM

THANK YOU SCOTTY !

Research on the VC's is kind of very new to me. I've added this site to my favourites ! Something not to forget for anyone doing research. Should have known that this site is even better than I thought it was.
In the past always was working on the German and Belgian units. British and US is just recently, to better understand history.

VBR from Regulus

Regulus · 1 March 2002, 02:11 AM

Still one question remains ...

Who was the crew that downed them ? ???

Any ideas ?

patrickmallahan · 3 March 2002, 02:54 PM

Regulus,

My records reveal the following:

NOTES
* * * *Capt. John Aiden Liddell & observer 2/Lt. R.H. Peck, fought off several H.A. before being hit by AA fire. Though wounded, Liddell gained a V.C. (gazetted 23.8.15) by safely returning his a/c and passenger to his own lines. A/C serial number 2457 is also somtimes seen as 2456. Born 3.8.88 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, eldest son of John Liddell, died of his wounds in Flanders on 31.8.15. His MiD & M.C. were won with the A&SH. Buried in Basingstoke Cemetery, Hampshire. Held RAeC ticket No. 781, granted at Brooklands on 14.5.14 flying a Vickers Biplane.

CITATIONS
* *O.D. p.1 & 173; C&H, pp.8 (V.C. citation) &144; F.O. 3. 9.15; TT-Obit-3/4. 9.15; C of S, vol.1, p.184; Williamson, p.94; LG 23.8.15; Cole I, pp.23-4; WITA, vol.II, pp.141-2; Henshaw, p. 44; Hobson, pp. 66, 228 & 328; C&C(GB) 4/4/74 (pic); C&C(I) 25/3/147-8 (a/c pic); C&C(US)22/3/196-8 (pic), 226; "Flight", 29.5.14, p. 570; Cooksley, pp. 33-39;

n.b. Cooksley in his "The Air VCs" says Liddell was shot in the air by a two-seater. Others say AA fire. Take your pick.

Some shorthand citations may mystify you but most will probably make sense. Hope this helps.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * Patrick

Regulus · 3 March 2002, 10:12 PM

Hi Patrick,

This helps really a lot !

Already had some doubts about a plane to plane fight, because of the damage that Liddell's plane had suffered. Still is possible, but have my personal serious doubts indeed.

Thank you very much !

VBR from Regulus