Missing-in-dispatches?

atatexan · 18 January 2009, 07:30 PM

I looked with interest in the "Medals" section under "MC" and "DFC" noting an actual list of all recipients. My excitement built. 113 airmen received the British Military Cross with bar. My grandfather received this decoration as well as the DFC - yet he is not listed on this wonderful website.

How do I remedy this error?

Graeme · 7 February 2009, 01:36 PM

You would have to find another four victories for your grandfather - the listing on this website is specifically for "aces".

Graeme

atatexan · 9 February 2009, 08:25 PM

Well that explains it. My grandfather was an "O-wing". Thank you, Graeme, for the clarification.

Graeme · 10 February 2009, 11:47 AM

I'm not sure if you will already have this information, but these are the citations for your grandfather's awards:

FROM THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE OF TUESDAY THE 20TH OF OCTOBER, 1916
PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 1916

War Office,
20th October, 1916.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field :—

Temp. 2nd Lt. Charles Thornton Cleaver, Genl. List.

For conspicuous gallantry and skill. He has shown great dash in contact patrol work at very low altitudes. On one occasion he obtained good information of a trench flying at 500 feet under heavy fire from rifles and machine guns.

FROM THE FOURTH SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE OF FRIDAY THE 15TH OF JUNE, 1917
PUBLISHED ON MONDAY, 18 JUNE, 1917

War Office,
18th June, 1917.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award a Bar to the Military Cross to the undermentioned Officers:—

Temp. 2nd Lt. Charles Thornton Cleaver, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When flying at a low altitude, on reconnaissance patrol, he was wounded in the arm. He continued flying for some time, gaining most valuable information. On landing he insisted on being taken to Headquarters to impart the results of his reconnaissance.

(M.C. Gazetted 20th October, 1916.)

FROM THE SECOND SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE OF FRIDAY THE 7TH OF FEBRUARY, 1919
PUBLISHED ON SATURDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, 1919

Air Ministry,
8th February, 1919.

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to confer the undermentioned Rewards on Officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force in recognition of gallantry in flying operations against the enemy :—

AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Lt. (Hon. Capt.) Charles Thornton Cleaver, M.C. (FRANCE)
Lt. (A./Capt.) Arthur Frederick Peacey. (FRANCE)

On 11th October these officers carried out a most daring and successful contact patrol. Flying at an average height of fifty feet in the face of extremely heavy machine-gun fire, they at times descended to twenty feet to enable Captain Cleaver to communicate with the troops. Much valuable information was obtained as to the strength and location of the enemy, proving of the greatest assistance to our troops. The machine and engine were hit by fire from the ground, but although these officers fully realised this, they refused to leave the lines until the reconnaissance was completed.

(Capt. Cleaver's M.C. gazetted 20th October, 1916. Bar to M.C. 18th June, 1917.)

Graeme

atatexan · 10 February 2009, 01:01 PM

Graeme,

Thank you very much for these dispatches. I may have seen them as a lad but they are now missing. Very interesting. I am looking at his tunic with three wound stripes on the left sleeve above the winged crown.

I am blessed to have his flying log and diary. The thing that amazes me is the matter-of-fact tone. He and pilot (later Viscount) Portal were shot up (100 bulet holes in the Parasol/scrapped on the spot) yet it sounds like afternoon tea.

Charley