Rfc 142 Palestine Operations

[avinoam549]

Hi All.
I am new with this forum.
I research the history of aviation in Israel and palestine.
Looking for info on 142 Sqn,RFC ops in Palestine during WW1.
Any help will be appreciated.

Avi

[Leatherhead]

Avi,

You can try the UK National Archives. Try the link below. Put in 142 Squadron and a date range between 1914-1919, or whatever search criteria you like. Hopefully, you will find some useful information. The only problem is you have to pay for it, and stuff out of the UK isn't cheap.

Search | Results

[avinoam549]

Thank you.
I have registered to their website but when sign in,All I get is a blank page.
Do you have an idea why?

[Graeme]

As per the Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation website (Sqn Histories 141-145_P), the potted history of No 142 Squadron is:

Formed at Ismailia on 2 February 1918 in the Corps Reconnaissance role, it was employed in support of the Army in both Egypt and Palestine, settling in Egypt after the war, where it was disbanded by being renumbered No 55 Squadron on 1 February 1920.

Combat-related casualties appear to be:

19-Mar-18 - Capt A J Evans (Pow) in Martinsyde G102 A3960
25-Apr-18 - Maj E R McGregor-Turnbull (Pow) + Lt Charles Tyrwhitt Repton (Kia) in RE8 B6601
04-May-18 - 2nd Lt Reginald Charles van der Ben (Wia) in ?
29-Sep-18 - 2nd Lt J S Wesson (Pow) + Lt W Steele (Pow) in DH9 C6231

Awards included:

Lieutenant Reginald Charles VAN DER BEN - MC

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on contact patrol this officer was severely wounded in the leg from the ground. Notwithstanding this, he continued his offensive action, machine gunning the enemy troops, and told his pilot to carry on, thus enabling him to complete his reconnaissance.

Captain Henry Ivan HANMER - DFC

A brilliant and very gallant airman who is gifted with great organising powers combined with endurance and disregard of personal danger. He led the machines that were detailed to keep in touch with the Desert Mounted Corps, and it was due to Capt. Hanmer's energy and personal supervision that our machines were enabled to render the assistance they did.

Lieutenant (Honorary Captain) Hugh Aldred COURTENAY - DFC

On 21st September this officer attacked an enemy column with bombs and machine guns from an altitude of 500 feet in extremely difficult country. He secured a direct hit on the head of the column, thus blocking the road and enabling our troops to capture large quantities of guns and other material. Capt. Courtenay is a keen and zealous officer of great initiative.

2nd Lieutenant Oswald Charles DAWSON - DFC

This officer rendered exceptionally valuable service between 19th and 26th September, when acting as observer to Capt. Hanmer. The information he brought back was of the greatest value to the Desert Mounted Corps and materially assisted operations.

Lieutenant William ELLIOT - DFC

On 27th September this officer was detailed to drop an ultimatum on a body of hostile troops some 5,000 strong. Descending to 400 feet, although exposed to intense rifle and machine-gun fire, he remained until he actually saw the message picked up; a fine example of determination and courage. He returned with his machine badly shot about.

2nd Lieutenant Reginald Charles VAN DER BEN MC - DFC

During recent operations this officer's reconnaissance work has been invaluable in keeping touch with the advanced cavalry and in reporting the disposition of the enemy. 2nd Lieut. Van Der Ben is a keen and zealous officer, always ready to volunteer for any service requiring quick initiative and daring.

I'm not aware of any victories claimed by the unit.

Graeme

[avinoam549]

All the best
Avi