RFC questions

[Clemshark]

I am tracking down some information on an RFC pilot Capt HJ Butler, an Australian, and have a few questions someone may be able to answer.
Its hard as a novice to track down where to locate documents and info in the UK national archives when one lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

Butler was posted to No. 27 reserve squadron in about july 1916, after first spending about a month? at Oxford for his initial aviation training.
He then went to 49 squadron for another short period then onto no. 10 reserve squadron for a few months.
Would these postings have been for further training or for home defence?
Has anyone any knowledge or info on these sqdns or any other people in them at that time?
I have several letters home from him that describe chasing german planes over Ramsgate and then chasing "Zeps"
THe other letters i have are addressed from Hythe, Kent, Joyce Green, Dartmouth and Gosford. They are all from the mid to late 1916 period.
It has been stated in some contempory newspapers from Adelaide that he was flying in France, but i cant seem to find details. Did any of these squadrons fly from the UK to France?
He then went onto to become an instructor at Turnberry then Yorkeshire.

The other question is how did one purchase a aircraft from the war disposals board in early 1919? He bought 2 aircraft ( including a Bristol M1c that still survives in Minlaton, South Australia)
The records i am told are held in the national archives in Kew, but how do you track down the details for a specific aircraft ( in particular his Bristol M1c - serial no. C5001) I have read he paid 200 pounds but that sounds a lot for 90 years ago.

Any help or directions would be great.

Les (Clemshark)

[austin08]

Hello Les,
Glad to see someone is researching the elusive Butler! How were the celebrations for the 90th anniversary of his postal flight?
Have you visited the National archives in Angus St Adelaide? They do hold records for the SA Post master general which in light of his postal flights may reveal some information. At the very least they may have some links with other archives. Check whether the SA History Trust has any information as well.
Don't know if this is of any help at all but hopefully other members may be able to add information
Good Luck,
Daryl

[Clemshark]

Thanks Daryl,

I see you are from Adelaide and know of Butler and his exploits.
The 90th anniversary went very well with a big crowd including Dick Smith who flew in on his own plane.
The re enactment flight was great with Alistiar Crawford ( grandson of Harry's friend and mentor Cec Crawford) flying a tiger moth in. Even the weather was suitable with 30 knot winds almost equalling Harrys on the original flight of 50 knots)
When asked by a member of the crowd why he could land a 70 odd year old plane in the weather conditions but a RAAF fly over was cancelled, he replied with a wry smile " the simple answer is the RAAF have very set procedures but mine was a re enactment of a brave and daring stunt"
I also did an after dinner talk on Butlers life that was well recieved by the 250 that attended.
It has me inspired to fill in the gaps hence the post and plea for help.
A lot is known on his flying in Australia, but his day to day movements in the UK are a bit cloudy.
I have seen many records, documents, letters and newspaper articles that describe him as a fine pilot, daring, etc, etc, but cant find many records of him in combat.
One letter describes chasing german planes and onother states he is going out chasing "Zeps" near Ramsgate and he was mentioned in despatches for his part in the capture of 2 German submarines, so one would think that he did have some time in the air in combat with German planes. Did he shoot any down or at least take part in battles.
Another newspaper article describes him being wounded in the head over Douai and finally landing in allied lines so i am wondering that he must have spent some time doing this and there must be records hiding in the UK.
In any case i will continue to look up what i can from here and over the net and hope for some useful hints or info from my fellow WW1 forum members.

Les