Lieut.W.J.Dooley,RAF

22 November 2003, 02:43 PM

I have a group of medals to Lieut.W.J.Dooley, who started the war as a private with the 4th Suffolk Regiment (his 1914 star is named to this unit) but later, in 1918. joined the RAF. The London Gazette entry states: 7 June 1918: W.J.Dooley (late Lt.,Suffolk R. TF) is granted a temporary commission as 2nd Lt.(KB) and is to be Hon. Lt. 20 July 1918.
Can anyone tellm me what the letters KB indicate?

22 November 2003, 06:34 PM

First guess, Knight Bachelor
Second guess, Kite Balloons.

The observation balloons were an RFC/RAF unit.

Vin · 22 November 2003, 07:11 PM

TF is territorial forces. KB will be Kings something or other. "Battalion" ?

Vin

22 November 2003, 07:20 PM

I think Knight Bachelor can be eliminated. He was a private soldier to start the war. Kite Balloons had crossed my mind, as it was the only possibility I could think of, but there may be some other explanation.

Shredward · 22 November 2003, 07:29 PM

Prolly Kings Borderers
cheers,
shredward

Graeme · 23 November 2003, 03:26 PM

There were the King's Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) and the South Wales Borderers (SWB); nothing abbreviated to KB in terms of a Regiment. My guess is that it refers to Kite Balloons.

Graeme