F/Lt. J.G. Argles

[Alex Smart]

hello,

The subject of this thread is to find out if there have been any further information that may have come to hand on the history of F/Lt. J.G. Argles.

He was the reason for my very first posting on this forum back in march 2004.

Although being highly honored and serving in both World Wars , indeed as a high ranking officer in RAF Coastal Command in WW2 very little, next to zero, is known of his service history.

Has anything come to light in the last 12 months ?

Alex

[Scott]

He's mentioned twice in the London Gazette during World War I. Perhaps the following will be of interest to you.

Gazette Issue 29667 published on the 14 July 1916:

REGULAR FORCES.
The undermentioned temp. 2nd Lts. are transferred from Res. Bns. (except where otherwise stated), with seniority stated against their names:
...
D. of Corn. L.I.— J. G. Argles. 15th Mar. 1915.


London Gazette Issue 30582 published on the 15 March 1918:

ROYAL FLYING CORPS.
Mil. Wing.—The undermentioned appts. are made:
...
16th Jan. 1918.
Temp. Lt. J. G. Argles, D. of Corn. L.I., and to be transfd. to R.F.C. Gen. List.

[Alex Smart]

Yes thats the one,

We have all that is known of him with the DCLI, but can find NIL about him with the RFC and later service in the RAF, or his service history in WW2.
Documents show nothing, yet he was very highly decorated for his service to Coastal Command.

Thanks for your help

Alex

[Scott]

WWII London Gazette entries for ARGLES:

Gazette Edition, Issue 34713 20-October-1939

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH.
The undermentioned are granted commissions
in the ranks stated with effect from 1st
Sept. 1939 and with seniority of the dates
stated:—
...
Squadron Leaders.13th May 1939.
John Greville ARGLES (74823).

Gazette Edition, Issue 35107 14-March-1941

Air Ministry,
11th March, 1941.
His Majesty has been graciously pleased
to give orders for the publication of the names
of the following officers and airmen who have
been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers
Commanding-in-Chief: —
...
Squadron Leaders.
...
J. G. ARGLES (15086), R.A.F.V.R.

Gazette Edition, Issue 35618 3-July-1942

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Sqn. Ldrs. to be Wg. Cdrs. (temp.): —
...
J. G. ARGLES (15086).

Gazette Edition, Issue 35841 29-December-1942

Air Ministry, ist January, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to
give orders for the publication of the names, of
the following personnel who have been mentioned
in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-
in-chief : —
...
Group Captains.
...
J. G. ARGLES (Acting), R.A.F.V.R.

Gazette Edition, Issue 36033 28-May-1943

Air Ministry, 2nd June, 1943.
The KING has been graciously pleased to give
orders for the publication of the names of the
following personnel who have been mentioned in
despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-
Chief: —
...
Group Captains.
...
J. G. ARGLES (Acting).

Gazette Edition, Issue 36157 31-August-1943

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SPECIAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Wg. Cdrs. (temp.) granted the rank of Wg. Cdr. (war subs.): —
J. G. ARGLES (15086). 17th July 1943.

Gazette Edition, Issue 36309 31-December-1943

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS
OF KNIGHTHOOD.
St. James's Palace, S.W.I.
ist January, 1944.
The KING has been graciously pleased to
give orders for the following promotions in, and
appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of
the British Empire: —
...
To be Additional Commanders of the Military.
Division of the said Most Excellent Order:—
...
Acting Group Captain John Greville ARGLES,
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

[Taz]

Scott- How do you find all this stuff? That is amazing.

Terry Phillips
Taz

[Scott]

Hi Terry,

I searched the WWI and WWII archives at The London Gazette.

Scott

[MikeW]

Can only come up with a negative - he is not shown in the "Air Force List" for April 1918.

[Alex Smart]

hello,

Thanks to the Admin for the info from the Gazette. And to others who replied.

This was not new to me however.

What I am looking for is the reasons why he was so honoured and what of his service in Coastal command in WW2 ?

Thanks for all the info anyway, it showed that someone did read my message.

Thanks again

Alex

[Graeme]

Like Mike, I too can only provide a negative - Argles' name does not appear on the www.rafweb.org website in the biographical section (www.rafweb.org/Cdrs_Alp_ind.htm).

Graeme