new to the site - how do I find RFC records?

2
Hope someone might be able to help!

I have been trying to find my Grandfather's RFC record, but no luck in the medal tables.
I did hear that these records were destroyed, so any other ideas?
My Grandfather was a clerk, as far as I know, on account of poor eyesight and a disabled arm, so perhaps he was seconded to the RFC from another corps? In which case, would he appear in the medal list under this corps?
I remember seeing his medals when I was little and am sure one was for the RFC. I know that he served in France.
Someone kindly found a record with the same name and possible address connection, but this man is referred to as "aircraftsman", so do not think he is the right person.
Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

Many thanks
Fran

[Graeme]

Francesca

The bulk of recommendations for awards were destroyed in a fire at the War Office records repository at Arnside Street on 8 September 1940. However, awards for gallantry etc were announced in the London Gazette, so you could try searching on-line.

Depending upon when your Grandfather's service commenced, he would have been entitled to wear three of the six available campaign medals:

1914 Star (for service between 5 August and 22 November 1914)
1914-1915 Star (for service between 5 August and 31 December 1914, except those eligible for the 1914 Star)
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Territorial War Medal

The other campaign medal was the merchantile marine medal so is not applicable to Army/Air Force personnel.

Graeme

Thanks Graeme

I don't suppose my Grandfather was able to earn a 'gallantry' award (being a desk clerk - see original message!)
Any ideas whether he may have been in the RFC but working under the auspices of say, the Royal Service Corps? If so, I might be able to track down which one he is on the medal lists of the National Archives.

Also, the person mentioned in my message was said to be an 'aircraftsman' - was this the equivalent of 'private' for the RFC and RAF? In which case this could be him.
Thanks again
Fran

[Graeme]

Fran

You'd be surprised at the number of Aircraftsmen, Aircraftsmen 2nd Class, Aircraftsmen 1st Class and Leading Aircraftsmen (not to mention Flight Clerks, 3rd Class Clerks, 2nd Class Clerks, 1st Class Clerks, Corporal Clerks, Serjeant Clerks and Chief Clerks!) who received the Meritorious Service Medal.

I'm compiling a database of awards to air service personnel up to December 1920 - so far I've got 12,553 entries - so if you drop me an e-mail with your Grandfather's name (with forenames if possible), I'll see if I've got anything listed for him.

Awards of the campaign medals weren't listed in the London Gazette so I don't yet have details of these, so it would be case of searching out his medal entitlement card at the National Archive (or PRO as us old-timers still remember it). The PRO raises a small charge for this, but might be worth your while.

Graeme

Hello Graeme
Thanks for the reply - I'm having a problem getting into the forum on my pc so am using my other half's!

My Grandad was JOHN CHARLES SOMMERVILLE
born 1898 Strand, Middlesex

Hope this helps
regards
Fran

[Graeme]

Hi Fran

I too have had some problems logging onto the Forum recently - good to see you kept trying.

I'll have a scan through my database and see if anything turns up in respect of your granddad. Hopefully won't take too long.

Graeme