Capt WHC Mansfield

[Kliff]

I am researching Captain WHC Mansfield DSO RFC and would be grateful for any infomation on this pilot. I understand that he commanded both 20 and 39 squadrons for periods during the war. Many thanks.

[Graeme]

Kliff

Born on 3 October 1887 he was Gazetted into the Shropshire Light Infantry on 9 October 1907 and transferred into the RFC on 28 April 1914.

He served with No 2 Squadron RFC (with Harvey-Kelly and one other pilot was involved in the RFC's first claimed victory on 25 August 1914).

Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette number 29001, 9 December 1914).

Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette number 29074, 18 February 1915) - for services rendered in connection with Operations in the Field (announcement repeated in London Gazette number 29111, 24 March 1915, with full Christian names rather than initials).

Served with No 7 Squadron on Home Defence duties; injured with his observer, QMSgt H E Chaney, 19 January 1915 during a Zeppelin patrol. Came under fire from Anti-Aircraft guns in London; engine failed and machine went into a spinning nose-dive from which he recovered but made a heavy landing.

Temporary Captain, 7 December 1914 to 9 June 1915; Captain, 10 June 1915; CO of No 20 Squadron RFC (as Temporary Major) March 1916 to October 1917; Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel October 1917 to March 1918.

I've a note of a possible link with the Barons of Sandhurst but nothing else.

Graeme

[Kliff]

Hi Graeme

Thanks you so much for the infomation, the reason I am researching is that I have recently bought a RFC propellor boss. It has an inscription on it inscribed on a silver plaque. It reads " Capt WHC Mansfield DSO, Royal Flying Corps, The night of 19th January 1915, Sevenoaks" The boss has reference marks on it: "Series S 2 VC24X5 " and on the reverse side: "M No 862B DIA 8.57". It would seem that it was from the incident that you described.
Once again, thank you very much - Kliff

[MattyBoy]

I have found a John Hamilton Mansfield who was also in the Shropshire Light Infantry & R.F.C.
Could he possibly be related to W.H.C. Mansfield ?