WWI RAF Medal

[PinCushionQueen]

I could be barking up the wrong tree here but I'm not sure which board to post this on...

I am in desperate search of some information regarding my great Grandfather who was in the RAF during the First World War.

It is my mother's 60th birthday soon and we are compiling a family history for her. My brother has one of his medals but I do not really understand what the inscription means... Is there any chance any of you may be able to tell me what position he held or any information at all about what he may have been doing?

The inscription on the medal says:

127628.PTE.2.A.B.TYRRELL.R.A.F

Can anyone help me at all?

Many thanks for your time and consideration

*PCQ*

[peter monahan]

The inscription on the medal says:

127628.PTE.2.A.B.TYRRELL.R.A.F

PCQ

Your Great granfer was a Private ("PTE") in the Royal Air Force ("RAF") which was formed from the Royal Flying Corps on April 1, 1918. His serial number was "127628" and apparently he was a Private 2nd class (PTE.2), though I've never heard of such a rank. I hasten to add that I'm no expert on the RFC/RAF and did only a cursory search for early ranks.

A.B. Tyrrell probably in late 1918 (so "RAF", not "RFC") but, again, just a guess - I don't think all medals were named to the RAf but simply don't know for sure. The following address claims to have squadron by squadron info. on RAF service, WWI. : http://www.btinternet.com/~lawrence.woodcock/rfcraf_1418.htm

He may be able to trace indicviduals. If not, and granny's b.day is a ways away you can write to the British ministry of defence (address to follow). With name, rank and serial number and proof of kinship, they will provide service details.

Hope this helps a little!

peter

Here is some data on RAF service records:

Generally, personnel records for those who served in the Royal Flying Corps,Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Air Force up to the mid 1920s are available to the public at:

The National Archives,

Ruskin Avenue,

Kew,

Richmond,

Surrey

TW9 4DU.

An excellent guide to the holdings of The National Archives can be found in Air Force Records for Family Historians by William Spencer (Richmond, Surrey: Public Record Office, 2000). The National Archives also produces helpful information sheets available on their website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

The records for other ranks who served in the Royal Air Force before 1920, or who had a service number lower than 329,000 (and who did not see any later service) can be found in record class AIR 79.

Edited August 30, 2006 by peter monahan