I have now had a good look at the material in Arthur’s field letter case (the tin box) and it is very complete and quite a trove. His MC is there along with other awards and a ton of letters, photographs and papers. Some of his personal effects are quite amazing. For instance, a tubular silver case for just one cigarette with a lighter in one end and a compass at the other. One for smoking in a field whilst waiting to be picked up by the squadron Crossley Tender after the engine stops… or worse.
The sense of immediacy is amazing, it’s like breathing in pure history – a snapshot of someones life. As Piers and I rooted carefully through the contents we were simply bowled over by the story, most of it yet to unfold.
Note: The Spad above was part of a lineup shown in other pictures in the box.
Either the British squadron was co-located, they were visitors, or perhaps Arthur grabbed his camera and popped across for a drink with the French/Americans. I don’t think the RFC/RAF operated the aircraft; it shouldn’t be difficult to place such a distinctively marked aircraft squadron.
*It seems that I will now be writing the book with Piers as Head Researcher and Archivist.
Sep 28, 2011
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