6 replies to this topic

[Chris_Baker]

I have a suspicion that I am asking for something that does not exist here, but let me give it a try.

I am looking at the military career of Edward Medley Sant, who was missing after a flight on 1 September 1917 and later officially presumed dead on that day. I have a copy of his service record, medal record, 19 Squadron RFC history and combat reports covering his brief time with the Squadron: he served for precisely eight days with his unit before losing his life. Typically his record includes no details of his flying career and other than his name appearing in a casualty list there appears to be no record of his activity with the Squadron. I am guessing it may even have been his first operational flight.

If anyone can throw more light onto 19 Squadron and E. M. Sant, I would be grateful.

The aerodrome forum carries an old entry suggesting he was shot down by one Karl Hammes of Jasta 35.

[Trevor Henshaw]

Hi Chris,

This is the entry out of The Sky Their Battlefield for this man's death.  Hope it helps:

1 Sept
B3569    SPAD VII    19Sqn
**P combat shot down in spin near HOUTHULST FOREST MIA (2Lt EM Sant KIA) left 6-33am [?possible 'SPAD' claim combat WERVICQ Ltn K Hammes Ja35]

Regards,

Trevor

[Chris_Baker]

Thanks Trevor. Does it quote any original references for that information?

[Trevor Henshaw]

Hi Chris,

You're welcome.  The information regarding the fate of the 19 Sqn SPAD was taken from the relevant RFC Casualty Report (AIR1 files at the NA).  The potential German tie-up is my own assessment based on research of original German records and of German claim listings, which was part of the task in writing the book - to tie up German and British records of casualties were possible.  The fact that the tie-up gets a "?possible.." rating means that "it's worth thinking about because some aspects tie up.." but that there's not a conclusive mirror of events (in my view).  Not that there are usually many other alternatives in these situations.  But as you can imagine if there was a good venue for the effects of "fog of war" in assessing what had happened it would be at 14,000 feet up in 1917 with people shooting at you.

Regards,

Trevor

[Chris_Baker]

Many thanks, Trevor.

[GJH]

Hi Chris,

I don't know if this will help but 19 Sqn was formed from a nucleus of No 5 Squadron Reserve Aeroplane Squadron (RAS) from the 14th August 1917 until 5th September 1917 they were staitioned at Poperinghe flying SPAD S VII. If he was new to the squadron he may well have come from No5 Sqn RAS.

Cheers



Graham

[Chris_Baker]

Thank you Graham. Very interesting. Sant's service record suggests he had been with 19 Sqn only a matter of days before he was lost. His is a typical and tragic story - a village vicar's son - enlists as a ranker in the 2nd Public Schools Battalion (Royal Fusiliers) in 1914 - is commissioned into the Essex Regiment on 8 June 1915 - kicks his heels with 3rd (Reserve) Battalion for some time - applies to transfer to the RFC - trains as a pilot from late 1916 - posted to his squadron on 22 August 1917 and almost immediately he was killed over Houthulst Forest. I am still trying to establish whether it was his first operational flight.