Old Contemptible

Discussion in 'Prewar' started by Ferahgo, Nov 13, 2008.

  1. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    In a word, Yes.


    See>> First World War.com - Encyclopedia - The Old Contemptibles

    Though my project of collecting WW1 Australian Flying Corps headstones, I came across this Australian who was in the RFC. His headstone reads (An Australian) "One of the Old Contemptibles"

    Achiet-Le-Grand Comm Cem Ext Porter_GA.JPG
    Achiet-Le-Grand Comm Cem Ext Porter_GA 2.JPG
    Achiet-Le-Grand Comm Cem Ext Porter_GA Old Contemptibles.JPG

    GAVIN ALEXANDER PORTER, elder son of Alexander Porter, of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and his wife Hannah (Shaw), was born on June 23rd, 1891. He was educated at Guildford Grammar School, Western Australia, whence he came to England in 1905 and entered U.C.L. to study for matriculation. He returned to Australia in 1907 but was back in England in 1910, and started an Engineering Course. He found this too slow for him, and obtained a commission in the R.F.A., being gazetted on September 30th, 1911. On May 24th, 1913, he transferred to the R.A., and was promoted Lieutenant on June 9th, 1915. He went to France in August, 1914, and with the 68th Battery took part in the retreat from Mons and all the subsequent fighting. He had for some time been interested in flying, and after acting as observer with the R.F.C. he took his pilot’s certificate at Etampes and returned to England to complete his course of instruction. On July 5th, 1915, he was gazetted to the R.F.C., and on November 17th was promoted Flight-Commander. On Sunday, December 5th, 1915, Porter's squadron was engaged in an air fight, and his machine was brought down by a Fokker just outside Havrincourt, which was then in German hands. Both occupants seem to have been killed in the air. On the following Tuesday they were given a military funeral in the cemetery of Havrincourt with full honours. The French civilians, in spite of prohibition by the Germans, attended the funeral, and until they were evacuated, kept the graves well tended. Flight-Commander Porter's body now lies in the Communal Cemetery Extension of Achiet-Ie-Grand.
     
  2. Ferahgo

    Ferahgo Senior Member

    mmm still thinking about the Corps Of Commisionaires.
    [​IMG]


    My college friend says that they are the same uniforms! why would my Grandad be in the Commisionaires?
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Its a job/career. I'd guess he was one before or after the 14/18 War.
     
  4. Ferahgo

    Ferahgo Senior Member

    Ok, this is a better image, this is direct from negative, so it is clearer
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Donnie

    Donnie Remembering HHWH

    Seeing as he has an LSGC ribbon it is after 1926...(he was awarded it in 1926)

    Donnie
     
  6. Ferahgo

    Ferahgo Senior Member

    You can tell that from a BW pic? wow hmmmmm 1926 he would be at least 36 in that picture then.
     
  7. Donnie

    Donnie Remembering HHWH

    Hi mate,

    Have you applied for his service records yet? it would give you loads of info. I would imagine that this photo was taken in the 1930's because it looks as though he would have served out his 22 years. I.E in 1926 having served 18 years (got his LSGC) he would have had 4 years left to serve....i would definately say 1930's.

    Donnie
     
  8. Ferahgo

    Ferahgo Senior Member

    errrrrrmmmmm how do i do that Donnie?
     
  9. Donnie

    Donnie Remembering HHWH

    You need to go to this link Service records , download the SAR form and a Certificate of Kinship form, fill them out and send them to:

    Army Personnel Centre,
    Historical Disclosures,
    Mail Point 555,
    Kentigern House,
    65 Brown Street,
    Glasgow,
    G2 8EX

    Donnie
     
  10. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Donnie,

    Just a quick Q on the above. If he enlisted before 1920 don't you have to go through National Archives at Kew?

    I only ask as I'm trying to track down my Grandfather

    Cheers
    Andy
     
  11. Donnie

    Donnie Remembering HHWH

    No mate,

    Men and Women's records who served after 1922 are held by the MOD and you need to apply to Glasgow to get them. Pre 1922 service records are with the National Archives.

    Donnie
     
  12. Ferahgo

    Ferahgo Senior Member

    I can't afford it :( MUST GET JOB one day though, i will
     
  13. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

  14. Donnie

    Donnie Remembering HHWH

    PM sent :D

    Donnie
     
  15. Ferahgo

    Ferahgo Senior Member

    no problem Drew, i was dithering around in the background anyway :D
     

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