Long Shot Vivian Steel PARKER AFC Citation Jan 1935

[paulmcmillan]

Vivian Steel PARKER AFC, DFC

He got the DFC for Operations in Iraq, but the AFC in Jan 1935 (I don't suppose anyone has the citation for this?). I assume it was for his work at Martlesham Heath

Many Thanks

Paul

[Lyffe]

Paul,

When was he at Martlesham Heath?

Brian

[paulmcmillan]

Brian

From at least 1932 to 1935

He was the test pilot of the Vickers Jockey J9122 that crashed sometime in 1933 - Her bailed out at 5000 feet over Woodbridge Suffolk

However, the exact date of the crash is unknown - I was hoping the AFC was associated with this and maybe provided a date

Paul

[Lyffe]

If you're interested Paul there's a photo of him at http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1937/1937%20-%202582.html?search=V.%20S.%20Parker

Brian

[Lyffe]

Apologies Paul, I had one of my vague ideas, but the dates preclude it.

However, I suggest the AFC was not specifically in respect of the accident, much more likely for his work as a test pilot.
The criteria for the award are at http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/AirForceCross.htm. As an aside, a lot of pilots who completed tours with the RAF Met Flights were awarded the AFC in recognition of their skill in flying in often adverse conditions that grounded other aircrew.

Brian

[davew]

Paul

The J File gives 15/7/1932 as the date of the Jockey's crash, Putnam British Fighter confirms 1932 without being specific.

regards
DaveW

[paulmcmillan]

Dave

Thanks
The AB Specifications File says 5th July and the RAF Fighter since 1912 says June 1932!!

The inconsistency on dates worries we

Paul

[davew]

Paul

If it helps J9122 was present at the 1932 SBAC show on 27th June 1932.

DaveW

[HughAHalliday]

Less than you wanted on the AFC; you may already know the story on his DFC. The following from an incomplete data base om interwar air awards:

PARKER, Vivian Steel, F/L (09077) - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 March 1929 and reported in Aeroplane of 20 March 1929; "in recognition of gallant and distinguished service rendered in the operations against the Akhwan in the Southern Desert, Iraq, during the period November 1927-May 1928". Promoted Flight Lieutenant 1 January 1924. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 October 1934. Posted to RAF Base Singapore, 16 October 1934 for administrative duties. Promoted from Wing Commander to Group Captain, 1 June 1941. Public Record Office Air 30/79, provided courtesy of Brian Cull, has citation:

"Flight Lieutenant Parker completed 222 hours' flying during the operations, and throughout showed great gallantry and determination in leading his flight.

"On the 29th January 1928, when attacking Akhwan raiders, one aircraft in his flight was forced to land through rifle fire. The remainder of the formation landed, effected a repair and were led back to the attack, which was continued with determination for some time against difficult targets. The attack was only abandoned owing to another aircraft being forced to land, after all the bombs and practically all the ammunition carried by the three aircraft had been expended. Attempts were made to repair the aircraft, and it was only abandoned by Flight Lieutenant Parker at the last moment when parties of raiders were approaching, the crews returning in the remaining aircraft. All the aircraft were hit in several places by rifle fire, owing to the time they spent over the raiders in order to obtain the maximum results from their ammunition.

"A similar patrol was led by Flight Lieutenant Parker on the 20th February 1928, when again an aircraft in the formation was forced to land. With his usual determination, the leader continued to press the attack after repairs had been effected.

"Throughout the operations Flight Lieutenant Parker has never been content to return from a patrol unless he has accomplished all within his power."

PARKER, Vivian Steel, S/L, DFC - Air Force Cross - awarded 1 January 1935; reported in Aeroplane of 2 January 1935. Public Record Office document Air 30/105/9 states only that this was "in recognition of distinguished service in the Royal Air Force".

[paulmcmillan]

Hugh

Thanks - for the information on the DFC and AFC from what you have

Regards

Paul

Dave - The Jockey was at Hendon on 25th June 1932 (as new type #1) so that kind of indicates to me it was NOT lost in June 1932, but later - But in July ????
Thanks

Paul

[paulmcmillan]

Just found confirmation of Vickers Jockey J9122 Crash as on 5th July 1932 - News report in Hull Daily Mailand Notting Evening Post for 5th July 1932 both say 'today'

[Ross_McNeill]

Hi Paul,

The crash is mentioned in No.22 Sqn ORB

05/07/1932
F/L Parker

Crashed during spin test into orchard, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Escaped by parachute

Regards
Ross

[paulmcmillan]

Ross

Thanks for that - wow a pre war baleout that is actually mentioned in ORB a rare event!

Paul