Baldwin & Sons
Auction 98 3 May 2016
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MILITARY MEDALS, Awards for Gallantry and Distinguished Service, The Great War Western Front "Immedite" DFC Group of 3 awarded to Observer Second Lieutenant A.T. Sprangle, No 5 Squadron R.A.F., comprising Distinguished Flying Cross G.V.R., on original horizontal ribbon with pin for wear; British War and Victory Medal with Mentioned in Despatches emblem 1914-1920 (2/Lieut. A.T. Sprangle R.A.F.). Generally about extremely fine or better and toned. (3)
D.F.C. London Gazette, 3 December 1918, 2nd Lieut. Archie Thomas Sprangle (France)
For Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the recent operation carried out by the Canadian Corps.
During the period 1 to 5 September 1918, this officer as Observer with Lieutenant C. F. Galbraith, DFC, has been instrumental in bringing fire to bear on 61 hostile Batteries with most successful results. Besides this, he has directed the fire of our artillery on to Infantry and Mechanical Transport targets as well as Artillery on the move, in addition to dealing with them effectively with machine gun fire from low altitudes.
This has been carried out under exceedingly adverse weather conditions and in the face of hostile opposition in the air; and the whole of his work has been characterised with the utmost skill and determination.
Mentioned in Despatched London Gazette, 27 August 1918 and 30 August 1918
Second Lieutenant Archie Thomas Sprangle D.F.C. was born in Canada; commissioned Second Lieutenant Royal Flying Corps, 28 November 1917; posted as Second Lieutenant Observer to No 5 Squadron flying R.E.8's in the Amiens Sector, France and flew in sorties with his pilot (Lieutenant C.F. Galbraith, D.F.C.).
A Combat Report dated 6 May 1918 for an action over Farbus near Vimy Ridge states:
"Gaining height for a shoot over Farbus when E.A. (5) appeared, two attacking an R.E.8 from the rear over Arleux. Pilot fired 200 rounds in short bursts on attacking E.A. until the R.E.8 had reached Thelus, and E.A. were in a position for the Observer who fired approximately 75 rounds in bursts into one E.A., which dived once from the side on our machine. Bullets seemed to be penetrating E.A. in vital parts but no effect observed. All five quickly disappeared.
Sold with large file of research
Estimate: £3000-3500
D.F.C. London Gazette, 3 December 1918, 2nd Lieut. Archie Thomas Sprangle (France)
For Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the recent operation carried out by the Canadian Corps.
During the period 1 to 5 September 1918, this officer as Observer with Lieutenant C. F. Galbraith, DFC, has been instrumental in bringing fire to bear on 61 hostile Batteries with most successful results. Besides this, he has directed the fire of our artillery on to Infantry and Mechanical Transport targets as well as Artillery on the move, in addition to dealing with them effectively with machine gun fire from low altitudes.
This has been carried out under exceedingly adverse weather conditions and in the face of hostile opposition in the air; and the whole of his work has been characterised with the utmost skill and determination.
Mentioned in Despatched London Gazette, 27 August 1918 and 30 August 1918
Second Lieutenant Archie Thomas Sprangle D.F.C. was born in Canada; commissioned Second Lieutenant Royal Flying Corps, 28 November 1917; posted as Second Lieutenant Observer to No 5 Squadron flying R.E.8's in the Amiens Sector, France and flew in sorties with his pilot (Lieutenant C.F. Galbraith, D.F.C.).
A Combat Report dated 6 May 1918 for an action over Farbus near Vimy Ridge states:
"Gaining height for a shoot over Farbus when E.A. (5) appeared, two attacking an R.E.8 from the rear over Arleux. Pilot fired 200 rounds in short bursts on attacking E.A. until the R.E.8 had reached Thelus, and E.A. were in a position for the Observer who fired approximately 75 rounds in bursts into one E.A., which dived once from the side on our machine. Bullets seemed to be penetrating E.A. in vital parts but no effect observed. All five quickly disappeared.
Sold with large file of research
Estimate: £3000-3500