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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 907

The Great War Diary/Ledger of Major W. E. Molesworth, Royal Flying Corps M.C. and Bar, late Royal Munster Fusiliers, who had a total of 18 confirmed "kills" between 22 April 1917 - 18 March 1918

The diary covers the period from October 1914 - March 1918 and has a combination of notes on expenditure, and later in the book, more detail as to daily events in the trenches, bound with paper cover this named to him in ink and dated October 1914, good overall condition and very legible

M.C. London Gazette 9 January 1918, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrol. He has frequently led his patrol against superior numbers of the enemy, destroying some and dispersing others. He has also brought down two balloons and has proved himself to be a dashing and fearless pilot of great skill and determination.'

Bar to the Military Cross London Gazette 24 August 1918, the original citation states:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done excellent work as patrol leader, handling his formations with great skill and courage. He has destroyed four enemy machines and driven several down out of control.'

William Molesworth was born on 14 March 1894 at the Andaman Islands, Indian Ocean. He was the son of Colonel Molesworth, C.I.E., C.B.E. of the Indian Army Medical Service. Attending Marlborough College, Wiltshire between 1908-1912 he then attended R.M.C. Sandhurst from 1912-14. Receiving a regular commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers on 8 August 1914 he served on the Western Front from October 1914-March 1916 and was wounded early on in December 1914.

In March 1916, he received a temporary commission in the Royal Flying Corps and completed his training at the Central Flying School at Upavon in February 1917. He was then posted to 60 Squadron in France where he served under Captain Albert Ball. Molesworth was promoted to flight commander in April 1917 and assumed command of A Flight. Flying the Nieuport 17 and the S.E.5a, he flamed one balloon and scored five victories during several fights with Manfred von Richtofen's Flying Circus.

Returning to home in August, Molesworth was ordered to Dover where he assumed command of a training flight before being reassigned to the Gosport Special School for Advanced Flying. On 20 October 1917, he returned to France again, this time joining 29 Squadron under Captain James McCudden. Flying Nieuports again, Molesworth scored twelve further victories. In March 1918, he was posted back to the Home Establishment where he served as an instructor at the Central Flying School.

In April 1918, with the creation of the Royal Air Force, Molesworth became responsible for the formation of 158 Squadron at Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire. He served as this squadron's first commanding officer until October 1918. In November 1918, following the armistice he transferred back to the Royal Munster Fusiliers.

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Sold for
£160

Starting price
£60