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Auction: 7012 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 569

The Great War Western Front ´Immediate´ D.F.C. Group of Three to Observer Second Lieutenant A.T. Sprangle, No. 5 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force a) Distinguished Flying Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued, with original horizontal riband b) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (2/Lieut. A.T. Sprangle. R.A.F.), nearly extremely fine (3) Estimate £ 2,800-3,200 D.F.C. London Gazette 3.12.1918 2nd Lieut. Archie Thomas Sprangle (France). The Recommendation, dated 10.9.1918, states, ´For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the recent operations carried out by the Canadian Corps. During the period 1st to 5th September, 1918, as Observer, 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 most the utmost skill and determination.´ M.I.D. London Gazette 27.8.1918 and 30.8.1918 Second Lieutenant Archie Thomas Sprangle, D.F.C., born in Canada; commissioned Second Lieutenant Royal Flying Corps, 28.11.1917; posted as Second Lieutenant Observer No. 5 Squadron (R.E.8´s), Amiens Sector, France; and flew in sorties with his Pilot (Lieutenant C.F. Galbraith, D.F.C.), including, ´Gaining height for a shoot over Farbus when E.A. appeared (5), two attacking an R.E.8 from the rear over Arleux. Pilot fired 200 rounds in short bursts on attacking 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.´ (Combat Report, dated 6.5.1918, refers); invalided to England, 28.9.1918; discharged 9.4.1919.

Sold for
£3,200