217468 PTE.1 W.P.BENHAM R.A.F.
William Philmore Benham
Born Deptford 1898
Joined the Royal Naval Air Service 11/8/16
Served in France from 18/8/16 to 28/4/18 & again from 29/5/18 to 24/9/19
Discharged to RAF ‘G’ Reserve 6/11/19
Comes with 4 original named documents:
• Envelope to ‘F.17486 Benham, W.P. (No.4 Wing, HQ RNAS), En service dans la Zone Belge’ dated 22 May 1917 & signed by Wing Commander C.L.Courtney [DSO]
• Identity Card dated 1 Oct 1917 (No.4 Wing, HQ RNAS) & signed by Lieut Wheeler-Morant [?] A.P.M.Dunkirk
• Leave Ticket dated 9-18 Jan 1918 (No.4 Wing, HQ RNAS) & signed by Squadron Commander Gilbert Rolls
• Telegram dated 17 May 1918 from OC 64 Wing, Sheerness
Plus a small archive of Benham's original 1917 vintage newspaper cuttings, mostly relating to members of the RNAS Dunkirk, raids etc
Also with one RNAS Button, a RNAS Cigarette Silk [BDV], an enamelled RAF Tie-pin & his BWM/Victory ribbon bar.
In WW2 he was an A.R.P. Warden & Marine Insurance Claims Adjuster (Private Means) living at Crossways, Holmesdale Road, South Nutfield, Godstone, Surrey
Died Horsham, Sussex 28/9/79
With ADM188 & AIR79 Service Papers
Condition: Mounted as worn on original silk ribbons, GVF
