Soldier Record

Awarded a French Croix de Guerre October 1915 for his bravery in the air over enemy lines

This is an extract of a letter my grandfather, Albert Randle, wrote to his father in 1915. ' Last Sunday I was presented with a French medal by Sir Douglas Haig. There were several generals present. The medal I received is called the 'Croix de Guerrre' and it is considered a great honour by the French. It is very nice to be picked out for special distinction for doing what is expected from every soldier - his duty.' Notification of Albert's medal was announced in the London Gazette 24th Feb 1916. Reports we have mention that Albert was directed to take important observation of the enemy's position and though his machine was continually fired on by the Germans, he remained over their lines until he had obtained the information he required. The planes of his machine were practically riddled with fragments of shell and bullets,but he pluckily kept aloft and having achieved his object descended in safety in the British lines. Albert later became a commissioned Officer and was demobbed in late 1919.