March 1915 - Major T I Webb-Bowen


Major Webb-Bowen took over command of II(AC) Sqn whilst the squadron was located at Merville.   During his short tenure there were two significant events.  Firstly, because of the difficulty suffered by ground troops in communicating their advance to higher command, a technique was developed whereby troops on the ground could convey their position by laying strips of white cloth on the ground.  Aircraft from II(AC) Sqn would then relay by WT the co-ordinates noted.  The second and more historically significant event was the award of the first Victoria Cross awarded for bravery in the air, to Lt. Rhodes-Moorhouse (click here for a full account).   Major Webb-Bowen handed over command to Major Becke in June 1915 following his posting to Home Establishment.

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