Researching my fathers ( KG Thompson) service with 101 squadron I have found that he and some of his crew seemed to have had two service numbers. One per the ORB for November 1943 showing their posting from 1662 CU on 13/11/43, & another in the London Gazette in September/October 1944 on their DFM or DFC award. All were RAFVR.
NameNumber per ORB 11/43Number per London Gazette
Edward Arthur Frederick (Charlie) Cole1800509177646 (DFC)
Keith Grahame Thompson1228603 (1238603 per dog tag)177463(DFC)
Kenneth David Corkill1511714172827 (DFC)
Other crew didnt seem to have the same
Elijah Genner(Joe) Welch 11019081101908 (DFM)
Charles Manser13918291391829(DFM)
Leslie Paul Swales16256651625665 (DFM)
The London Gazette entry for my dads promotion to Pilot officer in may 1944 shows both numbers :
1238603 Keith Grahame Thompson (177463) . All the other entries on the page also show two numbers.
Would appreciate if anyone could shed light on this?
One is his NCO service number, the other, is his Officer service number, given to him on his commission. The LG page will show both his numbers on his date of commission, and only his officer number from then onwards. The same applies to the others.
Alan,
Thanks! It's logical when you think about it. The fact that the DFM winners kept the same number should have been the clue!
I am applying to the MOD for his service record & will quote both numbers.
Interestingly he rejoined the RAF in 1950 as a Flight Sergeant with his old NCO service number. He served until 1978 when he retired as a Master Nav. with over 4000 hours on the clock.
Paul
