Capt W T L Allcock's       RFC Diary      1915-1917

The story of Captain William Allcock  RFC No 40 Squadron RFC,  May-June 1917 At the end of May 1917 Captain Allcock was appointed to 40 Sqn based at Bruay, France. CO Maj. A W Keen. The Squadron was equipped with Nieuport 17 Fighters. Allcock joined the squadron in the period leading up to the Battle of Messines (7 June). Briefly therefore he was a contemporary of Edward (Mick) Mannock who achieved his first victory with 40 Sqn on 7 June 1917. Nieuport 17, Picture public domain. Editor's note: The following RFC Communiqué (Comic cuts) notes an action by Capt. Allcock on June 1st. RFC Communiqué June 1st Two German two-seater machines were engaged by Capt. W T L Allcock, 40 Squadron and he drove one down out of control, while 2nd Lt. A E  Godfrey of the same Squadron drove down an HA which infantry confirmed as crashed. June 5th Captain Allcock departed at 7.22 pm on offensive patrol flying a Nieuport 17 (B1548) and did not return. He was posted MIA then KIA. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Flying Memorial. Major Mannock is also commemorated on the Arras Flying Memorial having been shot down in July 1918 - the highest scoring British Ace of the war. " Mentioned in Despatches." Captain Allcock was mentioned by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig in his despatch of 7 November 1917 listing names of those whose distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty he considered deserving of special mention.

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