Great War pair and Burdett, Coutts and Townshend School Attendance Medal awarded to Serjeant W.J. Hallett, Royal Air Force who enlisted into the Royal Naval Air Service on 15th February 1916 initially as an Air Mechanic 2nd Class and having attended the Royal Naval Air Service training centre at Crystal Palace during February 1918, would later Transfer to the Royal Air Force upon it’s formation on 1st April 1918 where he would see service as a Sergeant, initially at Dunkirk Headquarters before later serving at 5 Group Headquarters.
Group of 3: British War Medal and Victory Medal; (211889 SJT. W.J. HALLETT. R.A.F.) Burdett, Coutts & Townshend School Attendance Medal, 38mm, in hallmarked silver for 1906-1907 and named to WILLIAM HALLETT.
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine
William John Hallett was born on 14th September 1895 at St. George’s, Hannover Square, London. He enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service on 15th February 1916 having formerly worked as a Clerk with London County Council at Spring Gardens, London.
He was appointed an Air Mechanic 2nd Class on 15th February 1916 and then travelled to France on 18th March 1916 less than a month after his enlistment. Promoted Air Mechanic 1st Class on 30th April 1917, Leading Mechanic on 1st August 1917 and Petty Officer Mechanic on 1st November 1917.
Between 31st January and 15th February 1918 he was serving at President II, the official name for Crystal Palace which served as a reception and initial training centre for Royal Naval Air Service ratings. When the Royal Air Force was formed on 1st April 1918, Sergeant Hallett was based at Dunkirk Headquarters. He was posted to 5 Group Headquarters on 17th May 1918 moving to the Pay Section on 10th January 1919. He was transferred to Royal Air Force ‘G’ Reserve on 20th June 1919. His medals being forwarded to him on 27th February 1922.
