Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Croix de Guerre’ group of three awarded to R.K.8 Observer, Second Lieutenant C. H. Bullen, 10 Squadron, Royal Air Force

British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. C. H. Bullen. R.A.F.); Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, A.I.R., bronze, nearly extremely fine (3) £500-£600

Belgium, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 15 July 1919, the recommendation states:

‘T. 2/Lt. Cecil Hugh Bullen, R.A.F. has been Capt. [Charles] Sutherland’s observer on all his Contact Patrols, and should be given a large share of credit for the accuracy of his pinpointing of our troops positions, the detail of which is shown on my recommendation of Capt. Sutherland’s work.’

Cecil Hugh Bullen was born in Sefton Park, Liverpool, in January 1899. He was employed as an estate agent in the city of his birth, 1915-17. Bullen joined the Royal Air Force in April 1918, and was commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant (Observer) in May 1918.

Bullen was subsequently posted for operational service with 10 Squadron (F.K.8’s), Droglandt, France. He was paired with Captain C. Sutherland as his pilot, and the latter was awarded the D.F.C. for his gallant service July - October 1918. The commanding officer of 10 Squadron provides the following recommendation, which also gives further details about Bullen:

‘I wish to bring to your notice the name of Captain C. Sutherland., S. Lancs. Regt., attd. R.A.F., for his extremely valuable Contact Patrol work during the past three months, carried out always under heavy enemy machine gun fire from the ground, and often under very bad weather conditions.

In addition to his personal work, he has taken the greatest care over the training of the members of his Flight, with the result that continuous contact has been kept with the infantry at all times when flying has been possible.

The reports of Captain Sutherland and his observer, 2/Lt. C. H. Bullen, have been characterised by their thoroughness and detail, and they have always been proved correct - though often questioned at the time.

On July 14th, on the 6th Div., successful attack on Elzenwalle Chateau, Capt. Sutherland carried out before the attack a close reconnaissance of the enemy line and the communications trenches leading to it. After watching the attack through, he called for flares without reply, so made his contact report from 100 feet noting positions held by our troops. He then again flew low over the enemy communication trenches for signs of counter attack.

Aug. 25th. He located our troops of 41st Div., after a local attack, in spite of thick ground mist - height 100 - 1000 feet.

Aug. 31st. He made a Special Reconnaissance of the Mont Kemmel district after the enemy’s retirement, and located our troops along the Divisional front.

Sept. 1st. He made a special reconnaissance during our attack on the Wytschete Ridge, from 100 - 1000 feet, locating our posts, and tracing the enemy’s line over a front of 5000 yards.

Sept. 2nd. On reconnaissance at 200 feet he located under heavy rifle fire several of our posts, and the enemy line along the Wytschaete Ridge. His observer fired 50 rounds at enemy troops in shell holes.

Sept. 3rd. He again on the same front located our troops right along the line, and flew low over the Neuve Eglise area being unsuccessful in finding enemy there.

Sept. 4th. Under very difficult conditions owing to a heavy smoke barrage, working from 200 to 1200 feet, he succeeded in locating our troops at three points near Wytschaete.

Sept. 5th. He located our line along the ridge at fifteen points, and also the enemy between the canal and Wytschaete.

Sept. 7th. He located troops at nine points, and made an examination of the country in front of our line.

Sept. 28th. He recognised our troops on a line of 15 points carried out at 300 feet under heavy rain storms. Later he made a special reconnaissance to locate our troops in Zandvoorde.

Sept. 29th. He made out an excellent report, from 300 - 1000 feet - fired 100 rounds at enemy troops - and located our men at 13 points.

Oct. 2nd. Did an excellent C.P. show clearing up a difficult disputed situation after 41st Div., attacked was held up. Our troops were recognised in 16 places along a line in shell holes and ditches - working at 200 feet under heavy A.A. M.G. fire from enemy lines.

Oct. 14th. On the early morning of the advance from Gheluwe he carried out a contact patrol, from 100 - 800, locating our troops along the whole corps front at 14 points, working under heavy barrage, the smoke from which made observation difficult. He also located 30 of enemy at whom observer fired, causing casualties, and later dispersed the parties of three lorries. Later on the same day he again placed our line at 18 points, a report which was of considerable value to the Corps.

Oct. 15th. He located our line at 14 points, working in thick mist, at times down to 100 feet.

Oct. 18th. Made out a good detailed report - 13 locations recognised in posts and shell holes. Heavy A.A.M.G. fire from the enemy, three of these posts being located and observer fired at them dispersing the enemy.

In practically every case, location of troops was carried out by actual recognition of the uniform.’