Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The D.S.C. and 2 Bars, A.F.C. mounted group of four miniature dress medals attributed to Flight Commander Joseph Fall, R.A.F., the Canadian Sopwith Pup air ace credited with 36 victories whilst flying with Nos. 3 and 9 Naval Squadrons

Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., with Second and Third Award Bars, these both of the Military Cross pattern; Air Force Cross, G.V.R.; British War and Victory Medals, mounted as worn, very fine (4) £600-£800

D.S.C. London Gazette 23 May 1917: ‘For conspicuous bravery and skill in attacking hostile aircraft. On the morning of the 11th April 1917, while escorting our bombing machines, he brought down three hostile aircraft. The first he attacked and brought down completely out of control. He was then attacked by three hostile scouts who forced him down to within about two hundred feet of the ground. By skilful piloting he manoeuvred his machine close behind one of them, which was driven down and wrecked. Shortly afterwards this Officer was again attacked by a hostile scout, which he eventually brought down a short time before recrossing the lines. He then landed at one of the aerodromes, his machine having been riddled with bullets from the hostile machines, and also by rifle fire from the ground.’

Bar to D.S.C. London Gazette 19 December 1917: ‘In recognition of the conspicuous courage displayed by him in attacking enemy aircraft in superior numbers on many occasions. On the 15th October 1917, he attacked an enemy machine from in front at very close range, at times within twenty five yards. He then turned sharply and attacked from behind, sending the enemy machine down spinning on its back and emitting great volumes of black smoke.’

Second Bar to D.S.C., same gazette: ‘In recognition of his services on the 12th and 13th November 1917, when he had successful engagements with three enemy machines. He has always shown great courage and gallantry in the face of the enemy, and maintained a high record of achievement, having destroyed many enemy machines.’

A.F.C. London Gazette 1 January 1919.

Joseph Stewart Temple Fall was born at Cowichan, British Columbia, son of Mr and Mrs Henry Temple Fall. In 1915, he signed with the Royal Naval Air Service and went overseas. After pilot training he was sent to 3 Naval Squadron during the latter part of 1916, flying Sopwith Pups. In May 1917 he received the D.S.C. for his action on 11 April, and in July he became a Flight Lieutenant. On 30 August 1917 he was promoted to Flight Commander and posted to 9 Naval Squadron, having at this time claimed 13 victories, eight of which had been officially confirmed as destroyed. With 9 Naval he became a most competent flight commander, always encouraging his young pilots to join him in attacking enemy machines. By the end of the year when he returned to England he had brought his score to 36; it will be noted 11 of these were shared by him with his flight members. For his work he received 2 bars to his D.S.C. In April 1918, he joined the staff of the School of Gunnery and Fighting at Freiston in England, where he spent the remainder of the war as an instructor. For this work he was awarded the A.F.C. in 1919 and accepted a permanent commission with the Royal Air Force. He was a Squadron Leader in the mid 1930s. In 1935 he was testing automatic flying controls (autopilot) at the Home Aircraft Depot at Henlow and became a Wing Commander in 1936. Promotion to Group Captain followed in 1940, and then retirement in 1945, following which he returned to Canada. He died at Enderby, British Columbia, on 15 December 1988, aged 93.