Wireless Operator - Archibald John King RFC-RAF - BWM

Wireless Operator - Archibald John King RFC-RAF - BWM - 65050 - 2 A M - A - J - King - R A F - Single BWM only (missing VM) Comes with a postcard Wireless Telephony Section - 86th com wing - RAF Kenley Looks like 1917 (very faded at the end) But clearly states this on the reverse of the card.  The post card came with the medal, but does not give clear indication if Archibald King is in the picture.  There are also five original message forms that came with the medal, again no proof that these belonged to Archibald John King.Archibald was born in 1898 and lived with his parents at a house called " Oriels" 146 Kingston Road Merton, south west London.  He attended local secondary schools until the outbreak of WW1.He volunteered for the Royal Engineers and was accepted for "Boy service" On the 21st September 1915 and given the rank of sapper with a regimental number of P121246.  He trained as wireless operator at the Biggleswade signals depot and then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on the 11th February 1917, given the rank of Air mechanic second class, with a new number of 65050.  He was sent to France as a Wireless Operator with the Royal Flying Corps on the 18th April 1917, operating in the Boulogne area.  This was just as dangerous as serving in the trenches.  The operators would be attached to batteries of artillery, listening for the pilots’ signals from the air as to the location of the German guns and troops.  Frequently his mast would be put out of action by shellfire, necessitating him going into the open to repair it. During a big push by the Army, there was no time to build a shelter.  Using the nearest shell - hole   to rig up his radio mast.  During summer months he would be on duty from 3am – 10pm, as log as the aircraft could take off.  Many of them operating from dawn to dusk because of the scarcity of operators, relieved for a few moments by a battery telephonist.On the 1st April 1918 the RAF was formed from the RFC.  Archibald became ill with Influenza on the 20th June 1918 being sent to St Martins Hospital Aubengue, until the 22nd December 1918 when he rejoined his unit.   Staying in France until 19th February 1919, being discharged from the RAF on the 20th March 1919 and transferred to the reserve list.Archibald was issued with the war and Victory medals on the 30th September 1921 for his service during WW1.