D.S.M. group 2. Lieut. R.A.F.(CPO.1 R.N.A.S. on DSM, and later Wing Commander. A scarce East Africa award, 8 Squadron, R.N.A.S.

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (272318. W. Dickison, C.P.O. 1Cl. R.N.A.S. E. Africa. 1917.) surname officially corrected; 1914-15 Star (272318 W. Dickison. C.P.O. 3, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. W. Dickison. R.A.F.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45,

D.S.M. L.G. 16 March 1918.

Approximately 10 D.S.M.’s awarded for East Africa during the Great War.

William Dickison was born in Jarrow-on-Tyne, County Durham in December 1890. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy in January 1907,  Dickison’s service papers give ‘Air Service from 18 Dec. 1913’,  to Chief Petty Officer Mechanic in July 1914, and to Chief Petty Officer in January 1915.

Served with No. 8 R.N.A.S. Squadron from 22 March 1916 – January 1918. A note refers –

“Somewhat violent explosion of petrol down at the hangar this evening. CPO Dickison sustained rather severe burns but was otherwise unhurt. The report was as loud as a canon.”

On the formation of the Royal Air Force, 1 April 1918, Dickison’s grade of W.O. 2 saw his automatic commissioning in the rank of Second Lieutenant (Technical Branch).  Flying Officer in October 1919, and was posted to No. 1 School of Technical Training, Halton in April 1920. Flight Lieutenant in October 1927, and was posted for service at R.A.F. Base Malta (202 Squadron, Flying Boats). Served  with the Inland Water Transport Unit, Basrah, Iraq in September 1929. Squadron Leader in April 1937, and served at the Home Aircraft Depot in the same year.  Wing Commander in September 1940, and was retired 17 December 1940 (his 50th birthday), only to be re-employed in the same rank the following day. Wing Commander Dickison retired from the Service, 27 December 1944.