Charles Albert Cordeaux

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Description

Charles Albert Cordeaux (borne 10 Feb 1884 in Brixton), the grandfather of the contributor, moved to Headington after service to work in the office of the car factory. Before that he was a professional soldier, joined the West Kent Regiment in 1901 (aged 18), and served in Malta, India , Africa working with radiotelegraphy, rank Sergeant. He was discharged in May 1913 and joined the Royal Flying Corps in London on 4 Sept 1913, as one of first NCOs in RFC. Wireless section, No 6 Sqn RFC. Served in Belgium (Abeale). In March 1917, he was transferred to No 3 stores Depot, RFC, Milton as Sergeant -Major. In May 1917 he becomes a Warrant Officer with the regular forces and in April 1918 an officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). In January 1919 he joins the wireless section, No 19 Training Squadron, Curragh.

Charles Albert Cordeaux was married to Celia. Their younger son (of two) is Cecil (contributor’s father) and the only daugter is G Phylis. Cecil G went to school in Cowley St John’s for junior school. The family came to Oxford in 1916 for a few months to get away from zeppelin raids, all children were born in London. Moved to Oxford voluntarily, possibly after living in centre of London.

Objects:

Photograph of Charles in Sgt uniform in Belgium 1916,
The Striver (unit/RFC magazine) first issue Nov 1917. Pg 4 mentions Charles, photos of Sgt’s Mess p 9 shows Cardeaux in Sgt Maj uniform. granddaughther has Cordeaux’s cane at home.
Photo album of Charles A Cordeaux
Photos of Belgium, other members of unit, aerial photos of Ypres 1916 (railway station and Cloth Hall), Belgian detective marked ‘remember me 4/12/16’, photos of sports meets, boxing match at depot in Milton, No 19 Training Sqn 1919 in Curragh Ireland – seated in centre with cane as 2Lt.
‘Gormanston’ co. Meath Ireland Photo in DH 9 Machine in rear of plane, ca June 1919
Photos from R.W. Kents ca 1910 at end of photo album.
Envelope addressed to 2Lt
Commissioning scroll to Charles Albert Cordeaux
Certificate of Warrant for promotion to Warrant Officer made out to Albert Cordeaux
Passport ca 1920s
Certificate of Proficiency in Radio Telegraphy – First Class, 1913.
Discharge paper from RW Kents. Cordeaux’s own writing in red ink explaining his transfer to RFC
Medals with ribbons, in case – 1914 Svc medal with bar, Victory Medal, British war medal (with rosette under ribbon) 3 good conduct chevrons with red chevron