The story of this revolver and the very brave young Captain who owned it could have been part of the basis for the Very Famous WWI flying movie THE DAWN PATROL.
About the man……. Captain W.A. Fleming of the Royal Flying Corps was 27 years old when he piloted an S.E.5 biplane for the first time on a Patrol near Ypres on August 10, 1917. He never made it back home. He was killed in a fierce engagement with 8 German Albatross biplanes on his first patrol. A victim of too little training and experience. If you have ever seen the movie you will know that this sad story is an oft told one and a haunting one indeed. This Webley Wilkinson Revolver was probably purchased when he was gazetted to the 1st Devons in 1910 as this is about when this revolver was manufactured. It is engraved on the Back grip strap with his name and the name of his regiment. He used this revolver in ground actions in France in 1914 and 1915 commanding a machine gun section. He was awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry. He was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. He returned to combat as a pilot in 1917.
About the Revolver……..This is a Webley Wilkinson Model 1905 Revolver in .450/.455 calibre. The dual serial numbers of Wilkinson and Webley place its production in 1909 or 1910. The revolver is in fine condition, with a mint bore and complete mechanical soundness. The barrel length is 6 inches and it is in the common .455 Webley caliber. Webley manufactured these very fine and immaculately finished revolvers for the very famous Wilkinson Sword Company of London. They were fitted with the latest improvements and innovations that were available and the finish was several cuts above what one would find in a Webley branded revolver of the time. These were indeed the high end “Colt Pythons” of the era. These were purchased strictly by officers and gentlemen of the highest order. It was an elegant and well made weapon with a wonderful and well documented tail to tell. There is much that is not known about this piece but I can tell you that whomever will be it’s next caretaker will spend many hours pondering it’s survival and the circuitous route that led it into their hands.
