Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. Captain William Lancelot Jordan DSC & Bar, DFC (3 December 1896 – 20 August 1925) was a South African World War I flying ace credited with 39 victories. Jordan enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) as a mechanic in September 1916, and subsequently volunteered to fly as a gunner. He received his pilot's training in 1917 and was posted to RNAS 8 Naval Squadron to fly Sopwith Triplanes. Shortly after his arrival, Naval 8 upgraded to Sopwith Camels. Jordan scored all 39 of his victories flying a Sopwith Camel. He became the leading ace of the 25 who served with Naval 8, and the third highest scoring ace ever on Sopwith Camels.

Jordan scored his first victory on 13 July 1917, driving a German Rumpler down out of control. His third through seventh victories were triumphs shared with other squadron members. One of these victories, his fourth, was achieved over German ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek on 11 August 1917.

This is a great propeller tip photo frame with an original WWI RPPC photograph portrait of William Lancelot Jordan, likely with his wife Hazel Thorne. There is a small carved bird under the photo meant to depict pilot’s wings, over a small plaque reading:

H.M.S. PRES. II
P.O. MECH. W.L. JORDAN
R.N.A.S. 1.8.16

H.M.S. PRES. II refers to a stone frigate in London. This denotes he was or enlisted as a mechanic on August 1st, 1916. 

The back of the frame shows that one of the four tabs to keep the photo inside is broken off. The back wood piece that allows the frame to sit up is a bit loose, but will still sit fine for display. The frame measures roughly 8 x 11 ½”.

Jordan's citations include:

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Flt. Sub-Lieut. William Lancelot Jordan, R.N.A.S.
In recognition of the courage and initiative displayed by him in aerial combats.
On the 13th July, 1917, in company with another pilot, he attacked an enemy two-seater machine. After bursts of fire from both of our machines, the enemy observer was seen to collapse in the cock-pit, and the enemy aircraft was last seen disappearing among some houses. On the 6th December, 1917, whilst patrolling at 15,000 feet, he saw a two-seater enemy aircraft at 10,500 feet, aud dived on him, firing about thirty rounds. After falling over to the left, enemy aircraft went down vertically. He has also been instrumental in bringing down other enemy machines.

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) Bar

Flt. Lieut. William Lancelot Jordan, D.S.C., R.N.A.S.
For skill and determination when leading offensive patrols.
On the 6th January, 1918, when on offensive patrol he observed ten Albatross scouts. The enemy dived and spread out, and Flt. Lieut. Jordan, in conjunction with another pilot, attacked one, into which he fired at close range, sending it down in a side-slipping dive.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lieut. (Hon. Capt.) William Lancelot Jordan, D.S.C. (late R.N.A.S.).
A brilliant and most gallant leader who has already been awarded the D.S.C. and Bar for distinguished services and devotion to duty. He has led numerous offensive patrols into action, displaying at all times marked ability, determination and dash. He is an ideal Squadron Commander who has personally accounted for twenty-five enemy machines.

Ready for display.