I cross posted the Irvine information on the WWI list, and learned some really interesting information as a result.
Here they are:
Pat,
I think that you'll find the fallen flier is:
Flight Lt. Van Rensselaer Van Tassel IRVINE (aged 22), 43 Squadron RAF, d. 19 July 1918. He is commemorated on the Arras memorial and the associated CWGC entry records that he was the son of Carolyne W. Irvine, 446 San Vincente Boulevard, Santa Monica California. His father was William C. Irvine, d. Santa Monica 1924. [sources: CWGC online;
http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/US ... ur-Irvine/)
Fraternally,
Julian
Patrick
British & Commonwealth War dead (including US citizens who fell fighting in them) are recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who administer their graves and memorials. Their website is at:
http://www.cwgc.org
and records:
IRVINE, VAN REUSSELAER VAN TASSEL
Son of Carolyne W. Irvine, of 446, San Vincente Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, U.S.A., and the late William C. Irvine.
Killed as a Lieutenant, Royal Air Force, while serving with 43 Squadron RAF 19th July 1918.
Commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Phil
The Sky their Battlefield (Trevor Henshaw) notes that he was flying Sopwith Camel F6150 possibly shot down over Nanteuil by Vizefeldwebel J Schwendemann of Jasta 41.
There should be a brief service record in AIR 76 at The National Archives & if I have time tomorrow will endeavour to seek it out.
Phil
This added information makes this a true local historical oddity.
Flight Lt. Van Rensselaer Van Tassel Irvine, we now know, was the son of William C. Irvine. William C. Irvine was from Scotland, and had come over to Natrona County Wyoming in the late 1880s to act as the overseer for a Scottish owned corporate ranch, the VR. VR itself stands for Victoria Regina, as the owners of that ranch named it after the Queen. The VR was one of the northernmost "large" ranches in the state (although not the northernmost) and was involved in the plotting that lead to the importation of hired Texas gunmen in April 1892, which resulted in the Johnson County War. Mr. W. Irvine himself absented himself from the state during this period, retuning, I believe to Scotland during this episode, although it's
widely believed he was aware of the planning for the "Invasion". He returned after the episode, and retained a presence in the state for many years thereafter The Irvine family continued to own their own ranching operation in the state at least up into the early 80s, when a later Van Irvine retired and moved to the southwest.
The "Invaders" remained somewhat unpopular in this region of the state, although they didn't leave, for many years thereafter. They were well connected politically, however, and some interesting things were named after them, including streets in Casper, Wyoming. "Van Tassel", which shows up in Flight Lt. Irvine's name, is a name that has been attached to a location in Converse County.
It's interesting that somebody remembered Ft. Lt. Irvine at the time the memorial was put up, as he wouldn't have appeared in U.S. roles. While the little history noted above is off topic, it's also interesting in that he came from a family that was associated with controversy, but that fortunately didn't deter anyone from honoring his memory. While the data on him notes that he and his family were from California, I think at that time the Irvine's maintained a residence there as well as ranching interests in Wyoming, having done quite well over time.
The middle gives an idea of the presentation. The last indicates the detail. Its a very large statue.
