Wireless Operator Arthur Disley was one of a few men who served on both the R100 and R101 airships and, indeed, was part of the crew on the R100 flight to Canada. According to the R100 pre-flight press release, he joined the RNAS on 04.03.1920.
He was stationed in Shortstown from 1930-1931. When the R101 fell to the ground, Arthur Disley was able to escape; however, his hands were badly burned, but he showed great fortitude and insisted on relaying the news back home before allowing himself to be medically treated. For this act of selflessness, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire medal.
His citation reads’ Mr Disley was very badly burned, especially in the right hand, but before being treated, he insisted on telephoning from Beauvais to the Air Ministry to give details of the accident. This act has aroused the admiration of all the natives of Beauvais, who saw the conditions under which he carried this out, and appreciated his sense of duty.’