Alexander Roulstone
Encyclopedia
Captain Alexander Roulstone (born 10 October 1890, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace
credited with eight aerial victories. He scored his victories, and downed two German aces, while handicapped by flying bombers.
in the Royal Flying Corps
on 14 February 1917. By 6 April, he was flying combat with 25 Squadron in a Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b; when flying over Givenchy
, he saw a German Albatros D.III
set afire a British plane from 16 Squadron, turned the tables on the German, Leutnant Karl Schäfer
, and scored his first victory. Roulstone would soon score twice more as a FE.2b pilot, on 24 April and 21 May 1917. On 7 July 1917, he was appointed a Flight Commander, with the concomitant promotion from Temporary Lieutenant to Temporary Captain. At about the same time, 25 Squadron upgraded to Airco DH.4s as replacement bombers for the FE.2. On 20 and 22 July, Roulstone used his new mount to great effect, downing a German each day and becoming an ace. He added one more to his score a month later, on 22 August. After a transfer to 57 Squadron, which saw him still a Flight Commander piloting a DH.4, he rounded off his list with a victory each on 13 and 17 March 1918. His last win was over Hans Bethge
. Although classified as an "out of control" victory by the British, Bethge died of wounds received, but in turn wounded Roulstone.
effective 24 October 1919, although on 9 March 1920, the notice of his commission was cancelled. On 18 March 1920, he was transferred to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force.
An Alexander Roulstone is mentioned in a notice dissolving a partnership in a hairdressing salon in 1946. It is uncertain whether this is the World War I flyer.
T./2nd Lt. (T./Lt.) Alexander Roulstone,
Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty when engaged in aerial fighting and in
photographic reconnaissances. In spite of
continual hostile attacks he had proved most
successful in securing photographs, and on
several occasions he shot down enemy,
machines out of control, displaying skilful
manoeuvring and great determination.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with eight aerial victories. He scored his victories, and downed two German aces, while handicapped by flying bombers.
World War I service
Alexander Roulstone was appointed a Flying OfficerFlying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
in the Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
on 14 February 1917. By 6 April, he was flying combat with 25 Squadron in a Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b; when flying over Givenchy
Givenchy
Givenchy is a French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics with Parfums Givenchy.The house of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by designer Hubert de Givenchy and is a member of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter...
, he saw a German Albatros D.III
Albatros D.III
The Albatros D.III was a biplane fighter aircraft used by the Imperial German Army Air Service and the Austro-Hungarian Air Service during World War I. The D.III was flown by many top German aces, including Manfred von Richthofen, Ernst Udet, Erich Löwenhardt, Kurt Wolff, and Karl Emil Schäfer...
set afire a British plane from 16 Squadron, turned the tables on the German, Leutnant Karl Schäfer
Karl Schäfer
Karl Schäfer was an Austrian figure skater and swimmer. In figure skating, he was a dual Olympic Champion at the 1932 Winter Olympics and the 1936 Winter Olympics, a seven-time World Champion and the eight-time European Champion...
, and scored his first victory. Roulstone would soon score twice more as a FE.2b pilot, on 24 April and 21 May 1917. On 7 July 1917, he was appointed a Flight Commander, with the concomitant promotion from Temporary Lieutenant to Temporary Captain. At about the same time, 25 Squadron upgraded to Airco DH.4s as replacement bombers for the FE.2. On 20 and 22 July, Roulstone used his new mount to great effect, downing a German each day and becoming an ace. He added one more to his score a month later, on 22 August. After a transfer to 57 Squadron, which saw him still a Flight Commander piloting a DH.4, he rounded off his list with a victory each on 13 and 17 March 1918. His last win was over Hans Bethge
Hans Bethge
Hans Bethge was a German poet whose reputation abroad rests above all on the versions of Tang dynasty poetry set in Gustav Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde"...
. Although classified as an "out of control" victory by the British, Bethge died of wounds received, but in turn wounded Roulstone.
Post World War I
Roulstone was granted a short service commission as a Flight LieutenantFlight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
effective 24 October 1919, although on 9 March 1920, the notice of his commission was cancelled. On 18 March 1920, he was transferred to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force.
An Alexander Roulstone is mentioned in a notice dissolving a partnership in a hairdressing salon in 1946. It is uncertain whether this is the World War I flyer.
Military honors
Military CrossT./2nd Lt. (T./Lt.) Alexander Roulstone,
Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty when engaged in aerial fighting and in
photographic reconnaissances. In spite of
continual hostile attacks he had proved most
successful in securing photographs, and on
several occasions he shot down enemy,
machines out of control, displaying skilful
manoeuvring and great determination.