Charles Cudemore
Encyclopedia
Captain Charles William Cudemore (born 19 November 1897, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace
credited with 15 aerial victories.
shot down an observation balloon on 7 May 1917; Cudemore then promptly shot down another balloon single-handed. After his transfer from 40 Squadron to 29 Squadron, Cudemore continued to fly a Nieuport in his next three triumphs; he became an ace on 3 September 1917. He was promoted from temporary second lieutenant to temporary lieutenant effective 1 July 1917. He received the Military Cross on the 18th.
There was a lapse in his scoring until 11 August 1918, when he flew a 64 Squadron S.E.5a to a win over a Fokker D.VII
, which was driven down out of control. He continued to score through 9 November 1918. A summary of his final results is he destroyed three enemy fighter planes and two observation balloons, and drove down ten enemy planes out of control.
in the RAF. Also in 1925, he was sued for divorce by Carolyn Alice Cudemore. On October 15, 1925, he was transferred to the Class A Reserve.
On 3 September 1939, Cudemore was promoted from flying officer
to flight lieutenant
in the RAF Reserve.
T./2nd Lt. Charles William Cudemore, Gen. list and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attacking enemy aircraft and kite balloons. He has brought down at least three enemy machines and three kite balloons, and has taken part in numerous other engagements. He has consistently set a very fine example of pluck and determination in all his attacks.
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 15 aerial victories.
World War I service
Cudemore was transferred from the Shropshire Light Infantry as a second lieutenant on 21 June 1915. He opened his victory roll when he and Robert HallRobert Hall (aviator)
Captain Robert Norwood Hall was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.Hall tallied his first win on 24 April 1917, when he drove an enemy two-seater down out of control. On 7 May, he became a balloon buster by destroying three observation balloons on the same mission;...
shot down an observation balloon on 7 May 1917; Cudemore then promptly shot down another balloon single-handed. After his transfer from 40 Squadron to 29 Squadron, Cudemore continued to fly a Nieuport in his next three triumphs; he became an ace on 3 September 1917. He was promoted from temporary second lieutenant to temporary lieutenant effective 1 July 1917. He received the Military Cross on the 18th.
There was a lapse in his scoring until 11 August 1918, when he flew a 64 Squadron S.E.5a to a win over a Fokker D.VII
Fokker D.VII
The Fokker D.VII was a German World War I fighter aircraft designed by Reinhold Platz of the Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. Germany produced around 3,300 D.VII aircraft in the summer and autumn of 1918. In service, the D.VII quickly proved itself to be a formidable aircraft...
, which was driven down out of control. He continued to score through 9 November 1918. A summary of his final results is he destroyed three enemy fighter planes and two observation balloons, and drove down ten enemy planes out of control.
Post war service and life
On 3 June 1919, Cudemore was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. On 8 March 1925, he was appointed 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 RAF. Also in 1925, he was sued for divorce by Carolyn Alice Cudemore. On October 15, 1925, he was transferred to the Class A Reserve.
On 3 September 1939, Cudemore was promoted from flying officer
Flying 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...
to flight lieutenant
Flight 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"...
in the RAF Reserve.
Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)T./2nd Lt. Charles William Cudemore, Gen. list and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attacking enemy aircraft and kite balloons. He has brought down at least three enemy machines and three kite balloons, and has taken part in numerous other engagements. He has consistently set a very fine example of pluck and determination in all his attacks.
Reference
- Nieuport Aces of World War 1. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1855329611, 9781855329614.
- SE 5/5a Aces of World War I. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 184603180X, 9781846031809.