George M. Cox
Encyclopedia
Captain George Montague Cox was a World War I
flying ace
credited with five aerial victories.
Cox served originally in the Royal Berkshire Regiment
, beginning in 1914. In 1916, he switched to the Royal Flying Corps
. After training as a fighter pilot, he was posted in 1917 to 65 Squadron to fly Sopwith Camel
no. B2411. He tallied his first win on 15 November 1917. He scored four more through 17 May 1918, with his last one recorded while flying Camel no. C8272. In summary, his total was three enemy airplanes destroyed, and two driven down out of control. He then was transferred within theater to command No. 2 Test Flight RAF.
T./Capt. George Montague Cox, Gen. List and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On numerous occasions during recent operations he has descended to very low altitudes, and has attacked with bombs and machine-gun fire enemy troops forming up for attack. Thanks to his dash and intrepidity hostile bodies of troops have suffered very severe casualties and have been scattered in all directions. He has in all destroyed four hostile machines, and has at all times displayed the greatest gallantry.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
flying ace
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 five aerial victories.
Cox served originally in the Royal Berkshire Regiment
Royal Berkshire Regiment
The Royal Berkshire Regiment was an infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of the 49th Regiment of Foot and the 66th Regiment of Foot.The regiment was originally formed as The Princess Charlotte of Wales's , taking the...
, beginning in 1914. In 1916, he switched to 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...
. After training as a fighter pilot, he was posted in 1917 to 65 Squadron to fly Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter introduced on the Western Front in 1917. Manufactured by Sopwith Aviation Company, it had a short-coupled fuselage, heavy, powerful rotary engine, and concentrated fire from twin synchronized machine guns. Though difficult...
no. B2411. He tallied his first win on 15 November 1917. He scored four more through 17 May 1918, with his last one recorded while flying Camel no. C8272. In summary, his total was three enemy airplanes destroyed, and two driven down out of control. He then was transferred within theater to command No. 2 Test Flight RAF.
Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)T./Capt. George Montague Cox, Gen. List and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On numerous occasions during recent operations he has descended to very low altitudes, and has attacked with bombs and machine-gun fire enemy troops forming up for attack. Thanks to his dash and intrepidity hostile bodies of troops have suffered very severe casualties and have been scattered in all directions. He has in all destroyed four hostile machines, and has at all times displayed the greatest gallantry.