George Thomson (pilot)
Encyclopedia
George Thomson DFC
(born 3 October 1896, date of death unknown) was a Canadian
First World War
flying ace
, officially credited with 14 victories.
Born in Thornhill, Dumfries, Scotland
, Thomson emigrated to Canada. Working as a printer in Celista, British Columbia
, Thomson enlisted in 1914, serving in the 30th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
and the 48th Highlanders of Canada
. Thomson was wounded twice while serving with the 7/8th King's Own Scottish Borderers
. In October 1917 Thomson transferred to the RAF, and in 1918 he was posted to the 22 Squadron
as an observer, where he scored 14 victories. Thomson returned to the Home Establishment in August 1918 to be trained as a pilot. His death date is unknown, although he is not listed among the few surviving World War I veterans.
A brilliant and intrepid observer in whom his pilot places implicit confidence when engaged in action. He has personally accounted for nine enemy machines. On one raid, when acting as escort, 15 enemy aeroplanes were encountered; of these this officer shot down two, which crashed, and one out of control."
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11255)
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
(born 3 October 1896, date of death unknown) was a Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
First World War
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...
, officially credited with 14 victories.
Born in Thornhill, Dumfries, Scotland
Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway
Thornhill is a town in the Mid Nithsdale area of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, south of Sanquhar and north of Dumfries.A monument to the explorer Joseph Thomson , who lived in neighbouring Penpont and Gatelawbridge, can be found close to the school...
, Thomson emigrated to Canada. Working as a printer in Celista, British Columbia
Celista, British Columbia
Celista is a small community located along the north shore of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia, Canada.The local school is North Shuswap Elementary school, which has grades one to seven and has an annual enrolement of just over 100 students....
, Thomson enlisted in 1914, serving in the 30th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force
Canadian Expeditionary Force
The Canadian Expeditionary Force was the designation of the field force created by Canada for service overseas in the First World War. Units of the C.E.F. were divided into field formation in France, where they were organized first into separate divisions and later joined together into a single...
and the 48th Highlanders of Canada
48th Highlanders of Canada
The 48th Highlanders of Canada is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve infantry regiment based in Toronto, parading out of Moss Park Armoury. The regiment is part of Land Force Central Area's 32 Canadian Brigade Group....
. Thomson was wounded twice while serving with the 7/8th King's Own Scottish Borderers
King's Own Scottish Borderers
The King's Own Scottish Borderers was an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Scottish Division.-History:It was raised on 18 March 1689 by the Earl of Leven to defend Edinburgh against the Jacobite forces of James II. It is said that 800 men were recruited within the space of two hours...
. In October 1917 Thomson transferred to the RAF, and in 1918 he was posted to the 22 Squadron
No. 22 Squadron RAF
No. 22 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Sea King HAR.3 and HAR.3A at three stations in the southern United Kingdom. The squadron was originally formed in 1915 as an aerial reconnaissance unit of the Royal Flying Corps serving on the Western Front during First World War...
as an observer, where he scored 14 victories. Thomson returned to the Home Establishment in August 1918 to be trained as a pilot. His death date is unknown, although he is not listed among the few surviving World War I veterans.
Text of citations
"Lieut. George Thomson (King's Own Scottish Borderers).A brilliant and intrepid observer in whom his pilot places implicit confidence when engaged in action. He has personally accounted for nine enemy machines. On one raid, when acting as escort, 15 enemy aeroplanes were encountered; of these this officer shot down two, which crashed, and one out of control."
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11255)