John Todd (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Captain John Todd DFC
, MC
, OBE was a World War I flying ace
credited with 18 aerial victories.
He was a medical student at Edinburgh University before he signed up in the Royal Air Force
.
He was assigned to a Sopwith Camel
, No. 70, and scored his first victory on 22 January 1918. He scored his 18th and last one on 1 July. He had been promoted to captain by May; in July, he was returned to Home Establishment as an instructor. His final total was 14 enemy fighters and 4 reconnaissance planes downed. After World War I ended, he returned to school to become a doctor. After graduation in 1922, he went to Livingstonia
, Nigeria as a medical missionary. His efforts were rewarded with the Order of the British Empire.
Lt. (T./Capt.) John Todd, M.C. (formerly No. 70 Sqn.).
With four other officers he engaged ten enemy scouts, shooting down one; later, on the same day, he shot down another in flames. In addition to these, during the last two months he has shot down seven enemy machines. His gallantry in leading his flight into action against enemy patrols of superior numbers has been an inspiring example.
Military Cross (MC)
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) John Todd, R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed three enemy aircraft, forced one to land in our lines, and drove four down out of control. He did very fine work.
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...
, MC
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
, OBE was a World War I 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 18 aerial victories.
He was a medical student at Edinburgh University before he signed up in the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
.
He was assigned to a 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. 70, and scored his first victory on 22 January 1918. He scored his 18th and last one on 1 July. He had been promoted to captain by May; in July, he was returned to Home Establishment as an instructor. His final total was 14 enemy fighters and 4 reconnaissance planes downed. After World War I ended, he returned to school to become a doctor. After graduation in 1922, he went to Livingstonia
Livingstonia
Livingstonia or Kondowe is a town located in the Northern Region district of Rumphi in Malawi. It is 270 miles north of the capital, Lilongwe. The town of Mzuzu can be reached on tarred road in about 2-3 hours....
, Nigeria as a medical missionary. His efforts were rewarded with the Order of the British Empire.
Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)Lt. (T./Capt.) John Todd, M.C. (formerly No. 70 Sqn.).
With four other officers he engaged ten enemy scouts, shooting down one; later, on the same day, he shot down another in flames. In addition to these, during the last two months he has shot down seven enemy machines. His gallantry in leading his flight into action against enemy patrols of superior numbers has been an inspiring example.
Military Cross (MC)
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) John Todd, R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed three enemy aircraft, forced one to land in our lines, and drove four down out of control. He did very fine work.