No. 20 Squadron RAF
Encyclopedia
No. 20 Squadron of the Royal Air Force
was until March 2010, the OCU (Operational Conversion Unit
) for the BAE Harrier GR9
, and T12, operating from RAF Wittering
. A reserve squadron, it could be called upon for combat duties if necessary.
, the squadron has flown many types - FE2ds
, Bristol Fighter
s, Westland Wapiti
s, Hawker Audaxes, Westland Lysander
s, Hurricanes, Spitfires, Tempests, Vampires, Sabres, Hunters (Singapore), Tornado GR1s (Germany) and SEPECAT Jaguar
s. In 1992, No. 233 Harrier OCU at RAF Wittering
adopted the squadron crest and became 20 (Reserve) Squadron on 1 September 1992.
In the First World War 20 Squadron RFC & RAF was arguably the highest scoring and possibly most decorated British fighter squadron on the Western Front with 613 combat victories, a posthumous Victoria Cross
won by Thomas Mottershead
, four Distinguished Conduct Medal
s, and over sixty Military Cross
es and Military Medal
s awarded to its members. Its ranks included over two score flying ace
s.
The squadron transferred from the former Royal Flying Corps to the newly formed Royal Air Force in April, 1918.
Post World War I, 20 Sqn was transferred to the North-West Frontier Province for policing duties, equipped with Bristol Fighters, Wapitis and Audaxes.
At the outbreak of World War II, the squadron was still equipped with Audaxes, which were replaced with Lysanders in December 1941, re-equipping with Hurricanes in March 1943. During the Second World War the squadron's Hawker Hurricane
IIDs and IVs saw action against the Japanese.
After the war, the squadron re-equipped with Spitfires in September 1945, and Tempest FBIIs in May 1946, retaining these until it disbanded on 1 August 1947, whilst based in India.
20 Squadron reformed at Llanbedr on 11 February 1947 as an Anti-aircraft Co-operation (AAC) squadron, moving to Valley on 19 July 1949, equipped with many miscellaneous aircraft. The squadron disbanded at Valley on 16 September 1951.
In June 1952 the squadron reformed at RAF Jever, Germany
, operating the de Havilland Vampire
. These were replaced in 1953 by Canadair Sabre
s which were themselves replaced with Hawker Hunter
s. The squadron was disbanded in 1960, only to be reformed again at RAF Tengah, Singapore
, again operating Hunters. Following the withdrawal of the RAF from the Far East the squadron disbanded in 1970.
20 Squadron reformed again in late 1970 at RAF Wildenrath
, Germany, operating the Hawker Siddeley Harrier.
In 1977 at RAF Bruggen
the squadron re-equipped with twelve SEPECAT Jaguar
strike aircraft, various weapons for the squadron's conventional strike role of support for ground forces in repelling a Soviet attack in Europe, and eight WE.177
tactical nuclear bombs for use if a conflict escalated to the nuclear phase. The apparent mismatch between eight nuclear bombs and twelve aircraft was because RAF staff planners expected up to one third attrition in the conventional phase, with sufficient aircraft held back in reserve to deliver the full stock of nuclear weapons to targets beyond the forward edge of the battlefield, deep into the enemy's rear areas. The squadron was assigned to SACEUR for operational and targeting purposes, although political control over release of the British-owned WE.177 weapons was retained by the British government in London.
The squadron re-equipped again with twelve Tornado GR1
aircraft at RAF Laarbruch
in 1984, while its stock of WE.177
weapons increased to eighteen because of the Tornado's greater capacity. The squadron's war-role and assignment to SACEUR remained unchanged.
In May 1992 the Options for Change defence review called for the disbanding of 20 Squadron as a front line unit, and it disbanded on 31 July 1992. On 1 September 1992 the squadron numberplate was assigned to the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit
as No. 20 (Reserve) Squadron.
With the formation of Joint Force Harrier
and the decision to withdraw the FAA's Sea Harriers, the personnel of the RAF's No. 1 and 4 Squadrons, and the RN's 800 Naval Air Squadron and 801 Naval Air Squadron
, later known as Naval Strike Wing
, were absorbed with 20(R) Squadron into a joint RAF/RN unit, manned 50/50 by each service.
On 9 February 2009, a 20(R) Squadron Harrier T12, ZH656, crashed at RAF Akrotiri
while on training operations there. Both crew ejected safely and were treated in hospital for minor injuries.
As a result of 2009 defence cuts, 20 Squadron disbanded on 31 March 2010, with its tasks taken over by the retitled 4 (Reserve) Squadron.
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...
was until March 2010, the OCU (Operational Conversion Unit
Operational Conversion Unit
An Operational Conversion Unit is a unit within an air force whose role is to support preparation for the operational missions of a specific aircraft type by providing trained personnel. OCUs teach pilots how to fly an aircraft and which tactics best exploit the performance of their aircraft and...
) for the BAE Harrier GR9
RAF Harrier II
The British Aerospace/McDonnell Douglas Harrier II is a second-generation vertical/short takeoff and landing jet aircraft used previously by the Royal Air Force and, between 2006–2010, the Royal Navy. Derived from the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, which was a development of the Hawker...
, and T12, operating from RAF Wittering
RAF Wittering
RAF Wittering is a Royal Air Force station within the unitary authority area of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Although Stamford in Lincolnshire is the nearest town, the runways of RAF Wittering cross the boundary between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire....
. A reserve squadron, it could be called upon for combat duties if necessary.
History
Formed on 1 September 1915, as a unit of the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal 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...
, the squadron has flown many types - FE2ds
Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2
The Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 was a two-seat pusher biplane that was operated as a day and night bomber and as a fighter aircraft by the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War...
, Bristol Fighter
Bristol F.2 Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...
s, Westland Wapiti
Westland Wapiti
The Westland Wapiti was a British two-seat general purpose military single-engined biplane of the 1920s. It was designed and built by Westland Aircraft Works to replace the Airco DH.9A in Royal Air Force service....
s, Hawker Audaxes, Westland Lysander
Westland Lysander
The Westland Lysander was a British army co-operation and liaison aircraft produced by Westland Aircraft used immediately before and during the Second World War...
s, Hurricanes, Spitfires, Tempests, Vampires, Sabres, Hunters (Singapore), Tornado GR1s (Germany) and SEPECAT Jaguar
SEPECAT Jaguar
The SEPECAT Jaguar is an Anglo-French jet ground attack aircraft, originally used by the British Royal Air Force and the French Armée de l'Air in the close air support and nuclear strike role, and still in service with several export customers, notably the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force...
s. In 1992, No. 233 Harrier OCU at RAF Wittering
RAF Wittering
RAF Wittering is a Royal Air Force station within the unitary authority area of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Although Stamford in Lincolnshire is the nearest town, the runways of RAF Wittering cross the boundary between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire....
adopted the squadron crest and became 20 (Reserve) Squadron on 1 September 1992.
In the First World War 20 Squadron RFC & RAF was arguably the highest scoring and possibly most decorated British fighter squadron on the Western Front with 613 combat victories, a posthumous Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
won by Thomas Mottershead
Thomas Mottershead
Thomas Mottershead VC, DCM was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Background:...
, four Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
s, and over sixty Military Cross
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....
es and Military Medal
Military Medal
The Military Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land....
s awarded to its members. Its ranks included over two score 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...
s.
The squadron transferred from the former Royal Flying Corps to the newly formed Royal Air Force in April, 1918.
Post World War I, 20 Sqn was transferred to the North-West Frontier Province for policing duties, equipped with Bristol Fighters, Wapitis and Audaxes.
At the outbreak of World War II, the squadron was still equipped with Audaxes, which were replaced with Lysanders in December 1941, re-equipping with Hurricanes in March 1943. During the Second World War the squadron's Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Hurricane
The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the Royal Air Force...
IIDs and IVs saw action against the Japanese.
After the war, the squadron re-equipped with Spitfires in September 1945, and Tempest FBIIs in May 1946, retaining these until it disbanded on 1 August 1947, whilst based in India.
20 Squadron reformed at Llanbedr on 11 February 1947 as an Anti-aircraft Co-operation (AAC) squadron, moving to Valley on 19 July 1949, equipped with many miscellaneous aircraft. The squadron disbanded at Valley on 16 September 1951.
In June 1952 the squadron reformed at RAF Jever, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, operating the de Havilland Vampire
De Havilland Vampire
The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British jet-engine fighter commissioned by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Following the Gloster Meteor, it was the second jet fighter to enter service with the RAF. Although it arrived too late to see combat during the war, the Vampire served...
. These were replaced in 1953 by Canadair Sabre
F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as America's first swept wing fighter which could counter the similarly-winged Soviet MiG-15 in high speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean War...
s which were themselves replaced with Hawker Hunter
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
s. The squadron was disbanded in 1960, only to be reformed again at RAF Tengah, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, again operating Hunters. Following the withdrawal of the RAF from the Far East the squadron disbanded in 1970.
20 Squadron reformed again in late 1970 at RAF Wildenrath
RAF Wildenrath
The former Royal Air Force Station Wildenrath, commonly known as RAF Wildenrath, was a Royal Air Force military airbase which opened on 15 January 1952. Wildenrath was the first of four 'Clutch' stations built for the RAF in Germany during the early 1950s...
, Germany, operating the Hawker Siddeley Harrier.
In 1977 at RAF Bruggen
RAF Bruggen
The former Royal Air Force Station Brüggen, more commonly known as RAF Brüggen, in Germany was a major station of the Royal Air Force until 15 June 2001. It was situated next to the village of Elmpt, approximately west of Düsseldorf near the German-Netherlands border. The base was named after...
the squadron re-equipped with twelve SEPECAT Jaguar
SEPECAT Jaguar
The SEPECAT Jaguar is an Anglo-French jet ground attack aircraft, originally used by the British Royal Air Force and the French Armée de l'Air in the close air support and nuclear strike role, and still in service with several export customers, notably the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force...
strike aircraft, various weapons for the squadron's conventional strike role of support for ground forces in repelling a Soviet attack in Europe, and eight WE.177
WE.177
WE.177 was the last air-delivered tactical nuclear weapon of the British Armed Forces. There were three versions; WE.177A was a boosted fission weapon, while WE.177B and WE.177C were thermonuclear weapons...
tactical nuclear bombs for use if a conflict escalated to the nuclear phase. The apparent mismatch between eight nuclear bombs and twelve aircraft was because RAF staff planners expected up to one third attrition in the conventional phase, with sufficient aircraft held back in reserve to deliver the full stock of nuclear weapons to targets beyond the forward edge of the battlefield, deep into the enemy's rear areas. The squadron was assigned to SACEUR for operational and targeting purposes, although political control over release of the British-owned WE.177 weapons was retained by the British government in London.
The squadron re-equipped again with twelve Tornado GR1
Panavia Tornado
The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine, variable-sweep wing combat aircraft, which was jointly developed and manufactured by the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy...
aircraft at RAF Laarbruch
RAF Laarbruch
The former Royal Air Force Station Laarbruch, more commonly known as RAF Laarbruch ICAO EDUL was a Royal Air Force station, a military airbase, located in Germany on its border with the Netherlands...
in 1984, while its stock of WE.177
WE.177
WE.177 was the last air-delivered tactical nuclear weapon of the British Armed Forces. There were three versions; WE.177A was a boosted fission weapon, while WE.177B and WE.177C were thermonuclear weapons...
weapons increased to eighteen because of the Tornado's greater capacity. The squadron's war-role and assignment to SACEUR remained unchanged.
In May 1992 the Options for Change defence review called for the disbanding of 20 Squadron as a front line unit, and it disbanded on 31 July 1992. On 1 September 1992 the squadron numberplate was assigned to the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit
Operational Conversion Unit
An Operational Conversion Unit is a unit within an air force whose role is to support preparation for the operational missions of a specific aircraft type by providing trained personnel. OCUs teach pilots how to fly an aircraft and which tactics best exploit the performance of their aircraft and...
as No. 20 (Reserve) Squadron.
With the formation of Joint Force Harrier
Joint Force Harrier
Joint Strike Wing, previously known as Joint Force Harrier, was the British military formation which controlled the STOVL Harrier aircraft of the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm...
and the decision to withdraw the FAA's Sea Harriers, the personnel of the RAF's No. 1 and 4 Squadrons, and the RN's 800 Naval Air Squadron and 801 Naval Air Squadron
801 Naval Air Squadron
801 Naval Air Squadron was a Fleet Air Arm squadron of the Royal Navy formed in 1933 which fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Falklands War.- Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Air Force:...
, later known as Naval Strike Wing
Naval Strike Wing
The Naval Strike Wing was a flying unit of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was formed on 9 March 2007...
, were absorbed with 20(R) Squadron into a joint RAF/RN unit, manned 50/50 by each service.
On 9 February 2009, a 20(R) Squadron Harrier T12, ZH656, crashed at RAF Akrotiri
RAF Akrotiri
Royal Air Force Station Akrotiri, more commonly known as RAF Akrotiri , is a large Royal Air Force station, on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It is located in the Western Sovereign Base Area, one of two areas which comprise Akrotiri and Dhekelia, a British Overseas Territory, administered as a...
while on training operations there. Both crew ejected safely and were treated in hospital for minor injuries.
As a result of 2009 defence cuts, 20 Squadron disbanded on 31 March 2010, with its tasks taken over by the retitled 4 (Reserve) Squadron.
Notable airmen
- Dennis LatimerDennis LatimerCaptain Dennis Latimer was a World War I flying ace notable for achieving 28 aerial victories, all against enemy fighter planes.Dennis Latimer was born in Withington, Ireland to James D. and Ida L...
, MCMilitary CrossThe 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....
, Distinguished Flying CrossDistinguished 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... - William McKenzie ThomsonWilliam McKenzie ThomsonWilliam McKenzie Thomson MC, DFC was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 26 victories.-Military Cross:"T./Lt. William MacKenzie Thomson, R.A.F....
, MC, DFCDistinguished 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... - Harry G. E. Luchford, MC
- Thomas Percy MiddletonThomas Percy MiddletonCaptain Thomas Percy Middleton , Distinguished Flying Cross was an English World War I fighter ace credited with 27 victories while flying a two seated fighter.-Early life:...
, DFC - Wilfred BeaverWilfred Beaver-Early life and ground service:After passing his childhood in his native England, Beaver sailed for Canada. His parents separated in 1911, and he was shipped off to Montreal, Canada. He was supposed to live with his uncle and study dentistry. He enlisted in the First Canadian Heavy Battery of the...
, MC - Howard Percy LaleHoward Percy LaleCaptain Horace Percy Lale , Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar, was a British World War I flying ace credited with 23 victories.-Citation for military decoration:Distinguished Flying Cross...
, Distinguished Service Order, DFC - Frederick Thayre, MC
- August IaccaciAugust IaccaciCaptain August Thayer Iaccaci was a US-born World War I flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories. He was born to Auguste Florian and Mabel Thayer Iaccaci on June 6, 1893. He worked for H. K. McCann Co. until he went to Canada and joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. His brother Paul...
, DFC - Paul IaccaciPaul IaccaciCaptain Paul Thayer Iaccaci was a World War I flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories. He was born to Auguste Florian and Mabel Thayer Iaccaci on 6 June 1893. He attended Harvard College from 1910 to 1911. He went to Canada and joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. His brother August...
, DFC - Reginald MakepeaceReginald MakepeaceCaptain Reginald Milburn Makepeace was a World War I flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories.-Early life:Makepeace's father was a printer and compositor named John P. Makepeace. His mother was Mary A. Makepeace née Milburn. Reginald Makepeace emigrated to Canada in 1908...
, MC - Ernest HardcastleErnest HardcastleLieutenant Ernest Hardcastle was a World War I flying ace observer/gunner credited with twelve aerial victories. He would return to his nation's service during World War II.-Early life and service:...
, DFC - Douglas Graham CookeDouglas Graham CookeCaptain Douglas Graham Cooke was a World War I flying ace credited with thirteen aerial victories....
, MC - David John WestonDavid John WestonLieutenant David John Weston was a World War I flying ace credited with thirteen aerial victories. All of his wins were over enemy fighter planes.Weston was commissioned 12 August 1917...
, DFC - Richard M. TrevethanRichard M. TrevethanCaptain Richard Michael Trevethan was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.-Early life:...
, MC - George E. RandallGeorge E. RandallLieutenant George Ebben Randall was a World War I flying ace credited with eleven aerial victories. He won the last Distinguished Flying Cross of World War I....
, DFC - Francis Richard Cubbon, MC
- Cecil Roy RichardsCecil Roy RichardsLieutenant Cecil Roy Richards was an Australian flying ace of World War I. He was credited with twelve aerial victories.Cecil Roy Richards' father was named Alf. The younger Richards enlisted on 16 March 1915. He served on ground duty in both Gallipolli and France before transferring to the Royal...
, MC - Frank JohnsonFrank Johnson (aviator)Sergeant Frank Johnson DCM & Bar was a World War I flying ace credited with 16 aerial victories. He flew as an observer/gunner and a pilot, and is the only enlisted man to receive a second award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.Johnson scored his first four victories between 24 September 1916...
, Distinguished Conduct MedalDistinguished Conduct MedalThe Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean... - William DurrandWilliam DurrandLieutenant William Durrand, Jr. was a Canadian flying ace from World War I. He was credited with eight aerial victories.Durrand enlisted in the Canadian military on 11 March 1916...
, MC - Air MarshalAir MarshalAir marshal is a three-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Victor GroomVictor GroomAir Marshal Sir Victor Emmanuel Groom KCVO, KBE, CB, DFC & Bar was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and a flying ace of the First World War credited with eight aerial victories...
, DFC - Air CommodoreAir CommodoreAir commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Henry CroweHenry CroweLieutenant Henry George Crowe was a World War I flying ace credited with eight confirmed aerial victories. He also survived being shot down six times in 11 days at one point...
, MC - Geoffrey H. HooperGeoffrey H. HooperCaptain Geoffrey Herbert Hooper was an Australian World War I flying ace credited with eleven aerial victories, all against the deadly Fokker D.VII.-World War I:...
, MC, DFC - Robert Kirby KirkmanRobert Kirby KirkmanCaptain Robert Kirby Kirkman was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories. Kirkman and his observer were captured in action after being shot down on 23 March 1918 by German ace Karl Gallwitz...
, MC - Air Vice-MarshalAir Vice-MarshalAir vice-marshal is a two-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force. The rank is also used by the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence and it is sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in...
Thomas TraillThomas TraillAir Vice-Marshal Thomas Cathcart Traill began his military career as a midshipman in the Royal Navy. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. He rose to the rank of Captain during World War I, becoming a flying ace credited with eight aerial victories. He remained in the newly formed Royal...
, DFC - Harold HartneyHarold HartneyHarold Evans Hartney was a Canadian-born World War I flying ace with the United States Army Air Service, credited with seven confirmed and one unconfirmed aerial victories.-Early life and service:...
, Distinguished Service CrossDistinguished Service Cross (United States)The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
, Legion d'HonneurLégion d'honneurThe Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802...
, Croix de GuerreCroix de guerreThe Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
, Medal for Military Valor - Air Vice-MarshalAir Vice-MarshalAir vice-marshal is a two-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force. The rank is also used by the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence and it is sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in...
George ReidGeorge Reid (aviator)Air Vice Marshal Sir George Ranald MacFarlane Reid KCB, DSO, MC & Bar was a senior officer of the Royal Air Force. He began his career in aviation in World War I with the Royal Flying Corps after transferring from the Black Watch...
, DSO, MC - Ernest LindupErnest LindupLieutenant Ernest Lindup was a South African World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.Lindup scored five victories between 4 February and 31 May 1918 while flying a Bristol F.2 Fighter. His observer gunners included fellow aces M. B...
, MC - David MacKay McGounDavid MacKay McGounCaptain David MacKay Mcgoun was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories....
, MC - John CowellJohn Cowell (aviator)Sergeant John J. Cowell was an Irish World War I flying ace credited with 16 aerial victories. Although he scored 15 of his victories as a gunner, he did move on to score once more as a pilot.-Success as an observer:...
, DCM, MMMilitary MedalThe Military Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land.... - Group CaptainGroup CaptainGroup captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore...
Campbell HoyCampbell HoyGroup Captain Campbell Alexander Hoy began his military career as a flying ace during World War I, with eleven aerial victories. He served through the end of World War II.-Early life:...
, MC - Walter NobleWalter NobleLieutenant Walter Noble was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.-Early life:Walter Noble was originally from Stowmarket, Suffolk. He was an tea planter in India from 1911 through 1915...
, DFC; - Frank StevensFrank Douglas Stevens (aviator)Captain Frank Douglas Stevens was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.Stevens tallied five "driven down out of control" victories between 3 May and 16 August 1917...
, Order of the British EmpireOrder of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
. - Arthur Ernest NewlandArthur Ernest NewlandSergeant Arthur Ernest Newland DFM & Bar was a World War I observer ace credited with 22 victories.-Early life:Newland was born about 1882 to Jane Newland, who was from Clerkenwell. His father William was a laborer from Westminster.-Aerial service:...
, Distinguished Flying MedalDistinguished Flying MedalThe Distinguished Flying Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Royal Air Force and the other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active...
with Bar - William BengerWilliam BengerSergeant William Joseph Benger was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories over German Albatros D.V fighters.Rifleman Benger was from Ewell, Surrey before military service. He served as an observer/gunner in the Bristol Two-Seater Fighters of 20 Squadron in 1917. He was injured...
, MM - Edward SayersEdward Sayers (aviator)Sergeant Edward Harper Sayers was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.-References:*...
, Medaille MilitaireMédaille militaireThe Médaille militaire is a decoration of the French Republic which was first instituted in 1852.-History:The creator of the médaille was the emperor Napoléon III, who may have taken his inspiration in a medal issued by his father, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland...
, Croix de GuerreCroix de guerreThe Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts... - Harold Leslie EdwardsHarold Leslie EdwardsHarold Leslie Edwards DFC MM was a Canadian World War I flying ace gunner, who in conjunction with his pilots, was officially credited with 21 victories.-Early life:...
, DFC, MM - Thomas MottersheadThomas MottersheadThomas Mottershead VC, DCM was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Background:...
, Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
(1892–1917) (Great War) - Donald CunnellDonald CunnellDonald Charles Cunnell was a British World War I flying ace who was killed in action over Belgium. He is known for having shot down and wounded the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen.-Early life:...
(1893–1917) - Air Vice-Marshal Don BennettDon BennettAir Vice Marshal Donald Clifford Tyndall Bennett CB CBE DSO RAF was an Australian aviation pioneer and bomber pilot who rose to be the youngest Air Vice-Marshal in the Royal Air Force. He led the "Pathfinder Force" from 1942 to the end of the Second World War in 1945...
(1910–1986) - James Harry LaceyJames Harry LaceySquadron Leader James Harry "Ginger" Lacey DFM & Bar was one of the top scoring Royal Air Force fighter pilots of the Second World War and was the second highest scoring British RAF fighter pilot of the Battle of Britain, behind P/O Eric Lock of No. 41 Squadron RAF...
(1917–1989) - Alfred MillsAlfred Mills (aviator)Lieutenant Alfred Stanley Mills was a World War I flying ace credited with 15 aerial victories.Mills graduated from Campbell College, Belfast before joining the service. After being assigned to No. 20 Squadron RAF as an observer gunner, he won his first dogfight by setting afire a Fokker Dr.I on 9...
, DFC