Claude Melnot Wilson
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant Claude Melnot Wilson was a World War I flying ace
credited with eight aerial victories.
, and was assigned to 29 Squadron on 4 May 1918. He used a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a for all his victories. He scored his first one on 22 July 1918, driving a Hannover observation plane down out of control. In August, Wilson tallied six more wins, starting with an Albatros
reconnaissance plane destroyed in cooperation with fellow aces Arthur Reed
and Henry Coyle Rath
on the 8th. His final victory came on 18 September 1918. His victory roll included five enemy planes and an observation balloon destroyed, and two planes driven down out of control.
Lieut. Claude Melnot Wilson. (FRANCE)
Bold in attack, this officer never hesitates to join in an engagement with the enemy, regardless of their numerical superiority. On 18 August, with four other machines, he attacked a large hostile formation. Five enemy machines were destroyed, Lt. Wilson accounting for one. In all he has four machines and one balloon to his credit.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 December 1918.
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 eight aerial victories.
Military service
Wilson transferred from artillery to 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...
, and was assigned to 29 Squadron on 4 May 1918. He used a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a for all his victories. He scored his first one on 22 July 1918, driving a Hannover observation plane down out of control. In August, Wilson tallied six more wins, starting with an Albatros
Albatros Flugzeugwerke
Albatros-Flugzeugwerke was a German aircraft manufacturer best known for supplying the German airforces during World War I.The company was based in Johannisthal, Berlin, where it was founded by Walter Huth and Otto Wiener on December 20, 1909. It produced some of the most capable fighter aircraft...
reconnaissance plane destroyed in cooperation with fellow aces Arthur Reed
Arthur Reed (aviator)
Lieutenant Arthur Eden Reed was a World War I flying ace credited with 19 aerial victories.He began his service with the army in German East Africa between June 1915 and August 1916. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in April 1917. He was posted to duty to fly RAF SE.5as with 29 Squadron...
and Henry Coyle Rath
Henry Coyle Rath
Lieutenant Henry Coyle Rath was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories.Rath joined the Royal Flying Corps in September 1917. He was assigned to 29 Squadron on 5 June 1918 as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot....
on the 8th. His final victory came on 18 September 1918. His victory roll included five enemy planes and an observation balloon destroyed, and two planes driven down out of control.
Death in action
Wilson was killed in action near Roulers on 14 October 1918, and interred in the New British Cemetery in Dadizele, Belgium.Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)Lieut. Claude Melnot Wilson. (FRANCE)
Bold in attack, this officer never hesitates to join in an engagement with the enemy, regardless of their numerical superiority. On 18 August, with four other machines, he attacked a large hostile formation. Five enemy machines were destroyed, Lt. Wilson accounting for one. In all he has four machines and one balloon to his credit.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 December 1918.