Captain Loudoun James MacLean (born 1 February 1893) was a World War I

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.

MacLean was commissioned on 1 April 1914, just before the start of World War I. He entered the war in the 57th Company, Royal Engineers, and won a Military Cross in September 1917. He was posted 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...

 in May 1917. He began his aviation career with 41 Squadron. After the squadron upgraded to Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5as, MacLean became a flight commander, received a Bar to his Military Cross, and began to score victories. He scored first on 29 November 1917, and ended his string on 3 February 1918. A summary of his wins shows two enemy planes destroyed and three driven down out of control. All the victories were shared; among his fellow aces helping him were Frank H. Taylor

Frank Harold Taylor

Lieutenant Frank Harold Taylor was a Canadian-born flying ace. During World War I, he was credited with ten aerial victories.-Early life and service:...

, Alfred Hemming

Alfred Hemming

Captain Alfred Stewart Hemming was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.-References:...

, and Meredith Thomas

Meredith Thomas

Air Vice-Marshal Meredith Thomas CSI, CBE, DFC, AFC RAF was a senior commander in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He began his career as a flying ace during World War I, credited with five aerial victories....

.