William Molesworth (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Major William Earle Molesworth was a World War I
flying ace
credited with 18 aerial victories.
Molesworth attended Marlborough College
from 1908 - 1912. He then moved on to RMC Sandhurst from 1912 - 1914. On 8 August 1914, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He went into combat on the Western Front in October 1914. He was wounded in December, but returned to duty and served with the Fusiliers until March 1916. Molesworth then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps
with a temporary commission. He graduated pilot's training in February 1917 at Upavon
's Central Flying School.
His first combat assignment with the RFC was No. 60 Squadron. By April, he was Flight Leader of A Flight. Flying a Nieuport 17
, he scored his first victory on 22 April 1917. His next three triumphs were also scored flying a Nieuport; then he switched to an RAF SE.5a for his next two in early August. He then moved to Home Establishment back in England until October. On 20 October 1917, he returned to Nieuports by being assigned to No. 29 Squadron as a captain.
He notched his first wins with them on 8 November, setting an enemy reconnaissance two-seater and an Albatros D.V
afire. He then scored at a steady rate until his last victory on 18 March 1918. He then returned to Central Flying School for a short spell as an instructor. In April 1918, he was appointed to form No. 158 Squadron and serve as its Commanding Officer. He held this post through October 1918. Following the armistice in November, he was transferred back to the Fusiliers.
Capt. William Earle Molesworth, R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrol. He has frequently led his patrol against superior numbers of the enemy, destroying some and dispersing others. He has also brought down two balloons and has proved himself to be a dashing and fearless pilot of great skill and determination.
Military Cross (MC) Bar
Capt. William Earle Molesworth, M.C., R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done excellent work as patrol leader, handling his formations with great skill and courage. He has destroyed four enemy machines and driven several down out of control.
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 18 aerial victories.
Molesworth attended Marlborough College
Marlborough College
Marlborough College is a British co-educational independent school for day and boarding pupils, located in Marlborough, Wiltshire.Founded in 1843 for the education of the sons of Church of England clergy, the school now accepts both boys and girls of all beliefs. Currently there are just over 800...
from 1908 - 1912. He then moved on to RMC Sandhurst from 1912 - 1914. On 8 August 1914, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He went into combat on the Western Front in October 1914. He was wounded in December, but returned to duty and served with the Fusiliers until March 1916. Molesworth then transferred 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...
with a temporary commission. He graduated pilot's training in February 1917 at Upavon
Upavon
Upavon is a rural village in the English County of Wiltshire, England. As its name suggests, it is on the upper portions of the River Avon which runs from the north to the south through the village. It is situated about south of Pewsey, about southeast of the market town of Devizes, and about ...
's Central Flying School.
His first combat assignment with the RFC was No. 60 Squadron. By April, he was Flight Leader of A Flight. Flying a Nieuport 17
Nieuport 17
|-Specifications :-See also:-Bibliography:* Bruce, Jack. "Those Classic Nieuports". Air Enthusiast Quarterly. Number Two, 1976. Bromley, UK:Pilot Press. pp. 137–153....
, he scored his first victory on 22 April 1917. His next three triumphs were also scored flying a Nieuport; then he switched to an RAF SE.5a for his next two in early August. He then moved to Home Establishment back in England until October. On 20 October 1917, he returned to Nieuports by being assigned to No. 29 Squadron as a captain.
He notched his first wins with them on 8 November, setting an enemy reconnaissance two-seater and an Albatros D.V
Albatros D.V
|-See also:-Bibliography:*Bennett, Leon. Gunning for the Red Baron. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, 2006. ISBN 1-58544-507-X....
afire. He then scored at a steady rate until his last victory on 18 March 1918. He then returned to Central Flying School for a short spell as an instructor. In April 1918, he was appointed to form No. 158 Squadron and serve as its Commanding Officer. He held this post through October 1918. Following the armistice in November, he was transferred back to the Fusiliers.
Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)Capt. William Earle Molesworth, R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrol. He has frequently led his patrol against superior numbers of the enemy, destroying some and dispersing others. He has also brought down two balloons and has proved himself to be a dashing and fearless pilot of great skill and determination.
Military Cross (MC) Bar
Capt. William Earle Molesworth, M.C., R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done excellent work as patrol leader, handling his formations with great skill and courage. He has destroyed four enemy machines and driven several down out of control.