Laurence Henry Scott
British WWI flying ace (1896–??)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Captain Laurence Henry Scott MC (born 9 March 1896, date of death unknown) was a British World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.[1]
Royal Air Force
Laurence Henry Scott | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 March 1896 |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
Service years | 1914–1921 |
Rank | Captain |
| Unit | London Regiment Middlesex Regiment No. 20 Squadron RFC |
Conflicts | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Military service
Scott first served as a private in the 14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish), Territorial Force, until commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) on 26 February 1915.[2] On 27 September 1916 he was seconded for duty with the Royal Flying Corps,[3] and appointed a flying officer (observer).[4]
He was posted to No. 20 Squadron RFC to fly with Captain George Reid, as observer/gunner in a F.E.2b fighter/reconnaissance aircraft. Between 29 July and 21 October 1916 Scott and Reid accounted for four enemy aircraft destroyed (one shared) and two driven down out of control.[1]
Scott was promoted to lieutenant on 1 November 1916,[5] and his award of the Military Cross was gazetted soon after on 24 November. His citation read:
- 2nd Lt. Laurence Henry Scott, Middlesex Regiment.
- "For conspicuous gallantry in action. He and his pilot pursued a hostile aeroplane for some six miles into the enemy's territory and there shot it down. He has on many previous occasions done very fine work."[6]
On 13 July 1917 Scott was appointed an assistant instructor in gunnery (graded as an equipment officer, 2nd class).[7] and on 1 January 1918 was appointed an instructor in gunnery (equipment officer, 1st class) with the acting rank of captain.[8]
He was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list on 20 April 1919,[9] returning to serve in the 8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, until finally relinquishing his commission on completion of service on 1 September 1921.[10]