Acheson Goulding
| Acheson Gosford Goulding | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 May 1893 |
| Died | 27 April 1951 (aged 57) |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Unit | No. 17 Squadron RAF, No. 150 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, French Croix de guerre |
Group Captain Acheson Gosford Goulding DFC MC (15 May 1893 – 27 April 1951) was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories. After infantry service, he transferred to aviation and served in Asia Minor and the Balkans. After winning the Military Cross for courage, he returned to civilian life. He gave up a business career to return to service for World War II as a Group Captain.
Goulding was born at Stony Mountain, Manitoba, Canada, on 16 May 1893. Goulding was educated at St. John's College and the University of Manitoba at Winnipeg. His enlistment form for World War I service still exists. On the form, he named Gwendolyn Marie Goulding as his next of kin, gave his civilian occupation as clerk, and his home of record as Winnipeg. His physical examination measured him as 5 feet 8 1/2 inches tall, and described him as having a medium complexion, with blue eyes and brown hair. He swore allegiance to King George V and joined the 28th (Northwest) Battalion, CEF on 14 December 1914.
Goulding transferred from infantry to the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to 17 Squadron. While he had enlisted as a private with regimental number 74142 in 28th Battalion, he served as a lieutenant with 17 Squadron, and as a captain after transfer to 150 Squadron. He was commissioned on 29 June 1916, and seconded to the RFC on 18 September 1916. His joining date for 17 Squadron was in February 1917; he was appointed a Flying Officer on 23 February 1917.
Goulding's squadron was tasked with supporting British troops opposing Bulgarian troops in Macedonia. In May 1917, he was one of two pilots who bombed a Bulgarian supply train of 26 wagons, stampeding the draught horses and smashing military supplies. Goulding was awarded the Military Cross on 26 October 1917; he had flown many ground support and reconnaissance missions, but had no success on combat patrols until 28 January 1918. After Goulding's first five victories, he became a Flight Commander in 150 Squadron with the temporary rank of captain on 26 April 1918. He scored four more wins in May and June 1918.
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