Arthur Vigers
| Arthur Whitehair Vigers | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Wiggy |
| Born |
20 January 1890 Isleworth, Middlesex, England |
| Died | September 1968 (aged 77–78) Bunbury, Western Australia |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1908–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |
London Cable Signal Company No. 15 Squadron RFC No. 87 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards |
Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Other work | Commercial pilot in Australia and served in the RAAF during World War II |
Captain Arthur Whitehair Vigers MC, DFC (20 January 1890 – September 1968) was a British World War I flying ace credited with 14 aerial victories. He was the third ranking of the 27 aces who flew the Sopwith Dolphin, and the highest scoring ace in his squadron.
Vigers was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, the son of Thomas William Vigers and Margaret Mary (née Whitehair), and was educated at Mill Hill School, London. In 1908 he enlisted into the London Cable Signal Company, part of the London District Signals, a Territorial Force unit of the Royal Engineers Signal Service.
Vigers was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the London Cable Signal Company on 5 September 1914, and on 9 December 1914 he was one of the many officers from the London Signal Companies who were seconded to the regular army.
On 11 July 1915 Vigers was appointed a temporary lieutenant. He received a mention in despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in the field" from Field-Marshal John French, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in France on 30 November 1915, and on 14 January 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross.
On 12 May 1917 Vigers was seconded for duty with Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flying officer (observer), with seniority from 1 February 1917. He flew as an observer in No. 15 Squadron RFC, and was promoted to lieutenant on 1 July 1917. He then trained as a pilot, and was appointed a flying officer on 16 November 1917.
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