Douglas Arthur Davies
| Douglas Arthur Davies | |
|---|---|
| Born |
12 January 1896 Harrow, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 1992 (aged 95–96) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1921 1940–1954 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | No. 150 Squadron RAF |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross Croix de guerre (France) |
Wing Commander Douglas Arthur Davies DFC (12 January 1896 – 1992) was an officer of the British Royal Air Force, who was credited with 10 aerial victories in World War I, and also served during World War II.
Davies was born in Harrow, England, the first-born son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Davies.
On 17 October 1915, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Wiltshire Regiment. On 20 November 1917, he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as a lieutenant and a flying officer.
By mid-1918, Davies was posted to 150 Squadron in Salonika as a Sopwith Camel pilot. He scored his first aerial victories on 12 June 1918, when he set one Albatros D.V afire and destroyed another. His second successful day saw him become an ace, as he destroyed two more Albatros D.Vs in one dogfight on 17 July, then drove another down out of control an hour and a half later. Six days later, he teamed with John Preston to destroy another. On 8 August, he drove down two enemy fighters out of control. Ten days later, he rounded off his victory string by driving down another pair of Albatros D.Vs out of control.
He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his prowess. It was announced in The London Gazette on 2 November 1918:
"This officer sets a fine example of gallantry and courage, notably on two occasions. On the 12th of June he, single-handed, engaged four enemy scouts, one of which he shot down in flames and a second out of control; the latter was seen to catch fire on reaching the ground. Some weeks later he led his patrol of four scouts against a formation of eleven hostile machines; two of these were shot down in flames, the wings fell off another, and the remainder dispersed."
All victories gained while posted to No. 150 Squadron based at Salonika, Greece.
On 10 October 1919, Davies was awarded the French Croix de guerre avec Palme. On 17 December 1919, he transferred to the Royal Air Force's unemployed list. On 30 September 1921, he surrendered his commission in his regiment.
In May 1923, his engagement to Muriel Wilson was announced in Flight magazine.
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