Geoffrey Pidcock
| Geoffrey Arthur Henzell Pidcock | |
|---|---|
| Born |
6 November 1897 Eastbourne, Sussex, England |
| Died | 12 February 1976 (aged 78) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1951 |
| Rank | Air Vice-Marshal |
| Unit | |
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | First World War • Western Front Second World War |
| Awards |
Companion of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Croix de guerre (France) Legion of Merit (USA) |
Air Vice-Marshal Geoffrey Arthur Henzell Pidcock CB, CBE (6 November 1897 – 12 February 1976) was a senior officer of the British Royal Air Force. After becoming a flying ace in the First World War, credited with six aerial victories, he remained in the newly created Royal Air Force after the war, serving as a senior officer during the Second World War and specializing in the development of armaments. He retired in 1951.
Pidcock was born in Eastbourne, Sussex, and was educated at St Cyprian's School there, and then at Haileybury College, Hertfordshire, from 1911. He left school in February 1915, and joined the Royal Flying Corps as a cadet in April 1916.
Pidcock completed his basic flight training, and was awarded Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate No. 3259 on 17 July 1916, being commissioned as a second lieutenant (on probation) the same day. He was appointed a flying officer on 4 August, and was confirmed in his rank on 24 August. Although posted to No. 60 Squadron in August 1916, he did not gain his first aerial victory until 5 April 1917, when flying a Nieuport 17 he shared in the driving down out of control of an Albatros D.III over Riencourt with five other pilots. Soon after, on 14 April, he was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain, and shortly afterwards returned to England where he was transferred to No. 44 Squadron on Home Defence duties. In October 1917 he was posted to the Fighter Instructors' Refresher Course, and on 17 December 1917 was promoted to lieutenant.
Pidcock returned to France in March 1918, posted to No. 73 Squadron, flying the Sopwith Camel, and soon after, on 1 April, the Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service were merged to form the Royal Air Force. A week later, on 7 April, Pidcock drove down a Fokker Dr.I north of Lamotte, and on the 12th he destroyed an Albatros D.V over Lestrem. On 3 May he drove down another D.V over Ploegsteert, and on 11 June gained his fifth victory by destroying another D.V north-east of Courcelles, earning his "ace" status. Two days later, on 13 June, he shared in the destruction of a Type C reconnaissance aircraft south of Thiescourt. On 23 September he was awarded the Croix de guerre by France.
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