Walter A. Southey
| Walter Alfred Southey | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Peter |
| Born |
29 April 1897 Bermondsey, London, England |
| Died | 17 April 1920 (aged 22) Lewisham, London, England |
| Buried | Plot 103J, Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | c. 1915–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |
Royal Fusiliers No. 48 Squadron RFC No. 84 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar |
Captain Walter Alfred Southey DFC* (29 April 1897 – 17 April 1920) was a British First World War flying ace, credited with twenty aerial victories, including five balloons, making him the second highest scoring ace in No. 84 Squadron, behind Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor.
Born in Bermondsey, he was familiarly known as Peter Southey. His family later lived in Brockley and New Cross. His father, Walter, was a warehouseman in the lace trade; his mother's name was Emma Susan (née Stacey). It is understood that Walter may have been a pupil at Christ's Hospital – the Bluecoat school.
Southey enlisted as a private in the 19th (Service) Battalion (2nd Public Schools), Royal Fusiliers (City of London) Regiment, with regimental number 6741. On 26 June 1915 the 19th Battalion became part of the 98th Brigade in the 33rd Division, and Southey was with them when they were sent to France in November 1915. 19th Battalion were disbanded on 24 April 1916, and Southey then joined the Royal Flying Corps. He was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant (on probation) on 5 August 1916, and after completing his flight training was appointed a flying officer and confirmed in his rank on 12 February 1917. Southey flew the Bristol F.2 two-seater fighter with No. 48 Squadron through early 1917, making no victory claims, and was wounded when shot down on 4 June.
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