William Reed (aviator)
| William Ernest Reed | |
|---|---|
| Born |
23 March 1896 Jarrow, South Tyneside, England |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Engineers No. 19 Squadron RFC No. 92 Squadron RAF |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Captain William Ernest Reed DFC was an English World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories. He continued in military service until 1938.
William Ernest Reed was born at Jarrow, Tyneside, on 23 March 1896.
Reed first served as a corporal in the Tyne Electrical Engineers, before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Durham Fortress Engineers on 25 June 1915. Both were Royal Engineers units of the Territorial Force, engaged in coastal defence works in the north-east.
On 5 September 1916 Reed was seconded for duty in the Royal Flying Corps, and was appointed a flying officer the same day. He was posted to No. 19 Squadron, and claimed his first aerial victory while on a bomber escort mission, on 14 April 1917. He scored again eight days later, but was wounded by ground fire in the process. On 10 May 1917 Flight magazine reported Reed as wounded in action. A week later, Flight noted that Reed had been mentioned in despatches.
On 1 July 1917 he was promoted to lieutenant, with precedence from 1 June 1916, in the Royal Engineers, while remaining seconded to the RFC.
On 1 April 1918 Reed was appointed a temporary captain "whilst so employed" to serve as a flight commander in the newly formed No. 92 Squadron. He scored seven aerial victories with them between August and October, but was wounded again on 3 November 1918. His exploits earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, which would not be gazetted until 8 February 1919. His citation read:
On 25 March 1921 Reed relinquished his temporary commission in the Royal Air Force, upon his appointment into the Territorial Force; he retained the courtesy rank of captain. On 11 April was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 50th (Northumbrian) Divisional Engineers (Territorial Force).
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