Chester Stairs Duffus | |
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Born | 1 March 1891 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
Died | 23 February 1981 |
Allegiance | George V |
Service/branch | Flying service |
Years of service | 1915 - 1919 |
Rank | Major |
Unit | No. 22 Squadron RFC |
Commands held | No. 25 Squadron RAF |
Awards | Order of the British Empire, Military Cross |
Major Chester Stairs Duffus (born 1 March 1891–23 February 1981) was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1]
Contents |
Duffus joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1915,[1] and flew Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b pusher two-seaters for No. 22 Squadron during 1916;[2] one of his observer gunners was fellow ace Corporal Frank Johnson.[1] He scored five victories between 17 August and 11 December 1916. He survived a forced landing after his fourth win on 4 December, landing near Bapaume.[2] His last triumph was shared with fellow aces Captain Selden Long and another pilot.[1]
Duffus went on to command No. 25 Squadron.[1][2]
Duffus married Evelyn Giles at New Market on 21 June 1919; the union would produce a daughter, born the following year.[3]
Chester Stairs Duffus died on 23 February 1981.[4] Retrieved 7 February 2011.[5]
Military Cross (MC)
2nd Lt. Chester Stairs Duffus, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry in fights with hostile aircraft. On one occasion, after hard fighting, he brought down a hostile machine in flames on our side of the line. Supplement to the London Gazette, 14 November 1916 (29824/11051)[1]
Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, 9780948817199.