| Maurice Arthur Benjamin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 July 1883 London, England |
| Allegiance | England |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 48 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain Maurice Arthur Benjamin was a London born South African flying ace active during World War I. He was credited with eight aerial victories while serving as an observer/gunner in two-seater fighters.
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Maurice Arthur Benjamin was born in London on 10 July 1883. When World War I began, he was working as a theatrical manager in South Africa.[1]
Benjamin joined the Royal Flying Corps to serve in World War I. He began service as an aerial observer with 48 Squadron on 9 March 1917.[2] He scored his first aerial victories on 6 and 9 April 1917[3] before being officially appointed as an observer on 11 April 1917.[4] He would be credited with six more victories. As a result, he was awarded the Military Cross, gazetted 18 July 1917:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He helped to attack two large hostile machines, one of which was seen to crash to the ground. Previously he helped to engage three hostile scouts, one of which was destroyed and the remainder dispersed. He has helped to destroy four hostile machines in all.[5]
He subsequently trained as a pilot, receiving Royal Aero Club certificate number 5883 on 3 February 1918. On 1 August 1918, he was promoted to temporary captain while on instructional duty with Home Establishment.[6]
See also Aerial victory standards of World War I
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | German airplane | Driven down out of control | Douai | Pilot: William Price |
| 2 | Morning of 9 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | German reconnaissance plane | Destroyed | East of Arras | Pilot: William Price |
| 3 | 23 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Vimy | Pilot: William Price. Victory shared with Roger Hay, Fred Holliday, at least three other aviators |
| 4 | 25 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | East of Arras | Pilot: William Price |
| 5 | 27 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | German reconnaissance plane | Destroyed | Vitry-en-Artois (Southwest of Douai) | Victory shared with Roger Hay |
| 6 | 26 May 1917 @ 1945 hours | Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7119 | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | Southwest of Douai | Pilot: J. W. Warren |
| 7 | 26 May 1917 @ 1945 hours | Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7119 | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Southwest of Douai | Pilot: J. W. Warren |
| 8 | 15 June 1917 @ 1940 hours | Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7117 | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Fampoux | Pilot: H.M Fraser. Victory shared with another air crew[7] |
On 1 August 1919, Benjamin was granted a permanent commission as a lieutenant.[8] Instead, he was put on the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force on 19 August 1919.[9] His commission as lieutenant was cancelled on 5 September 1919.[10]
Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914-1918: Volume 4 of Fighting Airmen of WWI Series: Volume 4 of Air Aces of WWI. Grub Street, 1997. ISBN 1898697566, 9781898697565.
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