| Rothesay Nicholas Montagu Stuart Wortley (alias Rothesay Nicholas Montagu-Stuart-Wortley) | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 January 1892 Highcliffe Castle, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 29 December 1926 Southern France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Infantry; aviation |
| Years of service | 1914 - 1918 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Hampshire Yeomanry, No. 22 Squadron RFC, No. 44 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 88 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Major Rothesay Nicholas Montagu Stuart Wortley (alias Rothesay Nicholas Montagu-Stuart-Wortley) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.[1]
Stuart Wortley was educated at Eton and Oxford, winning an Honours in History. In the middle of 1914, he joined the Hampshire Yeomanry. When war was declared, he served initially on an infantry brigade staff under his father, who was a brigadier general. From there, he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps in early 1917. He was assigned to 22 Squadron as a flight commander and Bristol F.2 Fighter pilot. Between 6 September 1917 and 28 January 1918, he set an Albatros D.V aflame, destroyed two others, drove down two other enemy airplanes, and captured an Albatros D.III. He was then rotated back to England to 44 Home Defence Squadron. In September 1918, he was appointed to command 88 Squadron, back on the Western Front.[2]
Post war, he was a young adult aviation journalist until his death in the south of France from diabetes on 29 December 1926.[3][4].[5]
Military Cross (MC)
"Capt. Rothesay Nicholas Montagu-Stuart-Wortley, Yeo., and R.F.C.
For conspiciious gallantry and devotion to duty. On each of three occasions, when on offensive patrol, he has attacked and brought down in flames one enemy aeroplane, in addition to which he has sent down out of control three other hostile machines. He has displayed great courage and determination as a patrol leader."[6]
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.