Victor Huston

Victor Henry Huston
Born 13 October 1890
Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland
Died Unknown
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Aviation
Rank Major
Unit No. 18 Squadron RFC
Awards Military Cross

Major Victor Henry Huston (born 13 October 1890, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He was the only ace in his squadron.[1]

Contents

Early life and service

Huston was Irish-born but living in Vancouver, Canada when World War I began. He arrived in France in 1915 as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1916.

Aerial service

On 8 December 1916, Huston was appointed a Flying Officer;[2] this slightly predates his 17 December posting to 18 Squadron to fly a FE.2b.[3] Between 15 February and 27 May 1917, Huston tallied three enemy fighters and an observation plane destroyed, and two fighters driven down out of control. Among his observer/gunners were fellow aces Giles Blennerhasset and Harold Kerby. Huston received a Military Cross[4] on 18 June 1917; the award citation read (in part):

"He has rendered valuable service when on photographic reconnaissance. He has always shown the greatest skill and courage in leading attacks on hostile machines, and thus enabling valuable photographs to be secured behind the lines.[5]

On 8 July 1917, he departed 18 Squadron.[6] On 5 August 1917, Temporary Lieutenant Huston was appointed Temporary Captain, remaining seconded to the Royal Flying Corps.[7] Effective 20 March 1918, he was graded a Flight Commander.[8] In August 1918, Huston departed for Chile to be the Chief Instructor for the Chilean Air Force.[4] On 30 September 1919, his seconding to the Royal Air Force ended; he was still a Temporary Captain.[9] He departed the Royal Air Force in November 1919.[4]

References

Sources of information

  1. ^ The Aerodrome
  2. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 28 December 1916) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29882/supplements/12644 contains notice of appointment; Huston's name is on http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29882/supplements/12645 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
  3. ^ Pusher Aces of World War 1. pp. 70, 94. 
  4. ^ a b c Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 206. 
  5. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 June 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30135/supplements/6006 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
  6. ^ Pusher Aces of World War 1. p. 94. 
  7. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 4 January 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30461/supplements/423 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
  8. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 May 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30671/supplements/5457 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
  9. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 November 1919) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31652/supplements/14266 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.