John Todd (aviator)

Captain John Todd DFC, MC, OBE was a World War I flying ace credited with 18 aerial victories.^[1]

He was a medical student at Edinburgh University before he signed up in the Royal Air Force.^[2] He was assigned to a Sopwith Camel, No. 70, and scored his first victory on 22 January 1918. He scored his 18th and last one on 1 July.^[3] He had been promoted to captain by May; in July, he was returned to Home Establishment as an instructor.^[4] His final total was 14 enemy fighters and 4 reconnaissance planes downed. After World War I ended, he returned to school to become a doctor. After graduation in 1922, he went to Livingstonia, Nigeria as a medical missionary. His efforts were rewarded with the Order of the British Empire.^[5]

Honors and awards

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lt. (T./Capt.) John Todd, M.C. (formerly No. 70 Sqn.).

With four other officers he engaged ten enemy scouts, shooting down one; later, on the same day, he shot down another in flames. In addition to these, during the last two months he has shot down seven enemy machines. His gallantry in leading his flight into action against enemy patrols of superior numbers has been an inspiring example.^[6]

Military Cross (MC)

2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) John Todd, R.A.F.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed three enemy aircraft, forced one to land in our lines, and drove four down out of control. He did very fine work.^[7]

Sources of information

References

• Sopwith Camel Aces of World War 1. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1-84176-534-1, ISBN 978-1-84176-534-1.