Edmund Tempest

Edmund Roger Tempest
Born	30 October 1894 Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England
Died	17 December 1921 Vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Infantry; aviation
Rank	Captain
Unit	King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, No. 6 Squadron RFC, No. 15 Squadron RFC, No. 29 Squadron RFC, No. 64 Squadron RAF
Awards	Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)

Captain Edmund Roger Tempest DFC, MC (1894–1921) was a British First World War flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories.

Life

He was the son of Wilfrid Francis and Florence Helen O'Rourke Tempest.^[1] He returned from farming in Saskatchewan, Canada, to join the British Army at the beginning of the First World War, then transferred into the Royal Flying Corps.^[2] He was granted aviator's certificate no. 1604 on 27 August 1915.^[3][4] Eventually posted to No. 64 Squadron in July 1917, he destroyed his first foe while piloting a De Havilland DH.9 on 30 November 1917. After switching aircraft to the RAF SE.5a he began a string of 16 victories beginning on 8 August 1918 and ending on 14 August 1918.^[5]

Honours and awards

Military Cross (MC)

T./Capt. Edmund Roger Tempest, Gen. List and R.F.C.

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attacked a formation of seven enemy machines, firing on one from a distance of a few feet and destroying it. On another occasion with his patrol he engaged thirteen enemy machines. Though both his guns were out of action, he continued fighting for fifteen minutes in order to enable the rest of his patrol to keep up the fight. Having driven off the enemy, he brought his patrol back safely. He showed splendid courage and initiative."^[6][7]

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Capt. Edmund Roger Tempest, M.C.

"Since March last this officer has destroyed nine enemy machines. A daring and most capable officer, who never hesitates to engage the enemy. By brilliant leadership he achieves success with the minimum of loss."^[8][9]

References