Laurence Henry Scott

Laurence Henry Scott
Born (1896-03-09)9 March 1896
Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire, England
Died Unknown
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Royal Air Force
Years of service 1914–1921
Rank Captain
Unit London Regiment
Middlesex Regiment
No. 20 Squadron RFC
Battles/wars World War I
 • Western Front
Awards Military Cross

Captain Laurence Henry Scott MC (born 9 March 1896, date of death unknown) was a British World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.[1]

Military service

Scott first served as a private in the 14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish), Territorial Force, until commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) on 26 February 1915.[2] On 27 September 1916 he was seconded for duty with the Royal Flying Corps,[3] and appointed a flying officer (observer).[4]

He was posted to No. 20 Squadron RFC to fly with Captain George Reid, as observer/gunner in a F.E.2b fighter/reconnaissance aircraft. Between 29 July and 21 October 1916 Scott and Reid accounted for four enemy aircraft destroyed (one shared) and two driven down out of control.[1]

Scott was promoted to lieutenant on 1 November 1916,[5] and his award of the Military Cross was gazetted soon after on 24 November. His citation read:

2nd Lt. Laurence Henry Scott, Middlesex Regiment.
"For conspicuous gallantry in action. He and his pilot pursued a hostile aeroplane for some six miles into the enemy's territory and there shot it down. He has on many previous occasions done very fine work."[6]

On 13 July 1917 Scott was appointed an assistant instructor in gunnery (graded as an equipment officer, 2nd class).[7] and on 1 January 1918 was appointed an instructor in gunnery (equipment officer, 1st class) with the acting rank of captain.[8]

He was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list on 20 April 1919,[9] returning to serve in the 8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, until finally relinquishing his commission on completion of service on 1 September 1921.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 "Laurence Henry Scott". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  2. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29083. p. 1972. 23 February 1915.
  3. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 29783. p. 9875. 13 October 1916.
  4. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 29783. p. 9863. 13 October 1916.
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 29892. p. 289. 5 January 1917.
  6. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29837. p. 11544. 24 November 1916.
  7. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30257. p. 8969. 28 August 1917.
  8. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31202. p. 2808. 25 February 1919.
  9. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 31449. p. 8858. 11 July 1919.
  10. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 32555. p. 10442. 20 December 1921.
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