Harold Molyneux

Lieutenant Harold Arthur Sydney Molyneux was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. During World War II, he returned to service in the Royal Canadian Air Force.^[1]

Molyneux originally served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He suffered a head wound on 9 April 1917 during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. After recovery, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and received his pilot's certificate in October 1917.^[2] He was assigned to 56 Squadron on 4 April 1918. He flew a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a to five wins over German Fokker D.VIIs between 12 August and 24 September 1918; his final total was three destroyed, two driven down out of control. He was sent back to Home Establishment on 8 November, three days before the armistice.^[3]

Honors and awards

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC ) Lieut. Harold Arthur Sydney Molyneux (Canadian Forces and 56th Squadron). (FRANCE)

During the August operations this officer rendered conspicuous good service on low-flying patrols, causing much damage and inflicting heavy casualties, showing brilliant dash and resolution. He is a bold fighter in the air, and has accounted for two enemy aeroplanes. Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 December 1918 (31046/14324)^[4]

Sources of information

References

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, ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.