Charles Cudemore

Captain Charles William Cudemore MC DFC (born 19 November 1897, date of death unknown but possibly 1967) was a World War I flying ace credited with 15 aerial victories.[1]

Charles William Cudemore
Born(1897-11-19)19 November 1897
Derby, Derbyshire, England
DiedUnknown
AllegianceEngland
Service/branchAviation
RankCaptain
UnitNo. 40 Squadron RFC, No. 29 Squadron RFC, No. 64 Squadron RAF
AwardsMilitary Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross

World War I service

Cudemore was transferred from the Shropshire Light Infantry as a second lieutenant on 21 June 1915.[2] He opened his victory roll when he and Robert Hall shot down an observation balloon on 7 May 1917; Cudemore then promptly shot down another balloon single-handed. After his transfer from 40 Squadron to 29 Squadron, Cudemore continued to fly a Nieuport in his next three triumphs; he became an ace on 3 September 1917.[1] He was promoted from temporary second lieutenant to temporary lieutenant effective 1 July 1917.[3] He received the Military Cross on 16 October.[4]

There was a lapse in his scoring until 11 August 1918, when he flew a 64 Squadron S.E.5a to a win over a Fokker D.VII, which was driven down out of control. He continued to score through 9 November 1918. A summary of his final results is he destroyed three enemy fighter planes and two observation balloons, and drove down ten enemy planes out of control.[1]

Post war service and life

On 3 June 1919, Cudemore was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.[5] On 8 March 1925, he was appointed flying officer in the RAF.[6] Also in 1925, he was sued for divorce by Carolyn Alice Cudemore.[7] On 15 October 1925, he was transferred to the Class A Reserve.[8]

On 3 September 1939, Cudemore was promoted from flying officer to flight lieutenant in the RAF Reserve.[9]

Honors and awards

Military Cross (MC)

T./2nd Lt. Charles William Cudemore, Gen. list and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attacking enemy aircraft and kite balloons. He has brought down at least three enemy machines and three kite balloons, and has taken part in numerous other engagements. He has consistently set a very fine example of pluck and determination in all his attacks.[10]

Notes
  1. "Charles Cudemore". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  2. "No. 29708". The London Gazette. 15 August 1916. p. 8027.
  3. "No. 30375". The London Gazette. 9 November 1917. p. 11639.
  4. "No. 30340". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 October 1917. p. 10708.
  5. http://www.theaerodrome.com/medals/gbritain/dfc.php?pageNum_recipients=7&totalRows_recipients=378#aces Retrieved 14 January 2010.
  6. http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1925/1925%20-%200249.html Retrieved 14 January 2010.
  7. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=-3128176&CATLN=7&accessmethod=5 Retrieved 14 January 2010.
  8. http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1925/1925%20-%200679.html Retrieved 14 January 2010.
  9. "No. 34838". The London Gazette. 26 April 1940. p. 2476.
  10. "No. 30561". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 March 1918. p. 2911.
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References
  • Nieuport Aces of World War 1. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1-85532-961-1, ISBN 978-1-85532-961-4.
  • SE 5/5a Aces of World War I. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-84603-180-X, 9781846031809.
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