Richard Jeffries Dawes

Richard Jeffries Dawes DFC (23 October 1897–22 April 1983) was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories.

Richard Jeffries Dawes
Nickname(s)"Dickie"
Born23 October 1897
Lachine, Quebec, Canada
Died22 April 1983
Montreal, Canada
AllegianceCanada
Service/branchAviation
RankCaptain
UnitNo. 45 Squadron RAF, No. 28 Squadron RAF
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross

Early life

Richard Jeffries Dawes was born on 23 October 1897 in Lachine, Quebec, Canada. He joined the military for World War I, and ended up a Sopwith Camel pilot in the Royal Flying Corps.[1]

World War I

By late 1917, Dawes was posted to 45 Squadron on the Western Front as a pilot. He scored his first aerial victory on the Western Front before 45 Squadron was transferred to Italy. He became an ace with the squadron. Then, at about the time the Royal Flying Corps was being consolidated into the Royal Air Force, Dawes was transferred for a short spell to 28 Squadron, which was also in Italy. He scored a victory with them before transferring back to 45 Squadron. He wrapped up his tally with a final three wins with the unit in June 1918. His courage earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross, which was gazetted on 21 September 1918:[1]

"During recent operations this officer has destroyed six enemy aeroplanes. A very gallant and courageous officer."[2]

List of aerial victories

See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

No. Date/time Aircraft Foe Result Location Notes
1 20 October 1917 @ 2040 hours Sopwith Camel Albatros D.III Driven down out of control Kastelhoek
2 31 December 1917 @ 0945 hours Sopwith Camel serial number B6412 Albatros D.III Driven down out of control Pieve de Soligo
3 14 January 1918 @ 1500 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B6412 Albatros D.III Destroyed Borgo
4 27 January 1918 @ 1340 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B6412 DFW reconnaissance plane Driven down out of control Conegliano
5 10 March 1918 @ 1130 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B6412 DFW reconnaissance plane Destroyed Southeast of Salgarada Victory shared with Sidney Cottle
6 3 May 1918 @ 0915 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B7359 Aviatik reconnaissance plane Destroyed Mt. Santo Only victory scored while with 28 Squadron
7 3 June 1918 @ 0905 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B6412 Albatros D.V Driven down out of control Campo
8 7 June 1918 @ 0930 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B6412 Albatros D.III Destroyed Piovena
9 15 June 1918 @ 0745 hours Sopwith Camel s/n B6412 Aviatik reconnaissance plane Destroyed Between Mt. Campo and Poselaro [1][3]

Post World War I

Richard Jeffries Dawes lived until 22 April 1983, though details of his postwar life are unknown. He died in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.[1]

Endnotes
  1. The Aerodrome website http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/canada/dawes.php Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  2. (Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918, p. 11250.) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30913/supplements/11250 Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  3. Shores et al, p. 137.

References
  • Shores, Christopher F.; Franks, Norman & Guest, Russell F. (1990). Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915–1920. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.
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