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William Claxton [Canada]

Name:William Gordon "Dozy" Claxton
Country:Canada
Rank:Captain
Service:Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
Squadrons:41
Victories:37
Born:1 June 1899
Place of Birth:Gladstone, Manitoba
Died:28 September 1967
Place of Death:Toronto
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Notes
Claxton entered the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. An S.E.5a pilot, he was assigned to 41 Squadron on the Western Front in March 1918. Beginning in May, the 19 year old pilot scored 37 victories in 79 days and became the highest scoring ace in his squadron. On the morning of 17 August 1918, Claxton's flight, under the command of Frederick McCall, encountered Jasta 20 while patrolling the front. In the ensuing battle, Claxton was shot down behind enemy lines by Johannes Gildemeister. Suffering from a serious head wound, he was captured east of Wervicq. The immediate skills of a German doctor saved his life and Claxton was repatriated on 1 December 1918. Upon his return to Canada, he became a journalist.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"This officer at all times shows fine courage and disregard of danger. He has accounted for six enemy aeroplanes and one kite balloon, three of the aeroplanes being destroyed and three driven down out of control. On a recent occasion, having destroyed a hostile balloon, he pursued an enemy scout ten miles and eventually drove it down; he was then attacked by five enemy triplanes and other scouts, but managed to return to our lines, though his machine was riddled with bullets." DFC citation, London Gazette, 3 August 1918

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
"This officer is conspicuous for his courage in attack. Recently, in one day he destroyed six enemy aeroplanes: four in the morning and two in the evening. In thirteen days he accounted for fourteen machines. His utter disregard of danger inspires all who serve with him." DFC Bar citation, London Gazette, 21 September 1918

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
"Between 4 July and 12 August [1918] this officer destroyed ten enemy aeroplanes and one kite balloon, making in all thirty machines and one kite balloon to his credit. Untiring in attack in the air or on the ground, this officer has rendered brilliant service." DSO citation, London Gazette, 2 November 1918

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