The Aerodrome Home Page
Aces of WWI
Aircraft of WWI
WWI Aviation Books
Chat Room
The Aerodrome Forum
Sign the Guestbook
WWI Web Sites
Medals & Decorations
The Aerodrome News
Search The Aerodrome
Opinion Poll
William Irwin [Canada]

Name:William Roy Irwin
Country:Canada
Rank:Captain
Service:Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
Squadrons:56
Victories:11
Born:7 June 1898
Place of Birth:Ripley, Ontario
Died:14 January 1969
Place of Death:Ottawa
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and BarWilliam Irwin

Notes
An S.E.5a pilot, Irwin joined the Royal Flying Corps in April 1917. In January 1918, he was posted to 56 Squadron where he was credited with his first victory in May. In August and September, he shot down eight Fokker D.VII's in four days. Wounded in action on 15 September 1918, he was sent back to England. During World War II, Irwin served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and received the MBE in 1944.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"This officer is a fine leader, displaying tactical skill and personal gallantry. On the 10 August [1918] he led his flight down to attack fifteen Fokkers. In the engagement that ensued, he showed brilliant leadership and personal courage, accounting for two machines himself. He has destroyed five enemy aeroplanes and brought down three out of control." DFC citation, London Gazette, 2 November 1918

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
"This officer is an exceptionally skillful pilot leader, combining fine fighting qualities with sound, clear judgement. On the 12 August [1918] he led his patrol to attack a large formation of Fokker biplanes; he himself accounted for two of them. On a later date, attacking a formation of Fokker biplanes, he again destroyed two, the patrol accounting for two others." DFC Bar citation, London Gazette, 3 December 1918

Previous AceAces · Aircraft · Books · Chat · Forum · Guests · Links · Medals · News · Search · Vote

Copyright © 1997,1998 The Aerodrome
Page revised on 18 Nov 1997
Next Ace