William Cambray
| William Charles Cambray | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 November 1894 Camberwell, London, England |
| Died | 1978 Queensland, Australia |
| Allegiance | England |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Lieutenant William Charles Cambray (12 November 1894 – 1978) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories won while flying as an observer/gunner in two-seater aircraft.[1]
Early life and ground service
William Charles Cambray was from Herne Hill, London. From 1912–1914, he worked in insurance. He first served with the London Regiment, and went into action with them in France at the beginning of World War I.
Aerial service during World War I
Cambray transferred into the Royal Flying Corps in 1916. He flew in 20 Squadron's Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2d pusher two-seater airplanes in the first part of 1917—[2] he qualified as an observer on 13 June with seniority reckoned from 26 March.[3]
Cambray scored his first aerial victory on 31 May 1917 when piloted by Donald Cunnell; they destroyed an Albatros D.III northwest of Seclin. He went on to destroy three more Albatroses, and drive two down out of control by 21 September 1917. He was piloted by other aces such as Frank Stevens and Harry G. E. Luchford. His final win was from the back seat of a Bristol F.2 Fighter.[4]
He had been promoted to Lieutenant in the London Regiment, effective 1 July 1917, and remained seconded to the RFC.[5] He also earned a Military Cross, which was gazetted to him on 17 September 1917.[6]
He was returned to Home Establishment on 9 October 1917. He would not return to combat. He exited the Royal Air Force on 22 April 1919.[7]
Post World War I
Cambray surrendered his commission in the 2nd Battalion, London Regiment on 30 September 1921.[8] On 3 November 1922, Cambray took a leasehold on 78 Fawnbrake Avenue, London; his occupation was given as clerk.[9]
Cambray returned to duty during World War II; he was commissioned a Second lieutenant in the infantry on 30 January 1944.[10] On 5 November 1945, he was placed on the unemployed list with the honorary rank of Lieutenant.[11]
On 9 November 1956, Cambray was Chairman of H. F. G. Ross and Son (Builders) Ltd when it liquidated.[12]
Honors and awards
Military Cross
2nd Lt. William Charles Cambray, R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst acting as observer to offensive patrols. On four occasions, at least, he has shot down enemy scouts and has also had numerous indecisive combats, in all of which he has displayed the greatest gallantry.[13]
References
- Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914-1918. Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest, Gregory Alegi. Grub Street, 1997. ISBN 1-898697-56-6, ISBN 978-1-898697-56-5.
Endnotes
- ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/cambray.php
- ^ Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914-1918. p. 8.
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 July 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30160/supplements/6524 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914-1918. p. 8.
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 15 November 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30382/supplements/11809 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 September 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30287/supplements/9565 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914-1918. p. 8.
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 November 1922)http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32513/supplements/8910 prints the head of the list of officers resigning; http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32513/supplements/8911 prints Cambray's name Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ (London Gazette, 3 November 1922) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32763/pages/7816 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 March 1944) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36446/supplements/1486 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 6 November 1945) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37335/supplements/5379 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 9 November 1956) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/40921/pages/6350 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 September 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30287/supplements/9565 Retrieved on 24 October 2010
