Oliver Bryson

Oliver Campbell Bryson
Born	(1897-08-18)18 August 1897
Died	27 March 1977(1977-03-27) (aged 79)
Place of birth	Brent Green, Worcestershire, England
Place of death	Surrey, England
Allegiance	England
Service/branch	Cavalry; aviation
Years of service	1914–1943
Rank	Captain
Unit	Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry Cavalry, No. 19 Squadron RFC/No. 19 Squadron RAF
Awards	Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar Albert Medal

Oliver Campbell Bryson, GC, MC, DFC and Bar (18 August 1896 – 27 March 1977), was a career Royal Air Force officer who served in both World Wars. He was a flying ace credited with 12 aerial victories during World War I.

Early life

Bryson was born in Lickey a village in the Bromsgrove district of Worcestshire in England the son of George and Edith Bryson. his father was a hardware merchant. In the 1911 Census of Uppingham in Rutland he is listed as a student at the Uppingham School.

First World War service

Bryson was educated at Bromsgrove School, and joined the Dorset Yeoman Cavalry in 1914. Shortly thereafter, he was wounded in action. While serving in Egypt, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. On 15 March 1917, after a flaming crash, he rescued his fellow aircrew member. In July 1917, he was posted to fly a SPAD for 19 Squadron in France. His first aerial victory followed shortly; he drove down a German observation plane down out of control on 25 August. By the end of the year, Bryson's victory total had increased to 11.

In January 1918, his king presented him with the George Cross for his heroism in rescuing his fellow airman following a crash at Wye Aerodrome. On 8 March, having upgraded to a Sopwith Dolphin fighter plane, Bryson scored his final victory of the war, destroying a German Albatros D.V over Gheluvelt, Belgium. His final summary showed he had destroyed four enemy aircraft; two of these were shared victories, including one with Arthur Bradfield Fairclough. Bryson's other eight wins were of the out of control variety; three of them were shared with such other aces as Albert Desbrisay Carter.

Post World War I

Oliver Bryson was one of the British aviators ordered to Russia in 1919 to support the White Army in its counter-revolution against the Bolsheviks. He commanded a bomber squadron, and also flew operations in a Snipe. His gallantry earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross. Bryson was also granted a permanent commission as Flight Lieutenant, effective 1 August 1919.

Bryson was stationed in India from 1928–1931; he won a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts.

In 1933, Bryson was assigned to the Central Flying School and put in charge of engines. He also was promoted to Squadron Leader.

On 1 November 1938, Bryson was promoted from Wing Commander to Group Captain.

Oliver Campbell Bryson retired from the Royal Air Force in 1943, having served his crown and country for almost three decades.

Honours and awards

Award proclamation for the Albert Medal for lifesaving:

"The KING was pleased, at Buckingham Palace, on Wednesday, the 9th instant, to present to Captain Oliver Campbell Bryson, Flight Commander, Royal Flying Corps, the Albert Medal, which was awarded by His Majesty in recognition of his gallantry in endeavouring to save life in March last. The circumstances are as follows: —

On 15 March 1917, Captain (then Lieutenant) Bryson, with Second Lieutenant Hillebrandt as passenger, was piloting an aeroplane at Wye Aerodrome when, owing to a sideslip, the machine crashed to the ground and burst into flames. On disentangling himself from the burning wreckage Captain Bryson at once went back into the flames, dragged Lieutenant Hillebrandt from the machine, and notwithstanding his own injuries, which were undoubtedly aggravated by his gallant efforts to rescue his brother officer from the fire, endeavoured to extinguish the fire on Lieutenant Hillebrandt's clothing. Lieutenant Hillebrandt succumbed to his injuries a few; days later."

Citation accompanying award of the Military Cross

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He made several difficult flights in most unfavourable weather, and destroyed several hostile machines. He proved himself a determined and undaunted leader, and set a splendid example of courage on all occasions.

Citation accompanying award of the Distinguished Flying Cross

Has commanded a Squadron of heavy bombing machines in North Russia during the whole of the summer of 1919, during which period he carried out a large number of successful raids on the enemy's territory. During the operations on the Northern Dvina in August, and on the Pinega in September, 1919, he flew a Snipe machine with exceptional skill and daring. A very gallant officer he has proved himself during these exceptionally difficult aerial operations.

Oliver Campbell Bryson also won a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross in lieu of a second award. It was granted for his service on the Northwestern Frontier of India during 1930.

References

• Shores, Christopher F. et al. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.