| Victor Henry Huston | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 13, 1890 |
| Died | After November 1919 |
| Place of birth | Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | No. 18 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Major Victor Henry Huston (born 13 October 1890, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He was the only ace in his squadron.[1]
Early life and service[]
Huston was Irish-born but living in Vancouver, Canada when World War I began. He arrived in France in 1915 as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1916.
Aerial service[]
On 8 December 1916, Huston was appointed a Flying Officer;[2] this slightly predates his 17 December posting to No. 18 Squadron RAF to fly an FE.2b.[3] Between 15 February and 27 May 1917, Huston tallied three enemy fighters, destroyed an observation plane, and drove two fighters down out of control. Among his observer/gunners, were fellow aces Giles Blennerhasset and Harold Kerby. Huston received a Military Cross[4] on 18 June 1917; the award citation read (in part): "He has rendered valuable service when on photographic reconnaissance. He has always shown the greatest skill and courage in leading attacks on hostile machines, and thus enabling valuable photographs to be secured behind the lines."[5]
On 8 July 1917, he departed 18 Squadron.[6] On 5 August 1917, Temporary Lieutenant Huston was appointed Temporary Captain, remaining seconded to the Royal Flying Corps.[7] Effective 20 March 1918, he was graded a Flight Commander.[8]
In August 1918, Huston departed for Chile to be the Chief Instructor for the Chilean Air Force.[4] On 30 September 1919, his seconding to the Royal Air Force ended; he was still a Temporary Captain.[9] He departed the Royal Air Force in November 1919.[4]
References[]
- Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.
- Pusher Aces of World War 1 Jon Guttman, Harry Dempsey. Osprey Pub Co, 2009. ISBN 1-84603-417-5, ISBN 978-1-84603-417-6.
Sources of information[]
- ↑ The Aerodrome
- ↑ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 28 December 1916) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29882/supplements/12644 contains notice of appointment; Huston's name is on http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29882/supplements/12645 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
- ↑ Pusher Aces of World War 1. pp. 70, 94.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 206.
- ↑ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 June 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30135/supplements/6006 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
- ↑ Pusher Aces of World War 1. p. 94.
- ↑ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 4 January 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30461/supplements/423 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
- ↑ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 May 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30671/supplements/5457 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
- ↑ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 November 1919) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31652/supplements/14266 Retrieved on 4 August 2010.
The original article can be found at Victor Huston and the edit history here.