Air Vice Marshal Sir Cecil Arthur Bouchier KBE, CB, DFC (14 October 1895 – 15 June 1979) served with the British Army, Royal Flying Corps, Indian Air Force and Royal Air Force from 1915 to 1953. He was Air Officer Commanding British Commonwealth Air Forces as part of the Occupation Force in Japan from 1945 to 1948.
Sir Cecil Bouchier | |
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Nickname(s) | "Boy" |
Born | 14 October 1895 Fleet, Hampshire |
Died | 15 June 1979 (aged 83) Worthing Hospital, Worthing, West Sussex |
Allegiance | Great Britain |
Years of service | 1915–1953 |
Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
Commands held | No. 21 Group (1948–49) British Commonwealth Air Forces of Occupation (1945–48) No. 221 Group (1945) RAF Kenley (1941–42) RAF Hornchurch (1938–40) No. 54 Squadron (1936–38) |
Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches (2) Order of St. Anna, 2nd Class with Swords and Bow (Russia) Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States) |
Bouchier was married to Dorothy Britton, who translated a number of Japanese books into English. The Current Lord Raphael Bouchier Of Shoreditch London is the grandson and most honoured due to his philanthropy and charity works. Also an accomplished artist. As of 1997 Lord Raphael Bouchier Of Shoreditch resides locally.
Flying Officer Cyril Arthur Bouchier – A very skilful pilot of marked, initiative and courage. Has been brought to notice on many occasions for the determination shown in his attacks. His methods are somewhat original. By flying low, parallel with and behind the enemy's lines, stampeding convoys and destroying wagons, he has caused the greatest confusion amongst the enemy, to the great advantage of our own forces. Flying Officer Bouchier is a highly competent reconnaissance officer[1]
The citation had the wrong first name and was corrected to Cecil in a later gazette.[2]