Lieutenant William Harry Bland (6 June 1898 in Karachi, Sind, Presidency of Bombay, Raj of India, British Empire – 24 October 1962 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) was a British World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories.[1]
William Harry Bland | |
---|---|
Born | Karachi, Sind, Presidency of Bombay, Raj of India, British Empire | 6 June 1898
Died | 24 October 1962 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | (aged 64)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | British Army Royal Air Force |
Years of service | 1918–1919 |
Rank | Lieutenant |
Unit | No. 65 Squadron RAF |
Awards | Croix de guerre (France) |
Bland was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant on probation from cadet on 10 January 1918,[2] and was confirmed in that rank on 15 May 1918.[3]
He was posted to 65 Squadron flying the Sopwith Camel, and between September and November 1918 he downed seven Fokker D.VIIs.[1]
He was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star by France in April 1919.[4]
Bland was transferred to the unemployed list on 30 July 1919.[5]