William Harry Bland

Summary

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(1898-06-06)6 June 1898
Karachi, Sind, Presidency of Bombay, Raj of India, British Empire
Died24 October 1962(1962-10-24) (aged 64)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchBritish Army
Royal Air Force
Years of service1918–1919
RankLieutenant
UnitNo. 65 Squadron RAF
AwardsCroix de guerre (France)

Biography edit

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]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "William Harry Bland". theaerodrome.com. 2014.
  2. ^ "No. 30483". The London Gazette (Supplement). 15 January 1918. p. 963.
  3. ^ "No. 30759". The London Gazette. 21 June 1918. p. 7325.
  4. ^ "No. 31273". The London Gazette (Supplement). 4 April 1919. p. 4512.
  5. ^ "No. 31510". The London Gazette. 19 August 1919. p. 10479.