Laurence Henry Scott

Captain Laurence Henry Scott MC (born 9 March 1896, date of death unknown) was a British World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.^[1]

Scott first served as a private in the 14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish), Territorial Force, until commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) on 26 February 1915.^[2] On 27 September 1916 he was seconded for duty with the Royal Flying Corps,^[3] and appointed a flying officer (observer).^[4]

He was posted to No. 20 Squadron RFC to fly with Captain George Reid, as observer/gunner in a F.E.2b fighter/reconnaissance aircraft. Between 29 July and 21 October 1916 Scott and Reid accounted for four enemy aircraft destroyed (one shared) and two driven down out of control.^[1]

Scott was promoted to lieutenant on 1 November 1916,^[5] and his award of the Military Cross was gazetted soon after on 24 November. His citation read:

2nd Lt. Laurence Henry Scott, Middlesex Regiment.

"For conspicuous gallantry in action. He and his pilot pursued a hostile aeroplane for some six miles into the enemy's territory and there shot it down. He has on many previous occasions done very fine work."^[6]

On 13 July 1917 Scott was appointed an assistant instructor in gunnery (graded as an equipment officer, 2nd class).^[7] and on 1 January 1918 was appointed an instructor in gunnery (equipment officer, 1st class) with the acting rank of captain.^[8]

He was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list on 20 April 1919,^[9] returning to serve in the 8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, until finally relinquishing his commission on completion of service on 1 September 1921.^[10]