Laurence Henry Scott

Born| (1896-03-09)9 March 1896
Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire, England
Died| Unknown
Allegiance| United Kingdom
Service / branch| British Army
Royal Air Force
Years of service| 1914–1921
Rank| Captain
Unit| London Regiment
Middlesex Regiment
No. 20 Squadron RFC
Battles / wars| World War I
• Western Front
Awards| Military Cross

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]

## Military service

[edit]

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]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Laurence Henry Scott". The Aerodrome. 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
2. ^ "No. 29083". The London Gazette (Supplement). 23 February 1915. p. 1972.
3. ^ "No. 29783". The London Gazette. 13 October 1916. p. 9875.
4. ^ "No. 29783". The London Gazette. 13 October 1916. p. 9863.
5. ^ "No. 29892". The London Gazette. 5 January 1917. p. 289.
6. ^ "No. 29837". The London Gazette (Supplement). 24 November 1916. p. 11544.
7. ^ "No. 30257". The London Gazette (Supplement). 28 August 1917. p. 8969.
8. ^ "No. 31202". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 February 1919. p. 2808.
9. ^ "No. 31449". The London Gazette. 11 July 1919. p. 8858.
10. ^ "No. 32555". The London Gazette (Supplement). 20 December 1921. p. 10442.