Gerald Maxwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gerald Maxwell
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| Birth name | Gerald Joseph Constable Maxwell |
| Born | 8 September 1895 Beauly, Inverness, Scotland |
| Died | 18 December 1959 (aged 64) Winchester, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1921 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | Lovat Scouts No. 56 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Gallipoli campaign • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Military Cross Air Force Cross |
Gerald Joseph Constable Maxwell (born September 8, 1895 – died December 18, 1959) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he shot down many enemy aircraft. He was officially credited with twenty-six aerial victories. He also served in World War II.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Maxwell was born in Beauly, a town near Inverness, Scotland. His family was quite important. His father was Bernard Constable-Maxwell. His mother was Alice Fraser. Both families had a long history in Scotland. He went to school at Downside School.
World War I Service
Maxwell joined the Lovat Scouts on August 4, 1914. This was at the very start of World War I. He first fought in the Gallipoli Campaign. Then he served in Egypt.
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
In September 1916, Maxwell returned to the UK. He then joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He finished his pilot training at Central Flying School. In March 1917, he joined No. 56 Squadron. This squadron was based in London Colney.
First Victories
Maxwell was part of 'A' Flight. This flight was led by Captain Albert Ball, another famous pilot. They flew SE5 aircraft. In April 1917, Maxwell's squadron moved to France. He achieved his first victory on his very first patrol. Just four days later, his plane was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire. He crashed but was not hurt.
Becoming a Flight Commander
On July 26, 1917, Maxwell was made a flight commander. By this time, he had already achieved eight victories. He was awarded the Military Cross on October 18. After this, he was sent back to the UK. He became an instructor at the School of Aerial Fighting.
More Victories
Maxwell later returned to No. 56 Squadron. In just six weeks, he claimed six more victories. He ended up with 26 confirmed victories. This included 12 enemy aircraft that he destroyed. He also helped destroy two others. He also made 14 enemy planes go "out of control." Six of these were shared with other pilots. He often flew with other famous aces. These included Cecil Lewis and Cyril Crowe.
After the war, on August 1, 1919, he became a captain in the Royal Air Force. He later left the air force in 1921. He then became a director for Maxwell-Chrysler Motors.
World War II Service
When World War II began, Maxwell was called back to serve. He became the station commander at RAF Ford. He held this important position from 1941 to 1945.
He was also a member of the Royal Company of Archers. This is a special ceremonial unit in Scotland. He was also a deputy lieutenant for Hampshire.
Family and Personal Life
Maxwell married Carolyn Carden in 1920. They had two sons and four daughters.
- His son, William Michael Constable Maxwell, was born in 1926. He was a Flight Lieutenant and died in 1950 during flying duty.
- His daughter, Ann Mary Teresa Constable Maxwell, was born in 1927. She married Miles Fitzalan-Howard. He later became the 17th Duke of Norfolk. They had five children. One of their children is the current 18th Duke of Norfolk. Another is the actress Marsha Fitzalan.
- Veronica Diana Margaret Constable Maxwell was born in 1930. She married and had three children.
- Carolyn Mary Constable Maxwell was born in 1938. She married Major Count Charles John Fane de Salis. They had four daughters.
- Rosemary Isabel Constable Maxwell was born in 1941. She married and had five children.
- Peter George Constable Maxwell was born in 1944. He married and had four children.
Maxwell passed away at Old Alresford House in Old Alresford, near Winchester. He was 64 years old when he died on December 18, 1959.
Honours and Awards
Maxwell received several important awards for his bravery and skill.
Military Cross
He received the Military Cross for his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." This means he showed great bravery and dedication many times. He took part in 43 offensive patrols. He led 14 of these patrols. He destroyed at least three enemy aircraft. He also forced nine other enemy planes to crash "out of control." He was always very skilled in air fights. His courage and fighting spirit were a great example to others.
Distinguished Flying Cross
He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award recognized his "exceptional skill and gallantry." He often fought against many more enemy planes than he had. In just six weeks, he shot down five enemy planes. One time, he got very close to three enemy Fokker triplanes without being seen. He shot one down. The other two chased him for about nine miles. He then met six friendly planes and led them to attack more enemy aircraft. He did all this even though he had very little fuel left.
