Hugh Claye facts for kids

Hugh Claye MC, ED (born June 22, 1889 – died August 9, 1972) was a brave British soldier and pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he helped shoot down many enemy aircraft. Flying as an observer and gunner in a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane, he was part of 11 aerial victories.

Early Life and Army Career

Hugh Claye was born in Derby, England. He was the third son of Edgar and Mary Claye.

He joined the army in 1909. He became a second lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters regiment. By 1915, he was promoted to temporary captain. His rank of captain was made permanent in 1916.

Flying in World War I

In December 1917, Claye joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He became an observer and gunner in a two-seater plane. His pilot was Captain Geoffrey Forrest Hughes.

Together, they achieved their first victory on February 21, 1918. They destroyed a German reconnaissance plane. They went on to score 11 victories in total. This included two enemy planes set on fire and destroyed. They also forced seven planes to crash out of control.

One of their most famous achievements was shooting down Lothar von Richthofen. He was a famous German pilot and brother of the "Red Baron." They forced his plane to land on March 13, 1918.

Hugh Claye was officially part of the Royal Flying Corps from March 1918. Soon after, the Royal Air Force was formed. In May 1918, Claye's plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. He became a prisoner of war for the rest of the war. He was released in December 1918. He left the RAF in April 1919.

After the War

After World War I, Hugh Claye went to Caius College, Cambridge. He earned a special degree in agriculture in 1922. From 1922 to 1953, he worked at Cambridge University. He was the Assistant Registrary, helping with university records.

He also continued his military service in the Territorial Army Reserve. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration in 1933. This award recognized his long and good service.

World War II and Later Life

When World War II began, Claye joined the Royal Air Force again. He became a pilot officer in 1940. He was promoted to flying officer in 1941. By 1942, he was a temporary flight lieutenant. He left the RAF in 1944 due to health reasons.

Hugh Claye passed away on August 9, 1972, in Chichester, England. He was 83 years old. He was survived by his wife, Barbara, and two children, Michael and Judith. His older son, Derek, had sadly died in a prisoner of war camp during World War II.