Percy Jack Clayson facts for kids

Percy Jack Clayson (born 7 June 1896) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he shot down 29 enemy aircraft, which was a very impressive number. He was also known by his nickname, Pip.

Meet Percy Jack Clayson

His Early Life and School Days

Percy Jack Clayson was born in Deptford, London, England. This happened on June 7, 1896. When he was 14, he was a student at the Royal Masonic School for Boys. This school was located in a town called Bushey.

A Hero in World War I

When World War I started in 1914, Percy Clayson joined the Royal Naval Air Service. This was a part of the British military that used aircraft. He served in France starting in December 1914. Later, he moved to another group called the Royal Flying Corps.

In July 1917, he became a temporary officer. By September, he was officially a second lieutenant. He earned his pilot's license on September 30, 1917. He learned to fly a Curtiss Biplane at a military school. Soon after, in October 1917, he joined No. 1 Squadron.

Percy Clayson achieved his first victory on February 16, 1918. He was very skilled and brave. For his actions, he received the Military Cross on April 9. On May 8, he was made a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He was also given the temporary rank of captain.

By July 14, 1918, he had achieved 29 victories. These included shooting down or capturing enemy planes and even a balloon. He was also recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross. King George V himself presented him with this award on July 24, 1919. After August 3, 1918, he stopped flying in direct battles.

Life After the War

After World War I, Percy Clayson continued his service. In October 1919, he joined the Royal Air Force as a flying officer. He served with different squadrons, including Nos. 6 and 70 Squadrons, during the 1920s.

He was promoted to flight lieutenant on July 1, 1925. He then moved to No. 23 Squadron at RAF Henlow. Later, he was sent to an aircraft base in Iraq. He returned to the UK in 1928. In April 1929, he retired from active service due to health reasons.

On September 7, 1929, Percy Clayson married Kathleen Thornton. This happened in Kensington, London. In 1936, he worked as a chief instructor. He taught people how to fly at a school run by the Bristol Aeroplane Company.

When World War II began, Percy Clayson returned to serve again. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in December 1941. He was promoted to flight lieutenant again in January 1944. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until he finally left the service on February 10, 1954.

Awards and Recognition

Percy Jack Clayson received two very important awards for his bravery and skill.

• Military Cross

He earned this award for being very brave and dedicated. He once shot down an enemy scout plane that crashed. He also brought down several other enemy planes. One of them even landed in British lines. He also attacked enemy troops and vehicles from low heights, causing a lot of damage. He showed great determination, courage, and skill.

• Distinguished Flying Cross

This award recognized him as a very skilled patrol leader and a great shot. His personal successes in fighting were very helpful to his squadron. Even when Captain Clayson's group faced more enemy planes, they always managed to cause serious losses to the enemy.