Reginald Maxwell (RAF officer) facts for kids

Group Captain Reginald Stuart Maxwell (born July 20, 1894 – died July 1, 1960) was a brave British pilot. He became a "flying ace" during World War I, which means he shot down five or more enemy planes. He continued to serve in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and later in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) during World War II.

Early Life

Reginald Stuart Maxwell was born in Willesden, England. His parents were Nellie and John A. Maxwell.

World War I Adventures

Reginald Maxwell started his military career in the British Army in 1914. He first joined the East Yorkshire Regiment. Later, he was part of a special bicycle unit called the 21st Divisional Cyclist Company.

Becoming a Pilot

Maxwell soon moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force before the RAF was created. He learned to fly a Maurice Farman biplane in June 1915. By September, he was officially a flying officer. He joined No. 25 Squadron and flew a plane called the FE.2b. This plane was unusual because its propeller was at the back, pushing it forward.

Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b

First Victories

On April 27, 1916, Maxwell got his first aerial victory. He forced a German reconnaissance plane to land. Soon after, he moved to No. 20 Squadron. Still flying the FE.2b, he scored three more victories. Two future flying aces, Herbert Hamilton and David Stewart, were his observers on these flights. By May 1916, he was promoted to captain and became a flight commander.

In December 1916, Maxwell became a squadron commander. He was promoted to major. On January 1, 1917, he received the Military Cross for his bravery.

Becoming an Ace

Maxwell returned to combat with No. 54 Squadron. Here, he flew the famous Sopwith Camel, a fast single-seat fighter plane. On January 18, 1918, he destroyed a German Albatros D.V plane. This victory made him a "flying ace," as it was his fifth confirmed win.

Sopwith F-1 Camel

He continued to fly the Sopwith Camel and achieved four more victories in 1918. His ninth and final victory came just two days before World War I ended. By the end of the war, he had destroyed five enemy aircraft, forced three others out of control, and made one land.

After World War I

After the war, Reginald Maxwell stayed in the Royal Air Force. In August 1919, he became a permanent captain in the RAF.

Service in Iraq and Egypt

He served in Iraq in 1920 and 1921. He was promoted to squadron leader in June 1921. After returning to England, he worked at the Air Ministry.

Maxwell went back to flying in 1923. He commanded No. 32 Squadron and then No. 24 Squadron. In 1924, he led his team to victory in a relay race at an RAF air show, flying a Sopwith Snipe.

In September 1925, he took command of No. 47 Squadron in Egypt.

Fairey IIIF

Epic Flight to South Africa

In 1927, Maxwell took part in an amazing long-distance flight from Egypt to South Africa. He flew a Fairey IIIF plane. This journey was done with planes from the South African Air Force. They flew over 11,000 miles, stopping in many countries like Sudan, Kenya, Tanganyika, and Rhodesia. They reached Cape Town in South Africa and then flew all the way back to Cairo. This was a huge achievement for pilots at the time!

After this adventure, he commanded No. 70 Squadron in Iraq starting in November 1927.

Later Career and World War II

Maxwell was promoted to wing commander in 1930. He continued to serve in various roles in the RAF. On January 1, 1936, he became a group captain. He commanded RAF Mildenhall and later RAF Dhibban in Iraq.

Group Captain Maxwell retired from the RAF in April 1941. However, he soon joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) to serve in the Fleet Air Arm during World War II. He rose to the rank of commander by 1945.

Reginald Stuart Maxwell passed away in Point Piper, New South Wales, Australia, on July 1, 1960.

Family Life

Reginald Maxwell had a daughter named Pamela Ann Maxwell. She married Peter Carter-Ruck in 1940. They had a son and a daughter.