Alfred Blenkiron

Lieutenant Alfred Victor Blenkiron (4 July 1896 – 20 March 1920) was a British World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Military service Blenkiron was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant in the Prince Albert's (Somerset Light Infantry) regiment on 19 October 1915.

He joined the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flying officer (observer) on 15 November 1916, with seniority from 21 March 1916.

He flew as an observer with No. 22 Squadron on the Western Front from 17 March to 8 August 1916, as an observer/gunner in the front of a FE.2b pusher.

After recovering from his wound he trained as a pilot, and was appointed a flying officer on 10 November 1917. He was assigned to No. 56 Squadron on 3 December 1917. Flying the Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a he scored two victories with No. 56, driving down an Albatros D.V on 15 December 1917 and a German two-seater on 25 January 1918. He was later transferred back to England as one of the original pilots of No. 151 Squadron, the RAF's first dedicated night fighter squadron.

He accompanied this unit back into combat in France, and flying Sopwith Camel No. D9577, and forced down a Friedrichshafen G.III of Bogohl 3, which was captured.

Post-war and death Blenkiron struggled after returning to civilian life, having a nervous breakdown, and losing much of his money to card sharps. He was declared bankrupt on 20 February 1919, and was charged with fraud in obtaining credit while bankrupt.