Cathcart Wight-Boycott

Air Commodore Cathcart Michael Wight-Boycott, (18 August 1910 – December 1998) was a British fighter pilot during the Second World War and a senior Royal Air Force officer during the post-war years. In 1961, Wight-Boycott became the 10th Commandant Royal Observer Corps.

Early life Wight-Boycott attended Marlborough College before going up to Clare College, Cambridge, where he joined the Cambridge University Air Squadron that was based at RAF Duxford and learned to fly in 1930. After leaving university he joined the Metropolitan Police as a non-uniformed civilian administrator. In September 1937 Wight-Boycott joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as a pilot officer in his spare time and undertook advanced combat training on Hawker Hurricanes. He was promoted to flying officer in the RAFVR before enlisting on a short service commission in the Royal Air Force (RAF) at the start of the Second World War in September 1939.

RAF career Promoted to flight lieutenant, Wight-Boycott's first posting was as a Qualified Flying Instructor at No. 1 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School, Hatfield where he remained until May 1941. He was sent on a course at No. 54 Operational Training Unit before receiving a combat posting as a fighter pilot with No. 219 Squadron RAF. In July 1941 he was promoted again to acting squadron leader and appointed as flight commander of 'B' flight.

In July 1961 Wight-Boycott presented a Royal Observer Corps long-service medal to the Battle of Britain Class locomotive Royal Observer Corps that had started its service with British Railways in December 1948. The ceremony took place at Waterloo station.

Retired appointment Following his retirement from active service in 1964, Wight-Boycott remained in uniform as a retired 'C' class status senior staff officer in charge of flying training at the headquarters of the Air Cadets. Wight-Boycott's son also served in the RAF and is recorded as being a group captain and serving as regional commandant of Scotland and Northern Ireland ATC.

Honours and awards 5 February 1943 – Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy to Acting Wing Commander Cathcart Michael Wight-Boycott (72005), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 29 Squadron. Since July, 1941, Wing Commander Wight-Boycott has completed much operational flying by night. He was appointed to command his squadron in September 1942. In January, 1943, during an enemy air attack, he displayed outstanding skill and keenness and destroyed 4 enemy aircraft. Wing Commander Wight-Boycott's exceptional personal feat and the fine performance of his squadron was in keeping with his reputation for outstanding enthusiasm and thoroughness. 21 November 1944 – Bar to the Distinguished Service Order to Acting Wing Commander Cathcart Michael Wight-Boycott DSO (72005) RAFVR, No. 25 Squadron.