Cecil Marchant

Captain Cecil James Marchant (15 June 1895 – 30 May 1965) was an English flying ace during World War I. He was credited with nine aerial victories.

Early life and military career Cecil James Marchant was born in London, and enlisted into the Army in 1913, when he was 18 years old. He served in the 2nd Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and had achieved the rank of sergeant by 8 October 1914, when he received a mention in despatches from the Commander-in-Chief, Field-Marshal Sir John French. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 14th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) on 22 July 1915.

Flying service Marchant served about 18 months in the trenches, before being transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.

His first assignment was as a Sopwith Pup pilot in No. 46 Squadron in early 1917. He was promoted to lieutenant on 1 March 1917. That combat tour ended in June. He returned to No. 46 Squadron in February 1918, which had been re-equipped with the Sopwith Camel. He scored his first aerial victory on 22 March, and ran his tally to nine over the next 45 days.

On 2 July 1918, Marchant was wounded severely enough to require his removal from combat duty for hospitalization. and again on 10 February 1919. On 20 March 1919, he was appointed an adjutant; this time, he was an acting captain, though drawing the pay and allowances as a lieutenant.

List of aerial victories +List of aerial victories

Cecil James Marchant died on 30 May 1965.