Charles Lavers

Captain Charles Stewart Touzeau Lavers BEM (17 August 1896 – 1979) was a British World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories.

Early life

Charles Stewart Touzeau Lavers was born in Saint Albans, England, on 17 August 1896.

World War I service First tour Lavers originally served domestically in the West Yorkshire Regiment from September 1915 through May 1916. He then shipped out to France, serving in the 1st Battalion until September, when he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He was assigned to No. 23 Squadron as an observer/gunner on Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2s. He survived a head wound inflicted in November 1916 to become a pilot. When his squadron transitioned to SPADs, Lavers was returned to England for pilot's training. On 1 June 1917, he was posted to No. 1 Squadron RFC. There he scored his first victory on 18 June 1917 flying a Nieuport fighter, working with fellow aces Louis Fleeming Jenkin and Harry Reeves to destroy an Albatros D.V over Oostaverne. Lavers went on to tally a string of four "out of control" wins, with the last one on 17 August being shared with William Rooper. He was granted the rank of captain on 5 April 1921.

Upon his return to civilian life, Lavers went into his family's timber business.

Honors and awards Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lieut. (A./Capt.) Charles Stewart Touzeau Lavers. (FRANCE)

On a recent occasion this officer led his scout formation, escorting bombers to an objective thirty-nine miles over the lines; all the bombing machines were brought safely back. This was the twentieth successful escort formation that he led during a period of two and a half months. On several occasions enemy aeroplanes have attacked his formation, but they have invariably been driven off, which reflects the highest credit on his skill and determination. He has several machines to his credit, and has assisted in the destruction of others.

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