Dennis Waight

Colonel Dennis Edward Francis Waight (15 February 1895 – October 1984) was a British Army professional infantryman. After being decorated for valor while serving as a fusilier early in World War I, he flew in combat as an aerial observer until war's end. No details of his transfer and training are known; however, he was credited with 12 aerial victories, making him a flying ace.

He continued in service both at home and in India through, and beyond, World War II, finally being retired from service postwar for age.

Early life Waight was reared in St John's Wood, London. He was a member of Beevors House at Aldenham School, which he attended from 1911–1913. He played first string football while there.

World War I Waight was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant on 22 September 1914. Waight was serving as a temporary lieutenant when he was promoted to temporary captain on 16 September 1916 while he was serving in the Northumberland Fusiliers. His Military Cross was gazetted on 3 June 1918 in the 1918 Birthday Honours. he drove down a German Pfalz D.III fighter over Lille.

On 28 March 1922, his commission as lieutenant was backdated to 1 July 1917 and his precedence ranked on that day's seniority list. The following day, he was promoted to captain.

On 13 November 1929, Captain Waight was seconded from the Northumberland Fusiliers to staff duty. He vacated his appointment on the Indian Army staff on 1 March 1931, and returned to the Fusiliers the next day.

On 11 January 1932, he was appointed adjutant of the Fusiliers' 6th Battalion. The next issue of the London Gazette specified that his service as Adjutant would be with the Territorial Army. Waight was relieved from his post of Adjutant on 11 January 1936. He returned to his regimental establishment 21 January 1936. On 29 September 1936, Waight was promoted to Major–still in the Fusiliers.

World War II and beyond On 16 November 1942, Major Waight became Lieutenant Colonel Waight.

On 16 November 1945, Waight was retained on full pay as a supernumerary.

On 28 September 1947, Lieutenant Colonel Waight was retired as too old to continue serving his nation. He was granted a retirement promotion to honorary colonel.

His release from the Reserve of Officers, based on his age, came on 15 February 1950.

Colonel Waight died in Liskeard, Cornwall in October 1984.