Edgar O. Amm

Major Edgar Oxenham Amm (19 August 1898 – 25 March 1953) was a South African flying ace during World War I, credited with ten aerial victories. He returned to service during World War II. Between the wars, and after World War II, he was a farmer and businessman.

Early life and background Amm was born in Johannesburg, the fourth child (and second son) of Edwin John Amm and Amy Celia Hill.

World War I

After leaving school Amm joined the Royal Flying Corps in South Africa as a temporary second lieutenant (on probation). Having successfully completed his basic flight training, he was confirmed in his rank and made a flying officer on 19 November 1917. He travelled to Britain in early 1918. he spent a very short spell as a prisoner of war; one version of his repatriation has him riding a bicycle into his old unit on 24 November; A summary of Amm's victories credits him with seven enemy aircraft and an observation balloon destroyed, and two aircraft driven down out of control.

On 3 June 1919 he was awarded a bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his "distinguished services rendered during the war", and on 15 July 1919 was granted unrestricted permission to wear the Croix de guerre conferred on him by the King of the Belgians.

Amm declined an opportunity to return home on the first flight ever from England to South Africa, citing a promise to his father to never fly again. After he returned home, he farmed.

List of aerial victories

Later life Amm married Annie Joyce Peppercorn; they had two daughters and a son, all born in the 1930s. During World War II he joined the South African Air Force, serving as a flying instructor; he then served in Egypt and the Middle East, as well as Italy, with the rank of major. After the war, he sold his farm and founded the South Coast Aviation Company. From there, he moved on to citrus farming, managing Valencia Estates at Letaba. His last known occupation was general manager of Tzaneen Co-operative Citrus Company Ltd., Politsi, Tzaneen, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Death Amm died in a nursing home in Johannesburg on 25 March 1953. His death certificate showed him as ten years younger than his actual age.