Edward Fielden

Flying the royal family Fielden figured largely in the flying activities of the Royal Family for more than three decades, and most important royal flights were subject to his scrutiny and recommendation. His discretion and self-effacement earned him the nickname of "Mouse". His association with the Royal Family began in 1929, when the then Prince of Wales (later to become King Edward VIII), who had acquired a Gipsy Moth, appointed Fielden as his personal pilot. Fielden's first major foreign assignment involved planning the Prince's trip to Buenos Aires in 1931 which involved shipping a Puss Moth aboard HMS Eagle and the rental of another whilst there for Prince George's use. With the death of King George V on 20 January 1936, Edward VIII succeeded to the throne, and on 21 July, Fielden was appointed Captain of the King's Flight. Edward's reign was short-lived, abdicating on 11 December 1936 and being succeeded by his brother George VI. Fielden was retained as Captain of the King's Flight and his role was expanded. After the outbreak of the Second World War he returned to active service. In early 1942 he was chosen to be the commanding officer of the newly created No. 161 Squadron, assuming command 14 April 1942 when the unit was formed. he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross in April 1943. In June that same year, his services to the Royal Family were recognised by his appointment as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. A few days after Christmas, 1944, Fielden was promoted to Air commodore and transferred to become station commander at RAF Woodhall Spa, a 5 Group station and home to the 617 (Dambusters) Squadron and 627 Squadron, another Mosquito outfit. In May 1946, the King's Flight was reformed with Fielden once again its captain.

Fielden retired from the Queen's Flight in 1962. On 1 February 1962 he was appointed Senior Air Equerry to the Queen and promoted to air vice marshal. He was advanced to Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 1968 and retired as Senior Air Equerry in 1969, resuming his status as Extra Equerry.

Fielden died on 8 November 1976 in Edinburgh, Scotland, at the age of 72. His wife, Lady Fielden, died in 2014 at the age of 98.