Edward Moss

Edward Henry Moss (25 May 1911 — 31 March 1944) was an English first-class cricketer and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve officer. Moss studied modern history at the University of Oxford, where he played first-class cricket for Oxford University Cricket Club. Initially serving in the Second World War with the Wiltshire Regiment, he transferred Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1941, where he would spend the remainder of the war. He was killed during a bombing mission over Germany in 1944.

Early life The son of William Henry Moss and his wife, Rose Winifred Moss, he was born at Godden Green in Kent. He was initially educated at Hawtreys prep school, before attending Malvern College, where he captained the college cricket team in 1930. His four matches for Oxford yielded 170 runs at an average of 21.25, with a high score of 50. He narrowly missed out on his cricket blue. His other sporting interest at Oxford was golf, with him representing the university for four years, including two as captain. Moss initially played minor counties cricket for Kent Second XI in the early 1930s, but later appeared for Berkshire in minor counties cricket, making five appearances in the Minor Counties Championship in 1938–1939.

World War II service Moss initially served during the Second World War with the Wiltshire Regiment, He relinquished his commission in September 1941, when he transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He served with No. 61 Squadron RAF, with confirmation of his position confirmed in September 1942. He was promoted to the war substantive rank of flying officer in August 1942. After training as a pilot, he spent sometime as an instructor, before becoming an operational Lancaster pilot.

In March 1944, Moss was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for "gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy". Moss had carried out five bombing sorties on Berlin, including on one occasion when his bomber was severely damaged while returning from a bombing run over Berlin after being hit by anti-aircraft fire, with Moss returning the bomber safely to England. The Gazette cited his "great leadership, skill and courage" as "setting a fine example to all." His brother, Robert, was also a first-class cricketer.