George Edwin Thomson

Captain George Edwin Thomson DSO MC (19 September 1897 – 23 May 1918) was a Scottish World War I flying ace credited with 21 aerial victories. He was the second ranking ace of his squadron, and one of the leading Sopwith Camel aces.

Early life and service George Edwin Thomson was the son of James and Ellen Thomson, who were native to Glenfuccan, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. He was born in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma (now Myanmar) on 19 September 1897.

Thomson went to the United Kingdom in order to join the King's Own Scottish Borderers. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in September 1916.

Flying service Thomson was seriously injured during flight training; the accident left him with lasting scars to his face. Nevertheless, he joined 46 Squadron during the summer of 1917, to fly a Sopwith Pup. On 25 September 1917, he scored his first victory flying Pup no. B2196, destroying an enemy reconnaissance plane. The Distinguished Service Order followed on 22 June. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 21 September 1918.

Death He was then transferred to the Home Establishment in England as an instructor. On 23 May 1918, he took off from No. 7 Training Depot at Port Meadow, Oxford. His plane burst into flames and he died in the fiery crash. He was buried at Wolvercote Cemetery, Oxford.

Honours and awards Military Cross (MC)

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Captain Thomson also won the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 21 September 1918.