Herbert Gilles Watson

Herbert Gilles Watson, (30 March 1889 – 29 March 1942) was an Australian flying ace of the First World War credited with 14 aerial victories. He was the highest scoring New Zealand-born ace in the Australian Flying Corps, and the fourth highest scorer in his squadron.

Early life and service Although born in New Zealand, Watson was a clerk working in Sydney, Australia, at the outbreak of war. He enlisted in No. 2 Troop of the Australian Army Signal Corps on 28 October 1914. He steadily accumulated triumphs, shooting down eight aircraft by the end of June. Watson was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in mid-July. His final tally was three enemy observation balloons destroyed, including one set afire; four enemy fighters destroyed; an enemy observation plane destroyed in conjunction with Lieutenant Elwyn King; four enemy fighters and an observation plane driven down out of control. As he completed his string of wins, he was appointed a flight commander with the rank of captain.

Honours and awards Text of citation for Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)