Orlando Bridgeman

Second Lieutenant Orlando Clive Bridgeman (29 November 1898 – 21 December 1931) was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Biography Bridgeman was the fourth son of Brigadier-General the Honourable Francis Bridgeman and his wife Gertrude Cecilia (née Hanbury). His father was the second son of Orlando Bridgeman, 3rd Earl of Bradford.

He was educated at Harrow School. being confirmed in that rank in August.

Bridgeman was posted to No. 70 Squadron RFC, flying the Sopwith Camel. after being shot up by Hermann Göring of Jagdstaffel 27. after the previous flight commander was killed. the only one received by a member of 80 Squadron.

Post-war Bridgeman graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, with a Master of Arts degree.

Bridgeman died in London of blood poisoning on 21 December 1931, aged 33, and is commemorated with a memorial plaque inside St Bartholomew's Church, Tong, Shropshire.

Honours and awards Military Cross

Temporary Second Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Orlando Clive Bridgeman, General List, attached Royal Air Force. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The patrol he was leading was attacked by twenty or thirty enemy aeroplanes, of which he destroyed two himself, and by skilful manoeuvring enabled two others to be crashed by officers of his patrol. His tactics and gallantry undoubtedly prevented what might have been a severe reverse to his patrol. On many occasions his work in attacking troops and other ground targets from low altitudes has been excellent, and his example and skilful leadership have been of great value to his squadron.