Owen Scholte

Captain Owen John Frederick Scholte (22 June 1896 – 30 July 1918) was a British flying ace of the First World War, credited with eight aerial victories before his death in an automobile accident.

Early life and background Scholte was born in St. John's Wood, London, the second son of Dutch-born Savile Row tailor Frederick Scholte, and his wife Emma (née Lewellen). He attended Mill Hill School, London, from 1909 to 1912. and served in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. He was promoted to lieutenant on 1 June 1916, and was transferred to the General List when seconded to the Royal Flying Corps and appointed a flying officer on 5 June.

Scholte first served in No. 18 and No. 51 Squadrons, before transferring to No. 48 Squadron to fly the Bristol F.2 two-seater fighter. His first aerial victories came on 2 May 1917, when he and observer/gunner Air Mechanic 2nd Class F. W. Dame, accounted for two Albatros D.IIIs over Biache-Vitry. His next two victories were gained with observer/gunner Second Lieutenant Alexander Merchant, driving down an Albatros D.III over Brebières on 29 June, and destroying an Albatros D.V east of Cambrai on 6 July. On 13 July he and Lieutenant Alan Light drove down an Albatros D.V over Slype, and on 5 September, with Second Lieutenant G. R. Horsfall, he drove down another D.V over Mariakerke.

On 1 April 1918, the Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service were merged to form the Royal Air Force. Soon after Scholte transferred to No. 60 Squadron to fly the S.E.5a single-seat fighter. and soon after gained his final two victories, sending enemy reconnaissance aircraft down in flames on 15 and 19 May. Scholte is buried in Saint-Riquier British Cemetery, Somme, France,