Percy Jack Clayson

Percy Jack Clayson (born 7 June 1896) was a British flying ace in the First World War credited with 29 victories.

Biography Early life and education Clayson was born in Deptford, London and was confirmed in the rank on 28 September. On 30 September 1917 he was awarded his Royal Aero Club Aviators License (No. 5617) after flying a Curtiss Biplane at the Military School at Beverley. He joined No. 1 Squadron on 31 October 1917.

Clayson gained his first victory on 16 February 1918. On 12 June 1918, he was cited for the Distinguished Flying Cross and by 14 July had achieved a total of 29 credited victories; 1 shared destroyed balloon, 1 (and 1 shared) aircraft captured, 9 (and 9 shared) aircraft destroyed, and 5 (and 3 shared) aircraft 'out of control'. He served during the 1920s with Nos. 6 and 70 Squadrons. On 1 July 1925 he was promoted to flight lieutenant, and on 9 July was posted to No. 23 Squadron at RAF Henlow. On 21 September 1926 he was posted to the Aircraft Depot, Iraq, finally returning to the UK to serve at the RAF Depot at RAF Uxbridge from 14 November 1928. He was placed on the retired list due to ill health on 16 April 1929. In 1936 Clayson was the Chief Ground Instructor at the Civil Training Flying School operated by the Bristol Aeroplane Company at Yatesbury.

During World War II Clayson returned to active service in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve being appointed a flying officer in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch on 20 December 1941. He was promoted to flight lieutenant on 1 January 1944. Clayson remained in the Air Force Reserve of Officers until finally relinquishing his commission on 10 February 1954.

Honours and awards Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Percy Jack Clayson, General List and RFC, is awarded the Military Cross: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on low-flying offensive patrol, he engaged an enemy scout and shot it down, with the result it crashed to earth. He has brought down several hostile machines, one of which was forced to land in our lines, and has engaged massed enemy troops and transport from a very low altitudes with machine-gun fire, inflicting heavy casualties. He has displayed the most marked determination, courage and skill.|London Gazette, 22 June 1918