William Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick

Major William John Charles Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick DSO, MC & Bar (25 May 1896 – 26 September 1933) was a Scottish First World War flying ace, credited with 21 aerial victories. He was the leading ace flying the Spad VII fighter, and of No. 23 Squadron. He later flew aerial surveys on three continents.

Early life and service Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick was born in Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland on 25 May 1896, He had three sisters, all younger.

He attended Wellington College in Berkshire and Trinity College, Cambridge He was officially seconded to the Royal Flying Corps from The Rifle Brigade on 11 June 1915.

On 17 March 1916, he was promoted from second lieutenant to lieutenant while staying seconded to the RFC. On 26 April, he achieved his first victory despite his test pilot status. He used Nieuport No. 5172 to attack an LVG C-type three times. The LVG crash-landed with a dead crew. He was awarded the Military Cross on 16 May 1916, for this capture of an enemy plane.

As a result of his victory and award, he was transferred to No. 70 Squadron to fly Sopwith 1½ Strutters. He scored victories two and three on 14 and 15 September 1916, having his observer killed on both occasions.

Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick claimed three more times in May, four times in June, and five in July. After his final victory, on 16 July 1917, he was promoted to acting Major on 22 July, and given command of No. 60 Squadron. A month later, on 17 September he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

He was Mentioned in Despatches on 7 November 1917 by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. He was denoted as a lieutenant doing a job two grades his senior; he was a temporary major.

Postwar life He resigned his commission on 9 July 1919. He became a major in the General Reserve of Officers the same day.

He married Natalie Bertha Tanner of Larches, Rusherville, Kent on 20 July 1924.

He was elected to membership of the Royal Aero Club on 10 December 1930.

Then, on 26 September 1933, he took off from Baragwanath Airport near Johannesburg, South Africa, flying a de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, registration ZS-AEF. He stalled out at after making a steep turn. The previous day he had flown the author, adventurer and politician Deneys Reitz and his family, on a test flight; Reitz had criticised his reckless flying.

Honours and awards Military Cross (MC)

Military Cross (MC) Bar

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)