Roy W. Chappell
Roy Williamson Chappell | |
---|---|
Born | Air Commodore | 31 December 1896
Unit | No. 27 Squadron RFC No. 41 Squadron RAF |
Commands held | No. 1 Squadron RAF |
Awards | Military Cross |
Air Commodore Roy Williamson Chappell MC (31 December 1896 – 7 February 1982) began his military aviation career as a British World War I flying ace credited with 11 official aerial victories. He remained in service post-war, becoming an intelligence specialist on Japan and the Japanese military. He served through the end of World War II.
World War I
Chappell entered military service during December 1915 as a
On 27 March 1917, Chappell scored a second "out of control" win while piloting an Elephant.
On 2 February 1918, Chappell destroyed a German
Chappell carried his rank of temporary captain over into the new Royal Air Force on its formation on 1 April 1918, although he was confirmed in this rank at some time thereafter.[1]
Post World War I
On 28 October 1919, Chappell was granted a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force as a flight lieutenant, with his seniority in rank fixed as 1 August 1919.[6] On 5 November 1919, he was assigned as a flight commander in the Air Council Inspection Squadron.[1] The Inspection Squadron morphed into 24 Squadron; Chappell was assigned as flight commander on 1 February 1920. He continued as a flight commander, transferring on 13 December 1922 to 70 Squadron, and onwards on 20 February 1923 to 84 Squadron.[1]
On 13 October 1923, he became supernumerary at the RAF Depot. On 11 February 1924, he was assigned to
On 10 October 1928, he was promoted to squadron leader.[7] On 11 February 1929, Chappell was assigned to Staff Duty with the Directorate of Operations and Intelligence.[1] On 26 September 1930, he was seconded for duty with the Imperial Japanese Navy.[8] On 7 April 1931, he returned to staff duty at DO&I. In June 1931, he requalified as a Japanese Interpreter, First Class.[1]
On 12 November 1933, Chappell was appointed Officer Commanding, No. 1 Squadron. On 6 November 1935, he returned to Tokyo as an
On 10 February 1938, he was a supernumerary at No. 1 RAF Depot.[1] On 1 December 1938, he was assigned as senior air staff officer (SASO), No. 22 (Army Co-operation) Group.[1] 1 November 1938 saw his further promotion to group captain.[11]
On 16 September 1939, he was appointed the deputy director of intelligence.[1] On 29 September 1946, Chappell retired as a group captain, but retained the rank of air commodore.[12] He died on 7 February 1982, after a long retirement.[1]
Honours and awards
- Military Cross
T./Capt. Roy Williamson Chappell, R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed the greatest skill and courage in leading patrols, with the result that during four days' operations the formations which he led destroyed 19 enemy aeroplanes and drove down several others, the fate of which was not observed, owing to the intensity of the fighting. He has destroyed altogether five enemy machines, and has driven down seven others out of control.[1]
Endnotes
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Air Commodore R. W. Chappell". Air of Authority. 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
- ^ a b c d Shores, et al, p. 102.
- ^ "No. 29757". The London Gazette (Supplement). 21 September 1916. p. 9188.
- ^ a b c "Roy Williamson Chappell". The Aerodrome. 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
- ^ "Martinsyde G.100". The Aerodrome. 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
- ^ "No. 31620". The London Gazette. 28 October 1919. p. 13139.
- ^ "No. 33428". The London Gazette. 9 October 1928. p. 6497.
- ^ "No. 33648". The London Gazette. 30 September 1930. p. 5954.
- ^ "No. 34108". The London Gazette. 27 November 1934. p. 7613.
- ^ "No. 34176". The London Gazette. 2 July 1935. p. 4262.
- ^ "No. 34575". The London Gazette. 29 November 1938. p. 7533.
- ^ "No. 37741". The London Gazette (Supplement). 27 September 1946. p. 4887.
References
- Shores, Christopher, et al. (1990). Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces, 1915-1920. Fortress Publications. ISBN 978-0-91919-511-0