Maurice Benjamin

Captain Maurice Arthur Benjamin MC was a London born South African flying ace active during World War I. He was credited with eight aerial victories while serving as an observer/gunner in two-seater fighters.

Maurice Arthur Benjamin
Born(1883-07-10)10 July 1883
Port Elizabeth
AllegianceEngland
Service/branchRoyal Flying Corps
RankCaptain
UnitNo. 48 Squadron RFC
AwardsMilitary Cross

Early life

Maurice Arthur Benjamin was born in London on 10 July 1883. When World War I began, he was working as a theatrical manager in South Africa.[1]

World War I

Benjamin joined the Royal Flying Corps to serve in World War I. He began service as an aerial observer with 48 Squadron on 9 March 1917.[2] He scored his first aerial victories on 6 and 9 April 1917[1] before being officially appointed as an observer on 11 April 1917.[2] He would be credited with six more victories. As a result, he was awarded the Military Cross, gazetted 18 July 1917:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He helped to attack two large hostile machines, one of which was seen to crash to the ground. Previously he helped to engage three hostile scouts, one of which was destroyed and the remainder dispersed. He has helped to destroy four hostile machines in all.[3]

He subsequently trained as a pilot, receiving Royal Aero Club certificate number 5883 on 3 February 1918. On 1 August 1918, he was promoted to temporary captain while on instructional duty with Home Establishment.[1]

List of aerial victories

See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

No. Date/time Aircraft Foe Result Location Notes
1 6 April 1917 Bristol F.2a Fighter German airplane Driven down out of control Douai Pilot: William Price
2 Morning of 9 April 1917 Bristol F.2a Fighter German reconnaissance plane Destroyed East of Arras Pilot: William Price
3 23 April 1917 Bristol F.2a Fighter Albatros D.III Driven down out of control Vimy Pilot: William Price. Victory shared with Roger Hay, Fred Holliday, at least three other aviators
4 25 April 1917 Bristol F.2a Fighter Albatros D.III Destroyed East of Arras Pilot: William Price
5 27 April 1917 Bristol F.2a Fighter German reconnaissance plane Destroyed Vitry-en-Artois (Southwest of Douai) Victory shared with Roger Hay
6 26 May 1917 @ 1945 hours Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7119 Albatros D.III Destroyed Southwest of Douai Pilot: J. W. Warren
7 26 May 1917 @ 1945 hours Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7119 Albatros D.III Driven down out of control Southwest of Douai Pilot: J. W. Warren
8 15 June 1917 @ 1940 hours Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7117 Albatros D.III Driven down out of control Fampoux Pilot: H.M Fraser. Victory shared with another air crew[1]

Post World War I

On 1 August 1919, Benjamin was granted a permanent commission as a lieutenant.[4] Instead, he was put on the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force on 19 August 1919.[5] His commission as lieutenant was cancelled on 5 September 1919.[6]

References
  1. Franks, Norman; Guest, Russell; Alegi, Gregory (15 September 1997). Above the War Fronts: A Complete Record of the British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces and the ... and Russian Fighter Aces (Air aces of WWI). Grub Street. p. 5. ISBN 978-1898697565.
  2. "No. 30040". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 April 1917. p. 4077.
  3. "No. 30188". The London Gazette (Supplement). 18 July 1917. p. 7221.
  4. "No. 31486". The London Gazette. 1 August 1919. pp. 9864, 9868–9.
  5. "No. 31678". The London Gazette. 9 December 1919. pp. 15196–7.
  6. "No. 31539". The London Gazette. 5 September 1919. p. 11245.
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