Alan Scott (British Army officer)

Infobox Military Person
name= Alan John Lance Scott
lived= 1884-1922
placeofbirth=Christchurch, New Zealand
placeofdeath=London, England


caption= Scott in Royal Air Force uniform
nickname=
allegiance=flagicon|United Kingdom United Kingdom
serviceyears=
rank= Group Captain
branch= British Army
Royal Air Force
commands=
unit=
battles= World War I
awards= Companion of the Order of the Bath
Military Cross
Air Force Cross
laterwork=

Group Captain Alan John Lance Scott CB MC AFC (1884-16 January 1922) was an officer in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I and the following years. [ [http://www.historynet.com/air_sea/aerial_combat/3034161.html?page=3&c=y TheHistoryNet | Aerial Combat | William "Billy" Bishop: World War I Canadian Ace Fighter Pilot ] ]

Scott was born in Christchurch, New Zealand on the 29 June 1884 [http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/nzealand/scott1.php Alan John Lance Scott] ] and was originally an officer in the British Army's Sussex Yeomanry, Scott later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and then the Royal Air Force.

In July 1917 Scott was awarded the Military Cross - "Capt. (temp Maj.) Alan John Lance Scott Yeo., and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has on several occasions attacked and destroyed enemy aircraft and taken successful photographs under heavy fire. He has constantly shown the greatest courage in attacking numerous hostile machines single-handed, during which on two occasions his own machine was considerably damaged. His great coolness, dash, and resource have set an excellent example to his squadron." [London Gazette Issue 30204 24 July 1917]

Scott was a flight commander on No. 43 Squadron RFC until 10 March 1917 when he took up command of No. 60 Squadron RFC [http://www.colophonbooks.com/WWI_Aviation.htm] . He remained as No. 60 Squadron's commander until 11 July 1917. From some time in 1917 to 1918, Scott was the Commandant of the Central Flying School. [ [http://www.raf.mod.uk/history_old/cfscommen1.html The Royal Air Force - History Section ] ] Notably, Scott acted as Winston Churchill's flying instructor. [ [http://www-archives.chu.cam.ac.uk/perl/node?a=a;reference=CHAR%201%2F132 The Churchill Papers: A catalogue ] ] In 1920, Scott's book "Sixty Squadron RAF: A history of the squadron from its formation" was published. [ [http://navigator.rafmuseum.org/results.do?view=detail&db=object&id=30870 Search Results ] ]

Scott died on the 16 January 1922 in London, England aged 38.

External links

-