- Oliver Bryson
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Oliver Campbell Bryson Born 18 August 1897
Brent Green, Worcestershire, EnglandDied 27 March 1977 (aged 79) Allegiance England Service/branch Cavalry; aviation Years of service 1914–1943 Rank Captain Unit Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry Cavalry, No. 19 Squadron RFC/No. 19 Squadron RAF Awards Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar, Albert Medal Oliver Campbell Bryson MC, DFC with Bar, G.C. (18 August 1896 – 27 March 1977), was a career Royal Air Force officer who served in both World Wars. He was a flying ace credited with 12 aerial victories during World War I.
Contents
World War I service
Bryson was educated at Bromsgrove School, and joined the Dorset Yeoman Cavalry in 1914. Shortly thereafter, he was wounded in action. While serving in Egypt, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.[1] On 15 March 1917, after a flaming crash, he rescued his fellow aircrew member.[2] In July 1917, he was posted to fly a SPAD for 19 Squadron in France. His first aerial victory followed shortly; he drove down a German observation plane down out of control on 25 August. By the end of the year, Bryson's victory total had increased to 11.[3]
In January 1918, his king presented him with the George Cross for his heroism in rescuing his fellow airman following a crash at Wye Aerodrome.[4] On 8 March, having upgraded to a Sopwith Dolphin fighter plane, Bryson scored his final victory of the war, destroying a German Albatros D.V over Gheluvelt, Belgium. His final summary showed he had destroyed four enemy aircraft; two of these were shared victories, including one with Arthur Bradfield Fairclough. Bryson's other eight wins were of the out of control variety; three of them were shared with such other aces as Albert Desbrisay Carter. [5]
Post World War I
Oliver Bryson was one of the British aviators ordered to Russia in 1919 to support the White Army in its counter-revolution against the Bolsheviks. He commanded a bomber squadron, and also flew operations in a Snipe. His gallantry earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross.[6] Bryson was also granted a permanent commission as Flight Lieutenant, effective 1 August 1919.[7]
Bryson was stationed in India from 1928–1931; he won a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts.[8]
In 1933, Bryson was assigned to the Central Flying School and put in charge of engines. He also was promoted to Squadron Leader.[9]
On 1 November 1938, Bryson was promoted from Wing Commander to Group Captain.[10]
Oliver Campbell Bryson retired from the Royal Air Force in 1943, having served his crown and country for almost three decades.[11]
Honours and awards
Award proclamation for the Albert Medal for lifesaving:
"The KING was pleased, at Buckingham Palace, on Wednesday, the 9th instant, to present to Captain Oliver Campbell Bryson, Flight Commander, Royal Flying Corps, the Albert Medal, which was awarded by His Majesty in recognition of his gallantry in endeavouring to save life in March last. The circumstances are as follows: —
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- On the 15th March]], 1917, Captain (then Lieutenant) Bryson, with Second Lieutenant Hillebrandt as passenger, was piloting an aeroplane at Wye Aerodrome when, owing to a sideslip, the machine crashed to the ground and burst into flames. On disentangling himself from the burning wreckage Captain Bryson at once went back into the flames, dragged Lieutenant Hillebrandt from the machine, and notwithstanding his own injuries, which were undoubtedly aggravated by his gallant efforts to rescue his brother officer from the fire, endeavoured to extinguish the fire on Lieutenant Hillebrandt's clothing. Lieutenant Hillebrandt succumbed to his injuries a few; days later."[12][13]
Citation accompanying award of the Military Cross
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He made several difficult flights in most unfavourable weather, and destroyed several hostile machines. He proved himself a determined and undaunted leader, and set a splendid example of courage on all occasions.[14]
Citation accompanying award of the Distinguished Flying Cross
Has commanded a Squadron of heavy bombing machines in North Russia during the whole of the summer of 1919, during which period he carried out a large number of successful raids on the enemy's territory. During the operations on the Northern Dvina in August, and on the Pinega in September, 1919, he flew a Snipe machine with exceptional skill and daring. A very gallant officer he has proved himself during these exceptionally difficult aerial operations.[15]
Oliver Campbell Bryson also won a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross in lieu of a second award. It was granted for his service on the Northwestern Frontier of India during 1930.[16]
References
- Shores, Christopher F. etal. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, 9780948817199.
Endnotes
- ^ Shore et al, p. 91
- ^ (The London Gazette, 18 January 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30472/pages/732 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ Shore et al, p. 91
- ^ (The London Gazette, 18 January 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30472/pages/732 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ Shore et al, p. 91
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 November 1919) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31647/supplements/14000 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ (The London Gazette, 2 December 1919) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31669/pages/14924 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ (The London Gazette, 26 June 1931) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33729/pages/4158 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ Shores, et al, p. 91
- ^ (The London Gazette, 1 November 1938) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34566/pages/6820 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ Shores, et al, p. 91
- ^ RAFweb.org
- ^ (The London Gazette, 11 January 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30472/pages/732 Retrieved 8 January 2011.|Note: In 1971, the Albert Medal was discontinued, and all living recipients were invited to exchange the award for the George Cross. From the total of 64 eligible to exchange, 49 took up the option. The George Cross is the highest Commonwealth decoration awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry not in the face of the enemy and is second only to the Victoria Cross. It is the highest honour that can be awarded for non-operational gallantry or to anyone during peacetime.
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 July 1918) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30780/supplements/7895 denotes the medal being awarded; Bryson's citation is printed at http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30780/supplements/7899 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 18 November 1919) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31647/supplements/14000 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
- ^ (The London Gazette, 26 June 1931) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33729/pages/4158 Retrieved 8 January 2011.
Categories:- 1896 births
- 1977 deaths
- Old Bromsgrovians
- British recipients of the George Cross
- Recipients of the Albert Medal (lifesaving)
- Royal Flying Corps officers
- British Army personnel of World War I
- Recipients of the Military Cross
- Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry officers
- Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (United Kingdom)
- British World War I flying aces
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