12 Facts About Gerald Maxwell

Gerald Maxwell was commissioned in the Lovat Scouts on 4 August 1914 and fought at Gallipoli.

Gerald Maxwell then served in Egypt before returning to the UK, where he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in September 1916.

Gerald Maxwell completed final pilot training at Central Flying School, Upavon and joined No 56 Squadron in London Colney in March 1917.

Gerald Maxwell was attached to 'A' Flight, commanded by Captain Albert Ball, flying SE5 aircraft.

On 26 July 1917, Gerald Maxwell was appointed a flight commander, by which time he had been credited with eight victories.

Gerald Maxwell's confirmed 26 victories consisted of 12 enemy aircraft destroyed, and 14 "out of control" victories, six of which were shared.

Gerald Maxwell was granted a permanent commission as a captain in the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1919, relinquishing his commission in the 1st Lovat's Scouts, Territorial Force, the same day.

Gerald Maxwell was placed on the half-pay list between 1 February and 1 April 1920, and on 14 February 1921 resigned his permanent commission, and was granted the rank of major.

Gerald Maxwell was called up in the next war, becoming station commander at RAF Ford from 1941 to 1945.

Gerald Maxwell was a member of the Royal Company of Archers, a Knight of Malta and Privy Chamberlain of the Pope.

Gerald Maxwell married Carolyn Carden in 1920 and they had two sons and four daughters.

Gerald Maxwell died at Old Alresford House, Old Alresford, near Winchester on 18 December 1959 aged 64.