William McKenzie Thomson

William Thomson
Born	15 September 1898 Lachine, Quebec
Died	9 July 1987 (1987-07-10) (aged 88)
Allegiance	George V
Service/branch	Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force
Unit	No. 20 Squadron RAF
Battles/wars	First World War
Awards	Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross

William McKenzie Thomson MC, DFC (15 September 1898 – 9 July 1987) was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 26 victories while flying Bristol Fighters with 20 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force.

Text of citations

Military Cross

"T./Lt. William MacKenzie Thomson, R.A.F. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrols. In five days he destroyed as many enemy machines. He showed fine determination to close with the enemy, and set a splendid example of enterprise and gallantry."

Distinguished Flying Cross

"Lieut. William McKenzie Thomson, M.C. This officer has destroyed thirteen enemy machines, invariably displaying courage, determination and skill. Disparity in numbers never daunts him. On a recent occasion, in company with eight other machines, his formation was attacked by twenty-five scouts; he shot one down. On another occasion his formation of ten machines engaged between twenty and thirty Fokkers; in the combat that ensued this officer shot down one out of the four that were destroyed."

References

• Deguid, A. Fortescue (1938). Official History of the Canadian Forces in the Great War (PDF). Vol. I: From the outbreak of war to the formation of the Canadian Corps: August 1914–September 1915. Ottawa: J. O. Patenaude. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
• Shores, Christopher; Franks, Norman; Guest, Russell (1990). Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915–1920. London: Grub Street. ISBN 0-948817-19-4.

External links

"WWI Aces of Canada, William Thomson". www.theaerodrome.com. Retrieved 15 June 2008.