John Inglis Gilmour
John Inglis Gilmour, DSO, MC & Two Bars (28 June 1896 – 24 February 1928) was a British flying ace of the First World War. He was the highest scoring Scotsman in the Royal Flying Corps, with 39 victories.
John Inglis Gilmour | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 June 1896 Scotland |
| Died | 24 February 1928 (aged 31) London, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1919 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | No. 27 Squadron RFC No. 65 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 28 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Military Cross & Two Bars Mentioned in dispatches |
Gilmour began his military career in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, but was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps. Gaining his wings on 17 March 1916, Gilmour was assigned to pilot the Martinsyde Elephant on the Western Front. He was one of the few successful scorers with the clumsy craft, downing three German opponents. He went on to establish a reputation as a crack bomber formation leader. In late 1917, he advanced to flying a Sopwith Camel fighter as a Flight Commander for No. 65 Squadron. Beginning on 18 December 1916, he reeled off a further 36 victories by 3 July 1918. That included five separate victories on 1 July 1918. He was then promoted to major and sent to command No. 28 Squadron in Italy.
Post war, Gilmour was the air attache in Rome, then was posted to No. 216 Squadron in the Middle East.