Harold Redler

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Lieutenant Harold Bolton Redler was a World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories. His most notable triumph was over a leading German ace, Adolf von Tutschek, whom he killed in action.

Early life
Harold Redler Bolton was the eldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Redler. He was born in West Honkton. His family relocated to South Africa, and were resident in Moorreesburg at the time of his death.

World War I
On 9 April 1917, Redler was appointed a Flying Officer with the rank of temporary second lieutenant. He was posted to 40 Squadron, and became a balloon buster for his first win on 7 May 1917. He would score two more wins while with 40 Squadron.

He then transferred to 24 Squadron. He began his tenure with them with his greatest feat. On 15 March 1918, Redler was leading four other 24 Squadron pilots on patrol. He passed to the east of a westward bound patrol of six German craft–three Albatros fighters and three Fokker Triplanes. With the sun behind them, the British patrol dove upon a surprised sextet of Germans from Jasta 12. Redler fired at the highest flying of the Fokker Triplanes, pressing his attack to a near-collision while pumping 40 rounds into its cockpit. The triplane stalled in flight, falling off to the right and spiraling down out of the dogfight into a forced landing. Redler claimed an "out of control" victory over it. However, Tutschek had apparently been rendered insensible during the fight, and was found dead in his landed airplane under puzzling circumstances. Redler had killed one of Germany's leading aces.

Redler ran off a string of six more victories by 20 April 1918. The following day, he was wounded in action. He was then relieved from his combat posting and returned to England.

On 21 June 1918, Redler was killed in a flying accident in Scotland. Ian Henderson perished along with him. Redler's Military Cross was gazetted the next day:

"...He encountered four enemy twoseater machines, and attacking the lowest drove it to the ground with its engine damaged. Later, he attacked one of five enemy two-seater machines, and drove it down out of control. He has destroyed in all three enemy machines and driven three others down out of control. He continually attacked enemy troops and transport from a low altitude during operations, and showed splendid qualities of courage and determination throughout."