Christopher McEvoy

Lieutenant Christopher McEvoy was an English flying ace credited with nine aerial victories during World War I. Despite poor health, he would gallantly serve his nation in both World Wars before his early death.

Early life
Christopher McEvoy was born in Cricklewood, North London on the second day of 1899. He was the first-born son of The Reverend Cuthbert McEvoy and his wife Margaret.

World War I
When old enough, Christopher McEvoy joined the Royal Flying Corps. In January 1918, he was assigned to No. 66 Squadron in Italy as a pilot. He was slightly wounded the following month, and hospitalized for a short while. On 30 March 1918, he scored his first aerial victory; by 1 August, he had run his tally of victories to nine. Illness then removed him from the cockpit; he was medically evacuated back to England with dysentery. After recovery, he served in No. 39 (Home Defence) Squadron. He was rewarded for his pains with the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 23 September 1918:

""A gallant pilot who has destroyed six enemy machines in a few months. He displays great determination in his attacks in high or low flying, and in bombing attacks over the enemy's lines.""

Actually, the award gives McEvoy a short count, as can be seen below.

World War II and beyond
McEvoy's life during the period between the World Wars is unknown. However, McEvoy returned to service for World War II, being appointed a temporary Pilot Officer on probation on 1 September 1939. He served in the rank of Flight Lieutenant as a codes officer for RAF Coastal Command. It seems likely he got in some cockpit time, as he was still serving as a Pilot Officer when he surrendered his commission because of illness on 7 September 1940.

Christopher McEvoy died at Dorking, England on 12 October 1953 following a prolonged illness.