William Molesworth (aviator)

Lieutenant Colonel William Earle Molesworth (14 March 1894 - 22 October 1955) was a First World War flying ace credited with eighteen aerial victories.

Molesworth attended Marlborough College from 1908 to 1912. He then trained for an army career at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from 1912 to 1914. On 8 August 1914, he was commissioned second lieutenant into the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He went into combat on the Western Front in October 1914. He was wounded in December, but returned to duty and served with the Fusiliers until March 1916. Molesworth then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps with a temporary commission. He graduated pilot's training in February 1917 at Upavon's Central Flying School.

His first combat assignment with the RFC was No. 60 Squadron. By April, he was Flight Leader of A Flight. Flying a Nieuport 17, he scored his first victory on 22 April 1917. His next three triumphs were also scored flying a Nieuport; then he switched to an RAF SE.5a for his next two in early August. He then moved to Home Establishment back in England until October. On 20 October 1917, he returned to Nieuports by being assigned to No. 29 Squadron as a captain.

He notched his first wins with them on 8 November, setting an enemy reconnaissance two-seater and an Albatros D.V afire. He then scored at a steady rate until his last victory on 18 March 1918. He then returned to Central Flying School for a short spell as an instructor. In April 1918, he was appointed to form No. 158 Squadron and serve as its Commanding Officer. He held this post through October 1918. Following the armistice in November, he was transferred back to the Fusiliers.

Molesworth died on 22 October 1955 in Reading and was buried at Henley Road Cemetery on 25 October.

Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)

Capt. William Earle Molesworth, R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on offensive patrol. He has frequently led his patrol against superior numbers of the enemy, destroying some and dispersing others. He has also brought down two balloons and has proved himself to be a dashing and fearless pilot of great skill and determination. Military Cross (MC) Bar

Capt. William Earle Molesworth, M.C., R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has done excellent work as patrol leader, handling his formations with great skill and courage. He has destroyed four enemy machines and driven several down out of control.