William Reed (aviator)

Captain William Ernest Reed was an English World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories. He continued in his nation's military service as late as 1938.

Early life
William Ernest Reed was born at Jarrow, Tyneside, England on 23 March 1896.

World War I
On 25 June 1915 Corporal William Ernest Reed of the Durham Fortress Engineers of the Royal Engineers was commissioned a second lieutenant.

After transfer to the Royal Flying Corps, Reed's first combat assignment was with 19 Squadron. He claimed his first aerial victory while on a bomber escort mission, on 14 April 1917. He scored again eight days later, but was wounded by ground fire in the process. On 10 May 1917 Flight magazine reported Reed as wounded in action. A week later, Flight noted that Reed had been mentioned in despatches.

On 30 April 1918 Flight reported Reed's promotion "while employed" as a temporary captain. He returned to France for his second tour of combat, flying this time for newly formed 92 Squadron. He scored seven aerial victories with them. He was wounded again on 3 November 1918. His exploits earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, which would not be gazetted until 8 February 1919:

""A brilliant and skilful scout leader. On 29th October, although seriously handicapped by clouds, he led a successful patrol over the enemy lines. Attacking a large formation of enemy machines, his own formation accounted for five, he himself destroying one and driving down another out of control. In addition to these he has to his credit three other enemy aircraft.""

List of aerial victories
See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

Post World War I
On25 March 1921 Reed gave up his temporary commission in the Royal Air Force upon his appointment into the Territorial Force; he retained the courtesy rank of Captain. He was accepted back into the Royal Engineers as a lieutenant with seniority from 31 March 1921. He surrendered that commission on 8 July 1921. On 7 October 1921, he was appointed as a Captain in the Engineers.

On 15 October 1938 Reed resigned his captain's commission in the Royal Engineers. His fate past this point is unknown.