Solomon Clifford Joseph

Captain Solomon Clifford Joseph, DFC, was a flying ace for the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I. He was credited with thirteen confirmed aerial victories.

World War I
Joseph joined the RNAS in August 1917. He trained as a pilot and was first assigned to 12 Squadron RNAS. He quickly transferred to 10 Squadron RNAS in February 1918 as a Sopwith Camel pilot. He scored his first aerial victory on 7 May 1918, and continued to string out a dozen wins stretching through 3 September 1918; he teamed up to share victories with such fellow aces as Alfred Williams Carter and Clement W. Payton in several cases. On 21 September, he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross. Three days later, he was wounded in action. He recovered in time to round off his victory string with a final win on 30 October 1918. Three days later, he was granted a Bar to his DFC in lieu of a second award. In the midst of all this, he had been appointed a Flight Commander, with its accompanying temporary promotion to Captain.

In the final analysis, Joseph had destroyed five enemy airplanes by himself, shared in destroying two others, drove three down out of control, and teamed up to drive another one down out of combat. He also was a balloon buster, being one of three pilots responsible for destroying a German observation balloon.

Post World War I
On 4 April 1919, Joseph was transferred to the Royal Air Force's unemployed list.

On 24 November 1925, Joseph dissolved a partnership in a munitions recycling business.

On 8 April 1927, acting as executor, he posted notice of probate for the estate of Michael Joseph.

Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross

Lieut. Solomon Clifford Joseph (Sea Patrol).

A gallant pilot who has accounted for eight enemy aircraft within the past four months. On many occasions the enemy were numerically superior to Lieutenant Joseph's patrol, but this did not prevent his attaining success.

Bar for Distinguished Flying Cross

Lt. (T./Capt.) Solomon Clifford Joseph, D.F.C., Sea Patrol.

A very gallant and skilful officer. Helped his formation under a large force of enemy aircraft with a view to inducing them to descend to attack him. In this ruse deguerre he was successful, and, in accordance with arrangements previously made, another formation of our machines then appeared on the scene, and a combined attack was made on the enemy, resulting in the destruction of four aeroplanes and three more being brought down completely out of control.

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross was conferred on this officer less than two months ago he has personally destroyed one enemy machine, brought down another out of control, and has helped to destroy a third. Captain Joseph was wounded on the occasion of the combined attack.