Charles Pickthorn

Major Charles Edward Murray Pickthorn (born 20 September 1896, died 1938) was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. His fourth victory resulted in the capture of Crown Prince Frederich of Prussia.

Pickthorn served with the Army Service Corps from September to December 1915. He was then seconded to the Royal Flying Corps, and flew as an observer/gunner with 8 Squadron. On 29 June 1916, Lieutenant Vaisey was wounded in action and passed out; Pickthorn flew them home while morse-coding a message to have a doctor meet them. By the end of 1916, he had trained as a pilot and was ordered to 32 Squadron to fly an Airco DH.2. In company with fellow aces James Robb, Frank Billinge, and three other pilots, Pickthorn destroyed an enemy observation plane on 27 January 1917. He scored again on 26 February. He was wounded while winning on 6 March 1917. On 11 March, he drove down an Albatros D.I emblazoned with a skull and crossbones; the pilot, who was shot and wounded fatally while escaping capture by Australian troops, was Crown Prince Frederich of Prussia. A Military Cross for Pickthorn followed, on 26 April 1917.

On 8 November 1918, three days before war's end, Pickthorn took command of 84 Squadron. Two days later, flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, he scored his last win, destroying a Fokker D.VII.