Charles M. Maud

Captain (later Wing Commander) Charles Midgley Maud was an English World War I flying ace credited with 11 confirmed victories. After going into business post World War I, he returned to his nation's service for World War II, and served until 1954, rising to the rank of Wing Commander.

Early life
Charles Midgley Maud was born on 1 April 1898 in Rodley, Yorkshire, England.

World War I
By mid-1918, Maud had been posted to 66 Squadron in Italy as a Sopwith Camel pilot. On 1 May 1918, he scored his first aerial victory when he destroyed an opposing Albatros D.III southwest of Conegliano. By 20 May, he was an ace, having driven down an Albatros D.V on that day for his fifth win. By 7 October 1918, he had run his total to 11; his tally amounted to five enemy reconnaissance planes and three fighters destroyed, with another three enemy planes driven down out of control. His feats earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross, which was gazetted on 7 November 1918.

Post World War I
On 22 July 1921, Maud resigned his short service commission as lieutenant (acting captain) to join the Territorial Force.

On 31 December 1929, he broke up his partnership as a wool broker and left the family firm.

World War II and beyond
At the beginning of World War II, Maud returned to England's service. On either 12 August 1939 or 5 September 1939, he was confirmed in appointment as an officer and promoted to Pilot Officer.

Although Maud was mentioned in despatches on 1 January 1940 as a Squadron Leader, it was not until 22 October 1943 that he was promoted to that rank in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force.

He would serve until 10 February 1954, when he resigned his reserve commission as Squadron Leader; he was allowed to retain the rank of Wing Commander in his retirement.