William Price (aviator)

Major William Thomas Price MC was a World War I flying ace who hailed from Warwickshire, England. He was credited with seven aerial victories at a time when British aviation was suffering its heaviest casualties of the war. Having won a Military Cross for valour, he served past war's end, becoming a major in 1919.

After leaving military service, he devoted his life to teaching agriculture until his retirement in 1962.

Early life
William Thomas Price was born in Acocks Green, Yardley, Warwickshire, England on 15 November 1895. He was educated at Christ College, London, as well as at Reading University. He began his military service in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

World War I
Price volunteered for aviation duty and undertook pilot's training. On 28 November 1916, he was appointed a Flying Officer; this appointment signified his qualification as a pilot. He was seconded from the Royal Warwickshire Regiment to the Royal Flying Corps for duty. He was one of the founding members of No. 48 Squadron RFC, and served with them piloting a two-seater Bristol F.2 Fighter.

Price became a flying ace during Bloody April, 1917; British aviation suffered their heaviest casualties of World War I during that month. He scored two further victories on 9 May 1917, only to be shot down in turn by Lothar von Richthofen. Despite being wounded, he managed to land his plane in friendly territory northeast of Fampoux, France. He was awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry on this occasion, which was gazetted on 18 July 1917:


 * "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His machine being disabled by hostile fire, and his gun out of action, he managed by skilful handling to effect a safe landing, thus saving the machine and his passenger from capture. He has previously done fine work against hostile aircraft.

On 1 March 1918, Price was appointed a flight commander with the accompanying temporary rank of captain, and transferred to the General List of the RFC.

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

Post World War I
On 4 February 1919, Price transferred to the unemployed list of the nascent Royal Air Force. However, he did not yet leave service; on 25 June 1919 he was promoted to temporary major. Then, effectibe 1 August 1919, he was appointed as a major to serve as quartermaster, but that order was quickly cancelled.

After leaving military service, he taught agricultural techniques until his retirement in 1962. He died on 17 January 1982, in Leamington Spa in his native Warwickshire, England.