Thomas Le Mesurier (RAF officer)

Flight Commander Thomas Frederick Le Mesurier (6 February 1897–26 May 1918) was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories. Le Mesurier was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and two Bars and a Distinguished Service Medal for his conspicuous service in bombing operations.

Early life
Thomas Le Mesurier was born on 6 February 1897, in Shepherd's Bush, London to Ernest Cecil Le Mesurier and his wife Gertrude Arabelle Le Mesurier.

Military career
In 1916, Le Mesurier joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). He records show that as a Flight Sub-Liuetenant his passed flying training at the Central Flying School at Upavon on the 17 March 1916. He was then posted to No. 5 Squadron RNAS, where he became an ace with seven victories flying the Airco DH.4 between June and October 1917.

Death
On the morning of 26 May 1918, Le Mesurier and his observer were flying an Airco DH.9 (number D1693) on a test flight when they were engaged by German Marine Flak near Schoorbakke and suffered severe damage to the aircraft. Le Mesurier managed to pilot the stricken aircraft back towards his own lines but crashed after the port wing folded up crossing over trenches at 20 feet near Pervijze. The aircraft was completely wrecked but salvaged on the 27 May and taken to No.8 Air Park.

Awards and honours

 * To receive the Distinguished Service Cross, Flight-Lieutenant Thomas Frederick Le Mesurier, RNAS, 12 May 1917.


 * To receive a Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross, Flight Commander Thomas Frederick Le Mesurier, DSC, RNAS, 29 August 1917.


 * To receive the Distinguished Service Medal, Flight Commander Thomas Frederick Le Mesurier, DSC, RNAS, 14 September 1917.

Mesurier, DSC, RAF, 21 June 1918.
 * To Receive a Second Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross, Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Thomas Frederick Le