Thomas Gerrard (aviator)

Major Thomas Francis Netterville Gerrard was an English World War I flying ace credited with 10 aerial victories. He died in a postwar equestrian accident.

Early life
Thomas Francis Netterville Gerrard was the son of Brigadier General E. L. Gerrard DSO. The younger Gerrard joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915.

World War I
Gerrard first flew a FBA flying boat from the port of Dover. He was then transferred to "A" Squadron of the RNAS. While flying a Nieuport fighter plane for them, he scored his first victory.

After a transfer to 1 Naval Squadron, Gerrard was assigned to fly Sopwith Triplanes; he would score eight victories with them. On 5 December 1916, Flight Lieutenant Gerrard was appointed acting Flight Commander.

Gerrard won a Distinguished Service Cross for his exploits. The citation for it ran in The London Gazette of 20 July 1917:

During a brief posting with 208 Squadron, he used a Sopwith Camel to down his tenth victim.

On 30 May 1918, Captain Gerrard was promoted to temporary major.

Post World War I
On 22 April 1919,Gerrard relinquished his posting as acting major and reverted to the rank of captain. On 1 August 1919, he granted a permanent commission as lieutenant during RAF's reorganization.

On 1 January 1921, he was promoted to flight lieutenant. On 5 March 1921, he hosted a reunion dinner for 209 Squadron, with 47 attendees. On 29 June 1921, he attended the third annual reunion of RNAS veterans of Dunkirk Station. Gerrard also participated in the Hendon Air Show in 1921, flying a Sopwith Snipe.

On 21 October 1922, he transferred from the Central Flying School (Inland Area) to the No. 5 Flying Training School (Inland Area).

On 23 February 1923, Gerrard transferred to No. 1 Squadron RAF in Iraq.

Subsequent to that, he was stationed in India. He fell from a polo pony there in 1923; the fall proved fatal. The date of his death is given as 14 July 1923; locale remains unknown.