Alfred Shepherd

Alfred Seymour Shepherd DSO, MC, was an Australian flying ace from World War I. He was credited with 10 aerial victories.

Early life and ground service
Alfred Seymour Shepherd was born to Emma Montgomery and James Shepherd on 13 April 1893. He was the first son and the second child of five siblings. His father died when young Alfred was 15 years old. Shepherd went on to serve four years in the Sydney University Scouts, while he was studying for a Bachelor of Engineering degree at Sydney University.

Shepherd enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Warwick Farm, Australia, on 8 September 1915, giving his civilian occupation as civil engineer. After service as an officer with the infantry, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 23 October 1916.

Aerial service
He was posted to 29 Squadron as a Nieuport 23 fighter pilot on 25 April 1917. He scored his first of his ten wins over German Albatros D.IIIs on 11 May 1917, and wrapped up his string on 29 June. His total can be summed up as two set afire, two others destroyed, and six driven down out of control.

Shepherd was appointed flight commander on 13 July 1917. One week later, he was shot down and killed in action by one of the Red Baron's wingmen, German ace Alfred Niederhoff.

Honours and awards
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

2nd Lt. Alfred Seymour Shepherd, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions when engaged in combat with hostile aircraft. Though surrounded by enemy machines, he continued to fight for nearly an hour with the utmost gallantry and determination against two hostile formations, finally bringing down one of the enemy out of control. Within a month he brought down seven hostile machines completely out of control. (Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 September 1917)

Military Cross (MC)

2nd Lt. Alfred Seymour Shepherd, R.F.C., Spec. Res.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on balloon attack he came under heavy fire from a rocket battery. He attacked this battery from a low altitude, silencing it, and dispersing the gunners. He then returned to the attack on a balloon, and fired all his ammunition, and though his machine was badly hit, crossed the line at 100 feet. (Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 August 1917)