Lawrence Coombes

Captain Lawrence Percival Coombes began his career as a World War I flying ace credited with 15 aerial victories.

He joined the Royal Naval Air Service in July 1917. He was posted originally to No. 12 Squadron RNAS, but was transferred into No. 10 Squadron RNAS a couple of weeks later. He scored his first kill on 24 March 1918, setting an Albatros D.V aflame with machine gun fire from his Sopwith Camel. He scored steadily through 31 July 1918. On 3 August, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Also in August, he was rotated back to England to serve as an instructor in No. 204 Squadron for the remainder of the war.

After his discharge in March 1919, Coombes was a barnstormer for the summer. He then returned to school and earned an engineering degree. Employment with the Royal Aircraft Establishment followed. He served as a technical advisor for 1927's Schneider Trophy Team.

In 1938, he moved to Australia; he established the Aero Research Laboratory in Melbourne. In 1960, under the auspices of the United Nations, Coombes was instrumental in India's establishment of its aeronautical research labs.

Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lt. (T./Capt.) Lawrence Percival Coombes. This officer displays conspicuous bravery and skill in attacking enemy aeroplanes. During the last three months he has accounted for five.