Percy Jack Clayson

Percy Jack Clayson MC, DFC was a British Flying Ace in World War I credited with twenty-nine victories.

Background
Clayson was born in Deptford, London on 7 June 1896. In the 1910 Census of Watford he is a 14-year old Pupil at the Royal Masonic School at Bushey.

Involvement in World War I
Clayson joined the Royal Naval Air Service at the outbreak of war and served in France from December 1914. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and joined No. 1 Squadron on 31 October 1917.

Clayson gained his first victory on 16 February 1918. He was awarded the Military Cross on 9 April 1918, and in May of that year became a flight commander.

On 12 June 1918, he was cited for the Distinguished Flying Cross and by the end of July had achieved a total of twenty-nine credited victories; 1 shared destroyed ballon, 1 (and 1 shared) aircraft captured, 9 (and 9 shared) aircraft destroyed, and 5 (and 3 shared) aircraft 'out of control'.

He was invested with his DFC on 24 July 1919 by The King at Buckingham Palace. Clayson was posted to Home Establishment on 3 August 1918, ending his involvement in direct engagement with the enemy.

Later Military Service
Clayson served during the 1920s with Nos. 6 and 70 Squadron, RAF. He retired due to ill health on 16 April 1929.

Honours and awards

 * 22 June 1918 - T/2nd Lt. Percy Jack Clayson, Gen. List, and RFC is awarded the Military Cross:


 * 3 August 1918 - Lt (temp Capt.) Percy Jack Clayson, MC is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross: