William H. Farrow

Captain William Hastings Farrow was a World War I flying ace credited with 10 aerial victories. He would pursue a military career well into the 1920s before resigning in 1926. Like many World War I aces, he returned to the military for World War II, rising to Wing Commander. He was honored for his feats by induction into the Order of the British Empire.

World War I
On 3 June 1916, William Hastings Farrow of the Royal Engineers was commissioned second lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. On 28 July 1916, Flying Officer Farrow was listed on general list of RFC, but not as an Engineer; he was no longer seconded. On 27 December 1916, he scored his first aerial victory while posted to 47 Squadron. Scoring one of the few wins ever credited to an Armstrong Whitworth F.K.3, he and his observer teamed with another British aircrew to drive a German reconnaissance plane down out of control over Hudova.

Farrow spent from 8 December 1917–11 January 1918 posted to 28 Training Squadron. He then transferred to 64 Squadron as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. Beginning on 11 May 1918, he fought and beat nine German fighter planes in aerial combat. By 5 September 1918, he had burned two German fighters, destroyed three, and driven four more down out of control.

His valor won him the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), which was gazetted 2 November 1918:

Post World War I
On 21 April 1919, Farrow transferred to the unemployed list of the RAF. On 11 April 1921 Flying Officer Farrow returned to active list for temporary duty, being returned to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force on 5 June 1921.

On 4 September 1923, he was granted probationary commission as a Flying Officer in the Class A Reserves of the RAF.

On 4 March 1924, he was confirmed in rank as a Pilot Officer.

On 4 September 1926, he surrendered his commission upon completion of service.

World War II
Farrow returned to his nation's service for World War II; he was commissioned as a probationary Flying Officer on 9 September 1939. On 22 December 1939, he was appointed as a War Substantive Flight Lieutenant. On 9 September 1940, he was confirmed in rank as a Pilot Officer.

He was promoted from Squadron Leader to temporary Wing Commander effective 1 September 1942.

On 1 January 1943, Wing Commander William Hastings Farrow of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was appointed to the Order of the British Empire. His fate after that is unknown.