William Strugnell

Group Captain William Victor Strugnell (23 July 1892 - 1977) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He went on to a long career in the Royal Air Force, eventually rising to Group Captain and serving through World War II.

Pre-World War I service
Strugnell's father was a sergeant major. At age 15, Strugnell joined the Royal Engineers as a bugler. He then transferred to the Hampshire Regiment as a sapper before joining the Royal Flying Corps. He was a prewar pilot, having been the third noncommissioned officer in the British military to receive a pilot's license, in 1912. He served with both 3 and 5 Squadrons before the war began. Once the war started, he went to France as a member of 1 Squadron.

World War I
Effective 27 June 1915, Sergeant Strugnell was commissioned a second lieutenant. On 5 February 1916, he piloted a Morane-Saulnier that drove down an Aviatik C.I reconnaissance plane for his first victory. On 2 June 1916, he was awarded a Military Cross.

He spent some time on instruction duty before returning to action flying a Sopwith Pup in 54 Squadron as flight commander of A Flight. On 19 March 1917, he shared in the setting afire of a German reconnaissance plane. On 14 April and 1 May, he sent another recon plane and an Albatros D.III down out of control. On 11 May 1917, he cooperated with fellow aces Oliver Sutton, Maurice D. G. Scott, and three other pilots in destroying a recon plane; Strugnell then singlehandedly destroyed an Albatros D.III. He finished the war as a major.

Post World War I
Strugnell remained in the Royal Air Force, serving in Iraq and Egypt. He was promoted from Squadron Leader to Wing Commander on 1 July 1928. He was promoted to Group Captain on 1 July 1934. He retired in 1945. As of 12 February 1951, he was still being carried as a Flight Lieutenant in the reserves. Exactly eight years later, on 12 February 1959, he finally gave up his commission.

Honours and awards
Military Cross (MC) awarded 2 June 1916.

Military Cross (MC) Bar

"Lt. (temp. Capt.) William Victor Strugnell, M.C., Hamps. E. and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading an offensive patrol he attacked and brought down a hostile machine. Later, in the same patrol, he brought down a second machine. In all he has accounted for five machines and a kite balloon. (M.C. gazetted 3 June 1916.)"