Douglas Arthur Davies

Lieutenant Douglas Arthur Davies was a World War I flying ace credited with 10 aerial victories.

Early life
Douglas Arthur Davies was born on 12 January 1896. He was the first-born son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Davies. His birthplace was Harrow, England.

World War I
On 17 October 1915, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Wiltshire Regiment. On 20 November 1917, he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as a lieutenant and a Flying Officer.

By mid-1918, Davies was posted to 150 Squadron in Salonika as a Sopwith Camel pilot. He scored his first aerial victories on 12 June 1918, when he set one Albatros D.V afire and destroyed another. His second successful day saw him become an ace, as he destroyed two more Albatros D.Vs in one dogfight on 17 July, then drove another down out of control an hour and a half later. Six days later, he teamed with John Preston to destroy another. On 8 August, he drove down two enemy fighters out of control. Ten days later, he rounded off his victory string by driving down another pair of Albatros D.Vs out of control.

He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his prowess. It was announced in The London Gazette on 2 November 1918:

Between the World Wars
On 10 October 1919, Davies was awarded the French Croix de guerre avec Palme. On 17 December 1919, he transferred to the Royal Air Force's unemployed list.

On 30 September 1921, he surrendered his commission in his regiment. In May 1923, his engagement to Muriel Wilson was posted in Flight magazine.

On 26 January 1937, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer (Class BB) in the RAF Reserve.

World War II
On 12 October 1940, Davies was confirmed in rank as a Pilot Officer. He later was granted the war substantive rank of Flight Lieutenant, dating from 28 September 1940. On 1 January 1944, he was promoted to Squadron Leader in the Administration & Special Duties Branch of RAF.

Post World War II
On 1 November 1947, Davies relinquished his commission as a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On 1 January 1948, he surrendered his war substantive rank of Squadron Leader in the RAF Volunteer Reserve while retaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant. On 10 February 1954, Flight Lieutenant Davies relinguished his commission in RAF Volunteer Reserve, retaining the rank of Wing Commander.

List of aerial victories
All victories gained while posted to No. 150 Squadron based at Salonika, Greece.