Reginald Maxwell

Reginald Stuart Maxwell
Nickname	George
Born	(1894-07-20)July 20, 1894
Died	July 1, 1960(1960-07-01) (aged 65)
Place of birth	Willesden, Middlesex, England
Place of death	Point Piper, New South Wales, Australia
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Aviation
Rank	Air Commodore
Unit	No. 25 Squadron RFC, No. 20 Squadron RFC, No. 18 Squadron RFC, No. 54 Squadron RAF
Awards	Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar, Air Force Cross, Mentioned in Despatches

Air Commodore Reginald Stuart Maxwell began his military career in aviation by becoming a flying ace during World War I. He continued in service until 1941, arising to the flag rank of Air Commodore.

Early life

Reginald Stuart Maxwell was born to Nellie and John A. Maxwell.

The younger Maxwell first appears in military records as a Temporary Lieutenant seconded to the 21st Divisional Cyclist Company on 25 January 1915. Moving onwards from the Army Cyclist Corps, on 10 June 1915, Maxwell was appointed a Temporary Lieutenant. On 11 September 1915, "George" Maxwell was assigned to be a Flying Officer.

World War I aerial service

Maxwell was assigned to 25 Squadron as a pilot for the "pusher" Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b; such an assignment usually shortly followed appointment as a Flying Officer.

He scored his first aerial victory on 27 April 1916, forcing a German Aviatik two-seater reconnaissance plane to land at Herlies. He then transferred to 20 Squadron, and still using a FE.2b, scored three more times; for two of those wins, he had future aces riding as his observers, in Herbert Hamilton and David Stewart. Maxwell's pioneering efforts at aerial combat were rewarded with a Military Cross. He had also been appointed a Flight Commander during this stretch, effective 11 May 1916, with a concomitant promotion to Temporary Captain. On 18 December 1916, Maxwell was promoted to Squadron Leader.

Maxwell would return to combat almost two years later, when he was assigned to 54 Squadron to fly a Sopwith Camel. On 18 January 1918, he used this single-seated fighter plane to destroy an Albatros D.V and finally become an ace. He used a Camel for four more wins scattered throughout 1918, with his ninth and final victory coming just two days before war's end. His final tally for the war was five enemy planes destroyed, three driven down out of control, and one forced to land.

Post World War I service

When permanent commissions for postwar service were announced on 1 August 1919, Maxwell was appointed a Captain. He served in Iraq during 1920 and 1921. He was promoted from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader effective 30 June 1921.

Maxwell was placed on the retired list of the RAF on 1 April 1941. He served as a Royal Navy Air Commander from 1941–1945. He died on 1 July 1960.

Military honors

• Awarded Military Cross in late 1916 (gazetted 1 January 1917).

• Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross (gazetted 8 February 1919):

"Major Reginald Stuart Maxwell, M.C.

"On 16th November, on a low bombing raid against a railway station, this officer led his whole squadron to within 100 feet over the objective, thus enabling them to drop their bombs with the greatest possible effect on the trains, transport, etc., in the station. After dropping these bombs he led theformation against troops, etc., crowded on a main road, causing great confusion and inflicting heavy casualties. His magnificent example inspires all who serve in his. squadron." (M.C. gazetted 1 January 1917.)

• Awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross in lieu of a second award on 28 October 1921:

"Flight Lieutenant Reginald Stuart Maxwell, M.C., D.F.O., R.A.F.

"For gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer has recently carried out 14 raids over hostile country and 60 hours' flying. He has at all times shown constant courage and a very high, sense of devotion to duty. On one occasion when forced to descend in hostile territory owing to engine failure he displayed great coolness in endeavouring to remedy it under fire, and only when, this was found to be impossible did he take advantage of the landing of another machine, and by lying flat out on its lower plane and was carried away to safety. He has always set a fine example to the rest of his flight by keenness and hard work in the air and on the ground. (D.F.C. gazetted 8th February, 1919.)"

• Mentioned in Despatches (gazetted 10 October 1922):

Squadron Leader Maxwell was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in Iraq in 1920 - 1921 on 10 October 1922.

• Awarded the Air Force Cross (gazetted 5 April 1929):

Squadron Leader Reginald Stuart Maxwell was awarded the Air Force Cross on 5 April 1929 "in recognition of distinguished services rendered...during the recent evacuations from Kabul:–"

References

• Pusher Aces of World War 1" Jon Guttman, Harry Dempsey. Osprey Pub Co, 2009. ISBN 1-84603-417-5, ISBN 978-1-84603-417-6.