Lieutenant Colonel Alan Machin Wilkinson (born 21 November 1891, date of death unknown) became a flying ace

Flying ace

A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...

 early in World War I.

Early life and service

Alan Wilkinson graduated from the University of Oxford

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...

 and served with the Hampshire Regiment before joining the Royal Flying Corps

Royal Flying Corps

The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...

. He became one of 24 Squadron's first aces.

Aerial success

He gained the first of his 19 victories while flying an Airco D.H.2, beginning with two wins on 16 May 1916. He scored regularly, and closed out his time with No. 24 Squadron RFC with his ninth and tenth triumphs on 31 August 1916. After being assigned to a Bristol F.2 Fighter

Bristol F.2 Fighter

The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...

unit, No. 48 Squadron RFC, Wilkinson reopened his victory list on 5 April 1917. He was credited with nine more victories in the next 17 days, including a pair of double victories on 9 April.

Military honors

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Lt. (temp. Capt.) Alan Machin Wilkinson, Hamps. R. and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and skill. He has shown great dash in attacking enemy machines, and, up to the end of August, he had accounted for five. On one occasion while fighting a hostile machine he was attacked from behind, but out-manoeuvred the enemy and shot him down. Finally he got back, his machine much damaged by machine gun fire.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Bar
Lt. (temp. Capt.) Allan Machin Wilkinson, D.S.O., Hamp. R., and R.F.C.

For great skill and gallantry. He came down to a low altitude and destroyed a hostile scout which was attacking one of our machines, the pilot of which had been wounded, thereby saving it. In one day he shot down and destroyed six hostile machines. He has destroyed eight hostile machines during the past ten days and has displayed exceptional skill and gallantry in leading offensive patrols.