Brigadier Charles Gordon Ross (born 12 March 1892, date of death unknown) was a career soldier who served in both the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force. He was a quadruple ace, being credited with 20 victories during World War I.

World War I service

Ross originally served in 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...

, having joined in August 1917. He was assigned to 29 Squadron RAF on 25 March 1918 as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. He began his victory roll on 26 May 1918; by 10 November, the day before the armistice, he had accounted for two observation balloons and sixteen enemy planes destroyed, and two planes driven down out of control. Although he shared some of his victories with others, such as Francis James Davies

Francis James Davies

Captain Francis James Davies was a World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories during this war. He would return to his country's service during World War II.-World War I service:...

, Reginald H. Rusby

Reginald H. Rusby

Captain Reginald Howard Rusby was a World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories.Rusby was appointed Second Lieutenant from Flying Officer Observer on 16 September 1916. However, his seniority dated from 29 September 1916...

, Ernest Charles Hoy

Ernest Charles Hoy

-Websites:...

, and Arthur Reed

Arthur Reed (aviator)

Lieutenant Arthur Eden Reed was a World War I flying ace credited with 19 aerial victories.He began his service with the army in German East Africa between June 1915 and August 1916. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in April 1917. He was posted to duty to fly RAF SE.5as with 29 Squadron...

, Ross also singlehandedly destroyed eight enemy fighters.

Post World War I

Ross stayed with his squadron when it was posted to Cologne as part of the Army of Occupation. In 1921, he left the RAF to enroll in the new South African Air Force. He was awarded the CBE during World War II, and retired a Brigadier.

Honors and awards

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded 2 November 1918

Lt. Charles Gordon Ross.

A bold and skilful airman who has, during the last few months, accounted for four enemy machines. On 8 August, when on offensive patrol, he engaged a two-seater, driving it down. On his return journey he saw a hostile balloon, which he destroyed, the observer escaping in his parachute.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar awarded 3 December 1918

Lieut. (A./Capt.) Charles Gordon Ross, D.F.C. (FRANCE)

A fine fighting pilot and leader who has destroyed twelve enemy machines. On 2 October he, with three other machines, attacked eight Fokker biplanes; in the engagement that followed four of these were destroyed, Capt. Ross accounting for one.

Belgian Croix de Guerre

Awarded by His Majesty, King of the Belgians, on 15 July 1919.

Insignia of the Order of Saint Sava (Fourth Class)

Awarded by His Majesty, the King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, on 31 July 1929

Order of the British Empire

Charles Gordon Ross was appointed an Additional Commander of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire on 1 January 1945.

Reference

Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, 9780948817199.