Chester S. Duffus
Encyclopedia
Major Chester Stairs Duffus (born 1 March 1891–23 February 1981) was a World War I flying ace
credited with five aerial victories.
in 1915, and flew Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b pusher
two-seaters for No. 22 Squadron during 1916; one of his observer gunners was fellow ace Corporal Frank Johnson
. He scored five victories between 17 August and 11 December 1916. He survived a forced landing after his fourth win on 4 December, landing near Bapaume
. His last triumph was shared with fellow aces Captain Selden Long
and another pilot.
Duffus went on to command No. 25 Squadron.
on 21 June 1919; the union would produce a daughter, born the following year.
Chester Stairs Duffus died on 23 February 1981. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
2nd Lt. Chester Stairs Duffus, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry in fights with hostile aircraft. On one occasion, after hard fighting, he brought down a hostile machine in flames on our side of the line.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 14 November 1916 (29824/11051)
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...
credited with five aerial victories.
World War I service
Duffus joined the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal 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...
in 1915, and flew Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b pusher
Pusher configuration
In a craft with a pusher configuration the propeller are mounted behind their respective engine. According to Bill Gunston, a "pusher propeller" is one mounted behind engine so that drive shaft is in compression...
two-seaters for No. 22 Squadron during 1916; one of his observer gunners was fellow ace Corporal Frank Johnson
Frank Johnson
Frank Johnson may refer to:*Frank Johnson , American football player*Frank Johnson , British World War I ace pilot*Frank Johnson , former American professional basketball player and coach...
. He scored five victories between 17 August and 11 December 1916. He survived a forced landing after his fourth win on 4 December, landing near Bapaume
Bapaume
Bapaume is a commune and the seat of a canton in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.-Geography:A farming and light industrial town located 10 miles south of Arras at the junction of the A1 autoroute and the N17 and N30 national roads its location is...
. His last triumph was shared with fellow aces Captain Selden Long
Selden Long
Major Selden Herbert Long was an English flying ace during World War I. He was credited with nine confirmed aerial victories. He was also noted for the audacity of his trench strafing missions–an early form of close air support....
and another pilot.
Duffus went on to command No. 25 Squadron.
Post World War I
Duffus married Evelyn Giles at New MarketNew Market
- United States :*New Market, Alabama**New Market Historic District , listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Alabama*New Market, Delaware*New Market, Indiana*New Market, Iowa*New Market, Kentucky...
on 21 June 1919; the union would produce a daughter, born the following year.
Chester Stairs Duffus died on 23 February 1981. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)2nd Lt. Chester Stairs Duffus, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry in fights with hostile aircraft. On one occasion, after hard fighting, he brought down a hostile machine in flames on our side of the line.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 14 November 1916 (29824/11051)