William Cambray
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant William Charles Cambray was a World War I
flying ace
credited with six aerial victories won while flying as an observer/gunner in two-seater aircraft.
, London. From 1912–1914, he worked in insurance. He first served with the London Regiment
, and went into action with them in France at the beginning of World War I.
in 1916. He flew in 20 Squadron's Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2d pusher
two-seater airplanes in the first part of 1917— he qualified as an observer on 13 June with seniority reckoned from 26 March.
Cambray scored his first aerial victory on 31 May 1917 when piloted by Donald Cunnell
; they destroyed an Albatros D.III
northwest of Seclin
. He went on to destroy three more Albatroses, and drive two down out of control by 21 September 1917. He was piloted by other aces such as Frank Stevens
and Harry G. E. Luchford. His final win was from the back seat of a Bristol F.2 Fighter
.
He had been promoted to Lieutenant in the London Regiment, effective 1 July 1917, and remained seconded to the RFC. He also earned a Military Cross, which was gazetted to him on 17 September 1917.
He was returned to Home Establishment on 9 October 1917. He would not return to combat. He exited the Royal Air Force on 22 April 1919.
Cambray returned to duty during World War II; he was commissioned a Second lieutenant in the infantry on 30 January 1944. On 5 November 1945, he was placed on the unemployed list with the honorary rank of Lieutenant.
On 9 November 1956, Cambray was Chairman of H. F. G. Ross and Son (Builders) Ltd when it liquidated.
2nd Lt. William Charles Cambray, R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty whilst acting as observer to offensive
patrols. On four occasions, at least, he has
shot down enemy scouts and has also had
numerous indecisive combats, in all of which
he has displayed the greatest gallantry.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
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...
credited with six aerial victories won while flying as an observer/gunner in two-seater aircraft.
Early life and ground service
William Charles Cambray was from Herne HillHerne Hill
Herne Hill is located in the London Borough of Lambeth and the London Borough of Southwark in Greater London. There is a road of the same name which continues the A215 north of Norwood Road and was called Herne Hill Road.-History:...
, London. From 1912–1914, he worked in insurance. He first served with the London Regiment
London Regiment
The London Regiment is a Territorial Army regiment in the British Army. It was first formed in 1908 in order to regiment the various Volunteer Force battalions in the newly formed County of London, each battalion having a distinctive uniform. The Volunteer Force was merged with the Yeomanry in 1908...
, and went into action with them in France at the beginning of World War I.
Aerial service during World War I
Cambray transferred into 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 1916. He flew in 20 Squadron's Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2d 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-seater airplanes in the first part of 1917— he qualified as an observer on 13 June with seniority reckoned from 26 March.
Cambray scored his first aerial victory on 31 May 1917 when piloted by Donald Cunnell
Donald Cunnell
Donald Charles Cunnell was a British World War I flying ace who was killed in action over Belgium. He is known for having shot down and wounded the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen.-Early life:...
; they destroyed an Albatros D.III
Albatros D.III
The Albatros D.III was a biplane fighter aircraft used by the Imperial German Army Air Service and the Austro-Hungarian Air Service during World War I. The D.III was flown by many top German aces, including Manfred von Richthofen, Ernst Udet, Erich Löwenhardt, Kurt Wolff, and Karl Emil Schäfer...
northwest of Seclin
Seclin
Seclin is a commune in the Nord department in northern France.It is part of the Urban Community of Lille Métropole.Ghana national football team footballer Andre Ayew was born in Seclin.-Twin towns — Sister cities:...
. He went on to destroy three more Albatroses, and drive two down out of control by 21 September 1917. He was piloted by other aces such as Frank Stevens
Frank Douglas Stevens (aviator)
Captain Frank Douglas Stevens was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.Stevens tallied five "driven down out of control" victories between 3 May and 16 August 1917...
and Harry G. E. Luchford. His final win was from the back seat of 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...
.
He had been promoted to Lieutenant in the London Regiment, effective 1 July 1917, and remained seconded to the RFC. He also earned a Military Cross, which was gazetted to him on 17 September 1917.
He was returned to Home Establishment on 9 October 1917. He would not return to combat. He exited the Royal Air Force on 22 April 1919.
Post World War I
Cambray surrendered his commission in the 2nd Battalion, London Regiment on 30 September 1921. On 3 November 1922, Cambray took a leasehold on 78 Fawnbrake Avenue, London; his occupation was given as clerk.Cambray returned to duty during World War II; he was commissioned a Second lieutenant in the infantry on 30 January 1944. On 5 November 1945, he was placed on the unemployed list with the honorary rank of Lieutenant.
On 9 November 1956, Cambray was Chairman of H. F. G. Ross and Son (Builders) Ltd when it liquidated.
Honors and awards
Military Cross2nd Lt. William Charles Cambray, R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to
duty whilst acting as observer to offensive
patrols. On four occasions, at least, he has
shot down enemy scouts and has also had
numerous indecisive combats, in all of which
he has displayed the greatest gallantry.