Sergeant William Norman Dyke was a World War I

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 five aerial victories.

Honors and awards citations

Distinguished Flying Medal

Distinguished Flying Medal

The Distinguished Flying Medal was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the Royal Air Force and the other services, and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active...

(DFM)

No. 121180 Serjt. William Dyke, D.C.M. (Nuneaton).

On all occasions this N.C.O. observer has carried out his work conscientiously and well, notably when engaged on photographic service, obtaining excellent results often under very difficult conditions. Since joining his present squadron he has taken part in twenty-nine bombing raids, ten photographic flights, and fourteen reconnaissances, many at low altitudes. On four occasions he has encountered large formations of enemy aeroplanes, and has himself shot down out of control three machines.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11257)