Arthur Reed (RAF officer)

Arthur Eden Reed
Born	22 August 1898 Pretoria, South Africa
Died	Unknown
Allegiance	Union of South Africa
Service/branch	Royal Flying Corps
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	No. 29 Squadron RAF
Awards	Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar

Lieutenant Arthur Eden Reed (born 22 August 1898, date of death unknown) was a World War I flying ace credited with 19 aerial victories.^[1]

Military career

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.^[2] He was posted to duty to fly RAF SE.5as with 29 Squadron in March 1918. His first victory came on 28 May 1918, when he drove a Pfalz D.III down out of control. He scored steadily, including a triple win on 18 August, with his last victory coming on 13 September 1918.^[3] He tended to shoot down enemy two-seaters, especially trench strafers; his final victory list included 11 two-seaters, including six ground attack aircraft.^[2]

Honors and awards

Text of citation for Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lt. Arthur Eden Reed.

On a recent occasion, when on wireless interception duty, this officer attacked two Albatross two-seaters, both of which were destroyed, Lt. Reed shooting down one and his observer the other. On another occasion he attacked two enemy machines, destroying one; the second fled. A bold and skilful airman. Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 November 1918 (30989/12971)

Text of citation for Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar

Lieut. Arthur Eden Reed, D.F.C. (FRANCE)

A bold and skilful scout pilot of undaunted courage who has destroyed eleven enemy aircraft. On August 31 he, singlehanded, attacked five Fokkers shooting one down. And this is only one instance of several where he has successfully engaged the enemy in superior numbers. Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 December 1918 (31046/14317)

References