Laurence Henry Scott


Captain Laurence Henry Scott was a British World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.

Military service

Scott first served as a private in the 14th Battalion, The London Regiment, Territorial Force, until commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 8th Battalion, The Duke of Cambridge's Own on 26 February 1915. On 27 September 1916 he was seconded for duty with the Royal Flying Corps, and appointed a flying officer.
He was posted to No. 20 Squadron RFC to fly with Captain George Reid, as observer/gunner in a F.E.2b fighter/reconnaissance aircraft. Between 29 July and 21 October 1916 Scott and Reid accounted for four enemy aircraft destroyed and two driven down out of control.
Scott was promoted to lieutenant on 1 November 1916, and his award of the Military Cross was gazetted soon after on 24 November. His citation read:
On 13 July 1917 Scott was appointed an assistant instructor in gunnery. and on 1 January 1918 was appointed an instructor in gunnery with the acting rank of captain.
He was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list on 20 April 1919, returning to serve in the 8th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, until finally relinquishing his commission on completion of service on 1 September 1921.