Wilfred Austin Curtis

From Kaiserreich

Wilfred Austin "Wilf" Curtis (born on August, 21 1893 in Havelock, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian fighter pilot.

Biography

Curtis received his early education in Toronto, and joined the infantry of the Canadian Army in 1915. He requested transfer and returned from overseas to take flying lessons at his own expense at the Curtiss Aviation School at Toronto, Ontario, graduating on August 11, 1916. Returning overseas that same year, he joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) as a fighter pilot.

In 1917 he was promoted to Captain and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom) (DSC) for his skill and courage. In 1918, Curtis was awarded a Bar to the DSC. He proved his worth as a highly successful fighter pilot by shooting down 13 enemy aircraft confirmed, and 3 probable. He transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF) in April 1918, but relinquished his commission on account of ill health in June 1919.

On his return to Canada he maintained his interest in military as well as civil aviation. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, he served as an officer in the Toronto Scottish Regiment Reserve. For some time there were no available non-permanent military aviation positions. However, when the opportunity presented itself in 1933, he became involved in the formation of No. 10 (Army Co-operation) Squadron. Curtis became Officer Commanding in 1935 and initiated experimental air operations in mid-northern Ontario. He is known as one of the leading technicians in the improvement of the Royal Canadian Air Force.