Donald
MacLaren
Name: Donald Roderick
MacLaren
Country: Canada
Rank: Major
Service: Royal Flying Corps
Units: 46
Victories: 54
Date Of Birth: May 28, 1893
Place of Birth: Ottawa, Ontario
Date Of Death: July 4, 1989
MacLaren joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. his 54
victories, made him the highest scoring ace to fly a Sopwith
Camel. MacLaren's last victory on October 9, 1918. His combat
career came to an end the next day when he broke his leg while
wrestling with a friend. Following the Armistice, he helped form
the Royal Canadian Air Force before retiring to begin a career in
civil aviation.
Military Cross (MC)
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion,
when on low bombing work, he bombed a long-range enemy gun 9,000
yards behind the lines, obtaining from a height of 200 feet two
direct hits on the gun truck and two on the railway track
alongside. When returning to our lines he encountered a hostile
two-seater machine, which he shot down crashing to earth. He then
attacked a balloon, which burst into flames, and finally,
observing another enemy two-seater plane, he engaged it and
eventually succeeded in crashing it to earth. He has set an
excellent example of gallantry and skill to his squadron." MC
citation, London Gazette, June 22, 1918
Military Cross (MC) Bar
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a fighting
pilot. He has recently destroyed no less than nine enemy machines,
and proved himself a brilliant fighting pilot against enemy
aircraft often far superior in number. He has done magnificent
service, and set a splendid example to his patrol." MC Bar
citation, London Gazette, September 16, 1918
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"Accompanied by two other pilots, this officer attacked four enemy
aeroplanes; all of these were destroyed; he himself fought two
down to within 200 feet of the ground, destroying both. The two
pilots who were with him each accounted for one of the remaining
two. It was a well-conceived manoeuvre ably carried out, reflecting
credit on all concerned. This officer has in four and a half
months accounted for 37 hostile aircraft and six balloons,
displaying great resolution and exceptional tactical ability." DFC
citation, London Gazette, September 21, 1918
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
"Bold in attack and skilful in manoeuvre, Captain MacLaren is
conspicuous in his success in aerial combats. On the 24th
September he and his patrol of three machines attacked a formation
of six enemy scouts, although the later were protected by sixteen
other enemy aircraft at a higher altitude. Firing a burst at
point-blank range, this officer shot down one in flames. In all,
he has accounted for 48 enemy machines and six kite balloons." DSO
citation, London Gazette, February 8, 1919