Arthur Rhys-Davids

Arthur Rhys-Davids, the only son and the third child of Thomas William Rhys Davids, was born in Forest Hill on 26th September 1897. When he was born, his father was Professor of Pali at the University of London. His mother, Caroline Rhys-Davids was a language scholar and a supporter of women's suffrage. In 1904 his father was appointed a Professor of Comparative Religion at Manchester University.

In 1911 Rhys-Davids was sent to Eton College. His education was blighted by his attempts to overcome a serious stammer. He also suffered from asthma and a series of other health problems. However, he was an excellent student and won a place at Balliol College. However, because of the outbreak of the First World War, he delayed entry to Oxford University.

Rhys-Davids joined the Royal Flying Corps on 28 August 1916 as a Second Lieutenant. After training at the Central Flying School at Upavon he moved with the squadron to France in April 1917. He flew a Royal Aircraft Factory SE 5. The aircraft was extremely popular with Allied pilots and became the plane used by Mick Mannock, Billy Bishop, Reginald Hoidge and James McCudden. The S.E.5a was fast, manoeuvrable at high altitude and easy to fly. Soon after arriving in France he injured his back and wrecked his aircraft during a landing accident.

During his first aerial combat on 7th May 1917 he saw Albert Ball killed in action. Rhys-Davids was attacked by Kurt Wolff, but managed to get his badly damaged SE 5 back behind British lines. On the 23rd of May, Rhys-Davids shot an Albatros D.III. The next day, he scored three victories in an hour. One day later, he got his fifth victory and became a Flying Ace.

William Orpen later recalled: "The first time I saw him was at the aerodrome at Estre Blanche. I watched him land in his machine, just back from over the lines. Out he got, stuck his hands in his pockets, and laughed and talked about the flight with Hoidge and others of the patrol, and his Major, Bloomfield."

He was awarded the Military Cross on 18th July, 1917. The citation read: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion. On many occasions he has shot down hostile machines and put others out of action, frequently pursuing to low altitudes. On all occasions his fearlessness and dash have been most marked."

During his six months of active service Arthur amassed a total of 25 victories and it was arranged for him to be painted by William Orpen. Orphen later recalled in his book, An Onlooker in France (1921): "A fine lad, Rhys Davids, with a far-seeing, clear eye. He hated fighting, hated flying, loved books and was terribly anxious for the war to be over, so that he could get to Oxford. He had been captain of Eton the year before, so he was an all-round chap, and must have been a magnificent pilot."

Rhys-Davids was awarded the Military Cross and Bar on 17th September, 1917. "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst on offensive patrols. He has in all destroyed four enemy aircraft, and driven down many others out of control. In all his combats his gallantry and skill have been most marked, and on one occasion he shot down an enemy pilot who had accounted for twenty-nine Allied machines. His offensive spirit and initiative have set a magnificent example to all."

Rhys-Davids joined with James McCudden, Reginald Hoidge, Richard Maybery, Geoffrey Hilton Bowman and Keith Muspratt, in shooting down Werner Voss, a leading German Ace, who had at this point had 48 victories, on 23rd September, 1917. During this operation he also had a victory over Karl Menckhoff.

Soon after this event he was painted by William Orpen. Orphen later recalled in his book, An Onlooker in France (1921): "A fine lad, Rhys Davids, with a far-seeing, clear eye. He hated fighting, hated flying, loved books and was terribly anxious for the war to be over, so that he could get to Oxford. He had been captain of Eton the year before, so he was an all-round chap, and must have been a magnificent pilot."

Arthur Rhys-Davids was last seen flying east of Roeselare when he went missing on 27th October, 1917. Karl Gallwitz was later credited for shooting him down. During his six months of active service he amassed a total of 25 victories. On 18th March, 1918 he was declared as being been killed in action and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Primary Sources

(1) The British Gazette, notification of the Military Cross awarded to Arthur Rhys-Davids (5th June, 1917 )

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion. On many occasions he has shot down hostile machines and put others out of action, frequently pursuing to low altitudes. On all occasions his fearlessness and dash have been most marked.

(2) The British Gazette, notification of the Military Cross and Bar awarded to Arthur Rhys-Davids (17th September, 1917 )

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst on offensive patrols. He has in all destroyed four enemy aircraft, and driven down many others out of control. In all his combats his gallantry and skill have been most marked, and on one occasion he shot down an enemy pilot who had accounted for twenty-nine Allied machines. His offensive spirit and initiative have set a magnificent example to all."

(3) William Orpen, An Onlooker in France (1921)

General Trenchard and Maurice Baring chose out two of the leading flying boys for me to paint, and they sat to me at Cassel. One was 2nd Lieutenant A.P. Rhys Davids, DSO, MG, a great youth. He had brought down a lot of Germans, including two cracks, Schaffer and Voss. The first time I saw him was at the aerodrome at Estre Blanche. I watched him land in his machine, just back from over the lines. Out he got, stuck his hands in his pockets, and laughed and talked about the flight with Hoidge and others of the patrol, and his Major, Bloomfield. A fine lad, Rhys Davids, with a far-seeing, clear eye. He hated fighting, hated flying, loved books and was terribly anxious for the war to be over, so that he could get to Oxford. He had been captain of Eton the year before, so he was an all-round chap, and must have been a magnificent pilot. The 56th Squadron was very sad when he was reported missing, and refused to believe for one moment that he had been killed till they got the certain news. It was a great loss.