Walter Southey
World War One fighter ace

Captain Walter Alfred Southey, legendary RFC and RAF fighter ace, familiarly known as Peter. He was awarded the D.F.C. plus bar. He enlisted in February 1916, joining the RFC on 5th August 1916. He originally flew Bristol Fighters with 48 Squadron and was wounded on 4th June 1917 and out of action till March 1918. He scored 20 victories with 84 squadron, between May and October 1918, flying the S.E.5a.

The Southey residence at Arabin Road

The search for a legend

I was doing memorials on the Internet and was saddened for those who died in two world wars. I hoped to find one who survived and was intrigued by the story of Walter Southey - First World War fighter ace.

The service log shows that Southey was deceased - he died from injuries received in a motorcycle accident in 1920, aged just 23. It also indicates that he entered service in November 1915, earlier than reported. I am indebted to his relative, Roger Goulder, for supplying information regarding his death.

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