225229 Capt Percy Jack Clayson MC, DFC.Royal Flying Corps 1 Squadron from:London Percy Clayson was born in Deptford, London on the 7th June 1896. He attended the Royal Masonic School for Boys at Bushey.
He joined the Royal Naval Air Service at the outbreak of war and served in France from December 1914. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed Second Lieutenant. After attending the Military School at Beverley, he joined No. 1 Squadron on 31st of October 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross on 9 April, and on 8 May was appointed a flight commander with the rank of acting captain. On 12 June 1918, he was cited for the Distinguished Flying Cross and was invested with his DFC on 24 July 1919.
He served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve through the second world war.
His citation for the Military Cross reads: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on low-flying offensive patrol, he engaged an enemy scout and shot it down, with the result it crashed to earth. He has brought down several hostile machines, one of which was forced to land in our lines, and has engaged massed enemy troops and transport from a very low altitudes with machine-gun fire, inflicting heavy casualties. He has displayed the most marked determination, courage and skill.†— London Gazette, 22 June 1918
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