Cecil Frederick King was assigned to 43 Squadron in 1917. He flew the Sopwith Camel until it was replaced with a Sopwith Snipe in the fall of 1918.
Casualties
Capt. CECIL FREDERICK KING, M.C., D.F.C., Croix de
Guerre (avec Palme), R.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. F . H.
King, Springfield Dukes, Chelmsford, was killed, the result
of a collision in the air at Sedgeford, Norfolk, on January
24th, aged 19 years 11 months. He was educated at Verites,
Charterhouse. On leaving school early in 1917 he joined t he
Royal Flying Corps, and in September of t h a t year went to
France, where he served continuously for thirteen months
as flying officer and flight commander. He shot down 22 enemy
machines, 19 of which were officially confirmed. He also
did fine work in attacking enemy troops at low altitudes
with his machine-guns and bombs. The French decoration
was awarded to him for services rendered to the French Army
during the second battle of the Marne, July, 1918. Capt.
C. F. King was recently transferred to Sedgeford as a fighting
instructor. The funeral took place at Docking (near Sedgeford)
on February 4, with full R.A.F. honours.
FLIGHT, 13 February 1919, page 217
Military Cross (MC)
T./2nd Lt. Cecil Frederick King, Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On five occasions during a period of three months he has sent down four enemy machines completely out of control, and has destroyed one other. Later, under very adverse weather conditions he carried out a low reconnaissance, during which he engaged troops in a station, causing several casualties, fired into a body of the enemy entering a village from a height of 50 feet, attacked four gun limbers, causing the teams to stampede, and finally dived on to a parade of troops, who scattered in all directions. He has displayed exceptional daring and skill, which, combined with a splendid dash and initiative, have set a fine example to his squadron.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 April 1918 (30643/4828)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
2nd Lt. (temp. Capt.) Cecil Frederick King, M.C.
He is a fine leader who at all times shows great gallantry and skill in manoeuvring; his energy and keenness have brought his flight to a high standard of efficiency. He frequently descends to low altitudes to obtain good results from bombing, and shooting, and on several occasions he has brought down enemy aeroplanes.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/9201)
