Charles Gass

[bastable9]

Can anyone provide some additional background on the 'observer ace' Charles Gass ? Seems like another amazing young man about whom I know almost nothing.

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Bonjour bastable9!

C.G. Gass was a remarkable fellow. Born in London in 1898 he served with the 2/24th London Regiment attaining the rank of Sergeant before joining the 17th Battalion and being awarded a commission. Gass was transferred to the R.F.C. and became a member of 22 Squadron in March, 1918.

Gass went on to claim 39 victories from the rear seat of Bristol B.F.2b, the greatest total for any such airman in the R.F.C. or R.A.F. during The Great War! The majority of the success achieved was while flying with A.C. Atkey, but, victories were also claimed with the following pilots; S.F.H. Thompson, J.E. Gurdon, E.C. Bromley. The total claimed by Gass was made up of 16 destroyed, 1 shared destroyed, 22 out of control.

Gass left 22 Squadron to begin pilot training, but, the conflict ended before such active service could begin.

Further details about Gass may be found in Above The War Fronts by Franks, Guest, Alegi and Bristol F 2 Fighter Aces of World War 1 by Guttman.

Salut mon ami!
Kirk

[bastable9]

Thank you, sir. Does anyone know what happened to Gass AFTER the Great War ?

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Apparently Gass was to be found in London after leaving the service ... another of the numerous airman to be found wandering the capital city it would seem ...

Kirk