Duncan Grinnell-Milne

Captain Duncan William Grinnell-Milne (6 August 1896 – November 1973) was an English First World War pilot credited with six confirmed aerial victories, a prisoner of war who escaped from German captivity, a flying ace, and an author. Initially serving with the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps before joining the Royal Air Force. Early life and background He was the second son of George Grinnell-Milne (1853–1931), a merchant banker, and Maria Caroline Mess (1862–1942) who were married in The Hague in 1882. He was educated at Cheam School and the University of Freiburg. World War I Grinnell-Milne was commissioned as a second lieutenant (on probation) in the 5th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) on 13 December 1913 at the age of 17. On the outbreak of World War I he was considered too young for front-line service, so in an effort to evade this restriction, on 12 December 1914 he transferred to the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). However, he was soon seconded to the Royal Flying Corps for flying training, and on 17 August 1915 was granted Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate No. 1609 following a flight in a Maurice Farman biplane at the Military Flying School at Shoreham. He was confirmed in his rank of second lieutenant on 7 September, and two days later was appointed a flying officer. Grinnell-Milne was promoted to lieutenant on 29 September 1915, and posted to No. 16 Squadron RFC, where on 28 November, flying a BE.2c, he shot down an Albatros C.I over Sequedin. Only days later, on 1 December, he was forced down behind the German lines and captured. He was listed as "missing" on 2 December, eventually being reported a prisoner of war in early January 1916.