Reginald Calvert BENNETT

   Another name for Reginald was Rex.

  Research Notes:

Ontario Archives Birth Registration #011058-93.

http://www.airforce.ca/wwi/GONG-1.A-B.html
BENNETT, Lieutenant Reginald Calvert - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Born in Flesherton, Ontario, 10 February 1893; home in Toronto (salesman). Enlisted there in 19th Battalion, 9 November 1914. Wounded September 1916 and hospitalized until December. To RFC as 2nd Lieutenant, 29 August 1917. With No.18 Squadron, 10 April to 27 September 1918 (wounded and taken prisoner).
This officer has carried out thirty-seven bomb raids, twelve photographic flights and eleven reconnaissances. In many of these operations he has met with serious opposition, and frequently adverse weather conditions have greatly interfered with his work. Gallantry and doggedly he has faced all difficulties and has rendered most valuable service.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/204/36/127 has recommendation submitted on 19 August 1918 from Headquarters, 1st Brigade, Royal Air Force to Headquarters, Royal Air Force.
For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. he has carried out 37 successful bomb raids, 12 successful photographic flights and 11 reconnaissances.
On 14 August 1918, when he led a bomb raid on Marquain aerodrome, he piloted his machines through a most intense anti-aircraft barrage, crossing the lines at 10,000 feet and bombing his objective from 9.500 feet, the height at which he was ordered to do so. Successful hits were obtained on the aerodrome and hangars and he carried out the work conscientiously and well. During the flight several machines were hit by anti-aircraft fire, one machine being brought down by a direct hit, and Lieutenant Bennett's machine had one wheel shot away, causing it to turn over on landing.
He has been deputy leader on the raids on Somain and Douai on 11 August 1918, 12 August 1918 and 13 August 1918, and particularly good work was done by him on the following dates:-
On 10 July 1918, in a flight lasting 3 ½ hours he obtained 33 successful E.B. [enemy battery ?] photos through cloud gaps.
On 1 July 1918, he obtained 18 successful E.B. photos covering all points required.
On 8 June 1918, during a flight lasting three hours and 35 minutes, he exposed 25 plates, despite the fact he was continually harassed by numerous enemy machines.
On 5 June 1918, when on photography south of Laventie he was attacked by five enemy scouts; he dived on one which he shot down completely out of control.
* * * * *

  Noted events in his life were:

• Occupation: London Businessman: Tower Bridge Rd, London.

• birth, 10 Feb 1893, Flesherton, Artemesia, Ontario. Ontario Archives Birth Registration # 011058-93.

Reginald married Muriel Lang BENNETT, daughter of William John BENNETT and Eliza STEWART. (Muriel Lang BENNETT was born on 28 Oct 1890 in Toronto, Ontario and died.)

Reginald next married Elaine Joy WARD in Jun 1925 in Kensington. (Elaine Joy WARD was born on 22 Oct 1895 in Stone, Kent, England and died on 8 Jan 1935.)