Owen Baldwin
Captain Owen Morgan Baldwin DFC* was a British World War I flying ace credited with 16 aerial victories. Post-war he was a successful professional motorcycle racer, and for a time holder of the official motorcycle land-speed record.
World War I
Baldwin was a mechanical engineer in civilian life. He joined No. 73 Squadron RAF, which was tasked with ground support missions, and became a flight leader as well as the squadron's leading ace. His most notable day in action was 15 September 1918, when he scored five victories by destroying two German Fokker D.VIIs and an observation plane, and driving down two more D.VIIs out of control. His victory roll is notable for having only three "soft" victories scored by driving an enemy down instead of destroying him.
Baldwin was confirmed in rank as a Flying Officer, effective 7 March 1925. He was also in service during World War II; he was commissioned a Flying Officer in the RAF Reserve on 12 December 1939.
Honours and awards
Motorcycle racer