Father: Sir Hon. John Ward (whose father was the 1st Earl of Dudley) mother Jean [Reid] Ed. Eton prev. an Aeronautical Engineer. He formed Chilton Aircraft Ltd in early 1937 with fellow former de Havilland Technical School student and Old Etonian, the Hon. Andrew Dalrymple. They built a small factory at Alexander's home, Chilton Lodge, near Hungerford, Berkshire and designed and built the DW.1 series of racing monoplanes - only 4 of which were built before WWII intervened. [The first DW.1 (G-AESZ) was stored during WWII, and then in 1953 its owner (Dr W L James, prev. medic of 617 Sqn) made some last-minute adjustments to the carburettor before flying over his daughter's school, and this happened:
It was restored 1984-2002, and now flies with the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden, Beds. Here it is in 2016, with two post-WWII replicas built from original plans.
prev. exp: 110hrs on Tiger, Hornet, Hawk, Whitney Straight, Chilton, Tipsy, Drone, Kitten, Moth Minor. Postings: 2FPP, 5FPP, 4FPP, 10FPP, 6FPP, 1FPP 4 accidents, none his fault: - 28 Nov 1942, his Spitfire suffered a complete engine failure as a result of both fuel pump drives shearing, and he made a crash landing in mountainous countryside near Loch Muick, Aberdeenshire; - 26 Jan 1944, forced landing in a Whirlwind after starboard engine failure; - 21 Feb 1944, the port engine of his Beaufighter caught fire when taxying (he was Commended for his actions in trying to extinguish the fire) and - 5 May 1944, forced landing in a Beaufighter, after starboard engine failure. Class 5 (4-engine aircraft) pilot. "A keen hard-working officer of above average ability. He has also shown willingness in assisting with administrative duties. General conduct and discipline excellent."
King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air Address in 1950: Poughley Woodlands, St. Mary, Newbury, Berks d. 1987- Swindon, Wilts Buried St Mary Churchyard, Chilton Foliat, Wilts
Download ATA Pilot Personal Record (.zip file): |
1934
ATA
(he was injured).
Photo © Tom Cole]
