Lieutenant Alan Incell Riley (9 December 1897 – 17 December 1960) was a British World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1][2]
Captain Alan Incell Riley AFC | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 December 1897 London, England |
| Died | 17 December 1960 London, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army Royal Flying Corp Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1919; 1923–1928 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number | 6122 |
| Unit | No. 48 Squadron RAF |
| Battles / wars | First World War |
| Awards | Air Force Cross |
| Other work | Commercial Pilot; Flight Instructor; Company Director |
Early life
editRiley was born in London on 9 December, 1897[3] to George and Margaret[4] Riley of Clacton[5] and was educated at Malvern College.[3]
Military service
editRiley began his military service as a Private with the Artists Rifles.[6]
He served in the Royal Flying Corps between 1916 and 1919. Riley rejoined the forces, being in the Royal Air Force from 1923 to 1928.[3] On 2 July 1932 Riley gave up his commission upon completion of his service.[7]
In 1919, Riley was awarded the Air Force Cross.[8]
Other work
editAirco Ltd
editBetween 1919 and 1920, Riley flew the London to Paris route as a pilot with Airco Ltd.[3]
Westland Aircraft Works
editIn 1928, he worked at the Westland Aircraft Works.[3]
India
editDelhi Flying Club
editFrom 1928 Riley was an instructor at the Delhi Flying Club[3] and flew Lady Willingdon from Delhi to Calcutta in a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft. The aeroplane was lent for the journey by Grant Govan who was president of the club.[9]
Viceroy's Cup
editIn 1933, Riley won the Viceroy's Cup, which was a 700-mile handicap air race beginning and ending in Delhi. The route took competitors through Bareilly, Lucknow, Agra and Rampur with a stop at each place. His average speed in winning the race was 115 mph.[10]
Survey Flight
editAlso in 1933 he made a 1,500 mile survey flight on behalf of Indian National Airways. This was to examine a possible link up between cities in northern India and the Indian Trans-Continental Airways' service.[11]
Later life
editIn later life Riley worked as a company director.[12]
He died in London on 17 December 1960 at the age of 63.[13]
Personal life
editHe was married to Ella Adele Van Os at St. Mary Abbots Church in Kensington, London on 19 June 1926.[5] Ella is recorded in the 1939 England and Wales Register as being a member of the Civil Nursing Reserve.[14]
References
edit- ^ "Alan Incell Riley". The Aerodrome. 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
- ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces, 1915–1920. p. 321.
- ^ a b c d e f Grace's Guide to British industrial history (21 November 2016). "1933 Who's Who in British Aviation: Name R". Retrieved 21 February 2024.
- ^ London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1917.
- ^ a b "Marriages". The Times. No. 44286. 1 June 1926. p. 17.
- ^ Medal Card (Official Document - UK National Archives) Alan Incell Riley, service no. 6122.
- ^ "London Gazette". The Times. No. 46178. 6 July 1932. p. 4.
- ^ "Awarded the Air Force Cross". The Edinburgh Gazette. No. 13458. 5 June 1919. p. 2050.
- ^ "News in Brief". The Times. No. 45984. 19 November 1931. p. 11.
- ^ "AIR RACE IN INDIA". Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947). 13 February 1933. p. 2. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
- ^ Flight International Magazine 1933-08-31. Reed Business Information Ltd. 31 August 1933.
- ^ UK Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960 (ref. 4330/01).
- ^ England & Wales, National Probate Calendar.
- ^ England and Wales Register 1939.
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