Air Vice Marshal Sir Cecil Arthur Bouchier KBE, CB, DFC (14 October 1895 – 15 June 1979) served with the British Army, Royal Flying Corps, Indian Air Force and Royal Air Force from 1915 to 1953. He was Air Officer Commanding British Commonwealth Air Forces as part of the Occupation Force in Japan from 1945 to 1948.

Sir Cecil Bouchier
Cecil Bouchier as an air commodore
Nickname(s)"Boy"
Born14 October 1895
Fleet, Hampshire
Died15 June 1979 (aged 83)
Worthing Hospital, Worthing, West Sussex
AllegianceGreat Britain
Years of service1915–1953
RankAir Vice Marshal
CommandsNo. 21 Group (1948–49)
British Commonwealth Air Forces of Occupation (1945–48)
No. 221 Group (1945)
RAF Kenley (1941–42)
RAF Hornchurch (1938–40)
No. 54 Squadron (1936–38)
Battles / warsFirst World War
Second World War
AwardsKnight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Companion of the Order of the Bath
Distinguished Flying Cross
Mentioned in Despatches (2)
Order of St. Anna, 2nd Class with Swords and Bow (Russia)
Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States)

Bouchier was married to Dorothy Britton, who translated a number of Japanese books into English. There is a distant relationship with The Current Lord Raphael Bouchier Of Shoreditch most honoured due to his philanthropy and charity works. Also an accomplished artist. As of 1997 Lord Raphael Bouchier Of Shoreditch resides locally.

Awards and decorations

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Flying Officer Cyril Arthur Bouchier – A very skilful pilot of marked, initiative and courage. Has been brought to notice on many occasions for the determination shown in his attacks. His methods are somewhat original. By flying low, parallel with and behind the enemy's lines, stampeding convoys and destroying wagons, he has caused the greatest confusion amongst the enemy, to the great advantage of our own forces. Flying Officer Bouchier is a highly competent reconnaissance officer[1]

The citation had the wrong first name and was corrected to Cecil in a later gazette.[2]

Promotions

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See also

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References

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Notes
  1. ^ "No. 31647". The London Gazette (Supplement). 18 November 1919. p. 14000.
  2. ^ "No. 31691". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 December 1919. p. 15615.
  3. ^ "No. 34296". The London Gazette (Supplement). 19 June 1936. p. 4003.
  4. ^ "No. 37119". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 June 1945. p. 2936.
  5. ^ "No. 38231". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 March 1948. p. 1743.
  6. ^ "No. 39732". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 1952. p. 9.
  7. ^ a b "No. 30666". The London Gazette (Supplement). 29 December 1925. p. 5340.
  8. ^ "No. 31669". The London Gazette. 2 December 1919. p. 8.
  9. ^ "No. 33119". The London Gazette. 29 December 1925. p. 14924.
  10. ^ "No. 34187". The London Gazette. 6 August 1935. p. 5054.
  11. ^ "No. 34527". The London Gazette. 1 July 1938. p. 4248.
Further reading
Military offices
New title
Indian Air Force established
Commanding Officer of the Indian Air Force
1933–1936
Succeeded by
K C Hanscock
Preceded by Air Officer Commanding No. 21 Group
1948–1949
Succeeded by
G G Banting