XI
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HUGH MONTAGUE TRENCHARD, K.C.B, D.S.O.
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HUGH MONTAGUE TRENCHARD, K.C.B, D.S.O, Royal Scots Fusiliers, Commandant Central Flying School since 1914, was born on February 3rd, 1873. He entered the Royal Scots Fusiliers through the Militia in 1893, and became Captain early in 1900. He had meantime seen service in South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry, Bushmen Corps, and afterwards with the Canadian Scouts. While serving with the latter he was dangerously wounded, and was awarded Queen's Medal with three clasps, and the King's medal with two clasps. He became Brevet-Major in 1902, and served with the West African Frontier Force between 1903 and 1910. Here he rose to be Commandant of the North Nigerian Regiment in 1908, having previously been mentioned in despatches, and having gained the D.S.O. in 1906; with the West African Frontier Force he won a medal and three clasps. Towards the end of 1912 he became Instructor, with the grade of Squadron Commander, to the Central Flying School of the Royal Flying Corps, being promoted a year later, in September, 1913, to Assistant Commandant.
MAJOR-GENERAL H. M. TRENCHARD
At the outbreak of war in 1914 he became Commandant (temporary) of the Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps. In 1915 he was promoted first Lieutenant-Colonel (January 18th), then Colonel (June 3rd), with, later, the temporary rank of Brigadier-General. He held this rank from August 25th, 1915, to March 23rd, 1916, when he became Major-General (temporary). In the June of 1915 he became A.D.C. (extra) to the King, and Brigade Commander a month later. When the Air Council was formed in January, 1918, he was appointed Chief of the Air Staff.
Since 1914 Major-General Trenchard has been made a Commander and a Knight Commander of the Bath, has been awarded the Order of St. Anne (3rd Class with Swords), and has received distinguished mention in despatches.