Percy Jack Clayson (born 7 June 1896) was a British flying ace in the First World War credited with 29 victories. Biography Early life and education Clayson was born in Deptford, London on 7 June 1896. In the 1910 Census of Watford, he is listed as a 14-year-old pupil at the Royal Masonic School for Boys at Bushey. First World War Clayson joined the Royal Naval Air Service at the outbreak of war and served in France from December 1914. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a probationary temporary second lieutenant on the General List on 19 July 1917, and was confirmed in the rank on 28 September. On 30 September 1917 he was awarded his Royal Aero Club Aviators License (No. 5617) after flying a Curtiss Biplane at the Military School at Beverley. He joined No. 1 Squadron on 31 October 1917. Clayson gained his first victory on 16 February 1918. He was awarded the Military Cross on 9 April, and on 8 May was appointed a flight commander with the rank of acting captain. On 12 June 1918, he was cited for the Distinguished Flying Cross and by 14 July had achieved a total of 29 credited victories; 1 shared destroyed balloon, 1 (and 1 shared) aircraft captured, 9 (and 9 shared) aircraft destroyed, and 5 (and 3 shared) aircraft 'out of control'. He was invested with his DFC on 24 July 1919 by The King at Buckingham Palace. Clayson was posted to Home Establishment on 3 August 1918, ending his involvement in direct engagement with the enemy. Later military service On 24 October 1919 he was granted a short service commission in the Royal Air Force with the rank of flying officer. He served during the 1920s with Nos. 6 and 70 Squadrons. On 1 July 1925 he was promoted to flight lieutenant, and on 9 July was posted to No. 23 Squadron at RAF Henlow. On 21 September 1926 he was posted to the Aircraft Depot, Iraq, finally returning to the UK to serve at the RAF Depot at RAF Uxbridge from 14 November 1928. He was placed on the retired list due to ill health on 16 April 1929. On 7 September 1929, at Our Lady of Victories Church, Kensington, he married Kathleen Thornton of Kelvingrove, Glasgow. In 1936 Clayson was the Chief Ground Instructor at the Civil Training Flying School