In Memory Of

PITHEY, CROYE ROTHER

Service Details
Age:
 24
Date of Birth:
 1895-08-19
Rank:
 Flying Officer
Unit:
 2nd Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force
Date of Death:
 1920-02-21
Cause of Death:
 Died in Aircraft Accident, Bristol F.2b H1567, drowned, in the Irish Channel while flying. On 21 February 1920 at 14.06 hours, Lieutenant Croye Rothes Pithey DFC and bar launched in favourable weather from Shotwick, Wirral, Cheshire, leading a ferry formation of three aircraft towards Baldonnel, Dublin. All three planes were seen between Denbigh and Rhyl in Wales shortly after departure, and all three aircraft are believed to have crashed
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Panel 81.
Cemetery:
 HOLLYBROOK MEMORIAL, SOUTHAMPTON
Localitly:
 Hampshire
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Decorations:
 D F C and bar
Citations:
 1st DFC LG 3 August 1918 - "When on reconnaissance 8,000 yards behind the enemy lines he saw a hostile balloon on the ground; descending to 1,700 feet, he and his observer engaged and destroyed it. He then completed his reconnaissance. On another occasion, when on photography work, he was attacked by nine hostile scouts. By skilful manoeuvring he enabled his observer to shoot down three; the remaining six dispersed. He displays the greatest courage and determination in photographic and reconnaissance work." Bar to DFC LG 3 December 1918 - "Lieut. Pithey and his observer, Lieut. Rhodes, have crashed five enemy aeroplanes and driven down five out of control; in addition, they have shot down two balloons in flames, displaying conspicuous courage and skill on all occasions. On 1st September they attacked an enemy two-seater on contact patrol; this machine at first retired east but returned, accompanied by six scouts, to the attack; after a short engagement they were driven off, and Lieut. Pithey, although his machine was badly shot about, continued his patrol and brought back a most valuable and accurate report."
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Pithey, of Rothesdale, Scheepersnek, Natal, South Africa. Credited with 10 victories (shared with his observer)