Background
Clayson was born in Deptford, London on 7 June 1896.
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Percy Clayson
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Early life and education 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 Aeronautical Club Aviators License (Number 5617) after flying a Curtiss Biplane at the Military School at Beverley.
He joined Number. 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. He was invested with his Distinguished Flying Cross on 24 July 1919 by The King at Buckingham Palace.
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 Number. 23 Squadron at Royal Air Force Henlow.
On 21 September 1926 he was posted to the Aircraft Depot, Iraq, finally returning to the United Kingdom to serve at the Royal Air Force Depot at Royal Air Force Uxbridge from 14 November 1928.
He was placed on the retired list due to ill health on 16 April 1929. In 1936 Clayson was the Chief Ground Instructor at the Civil Training Flying School operated by the Bristol Aeroplane Company at Yatesbury.
During World World War II Clayson returned to active service in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve being appointed a flying officer in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch on 20 December 1941. He was promoted to flight lieutenant on 1 January 1944.
Clayson remained in the Air Force Reserve of Officers until finally relinquishing his commission on 10 February 1954.
Achievements
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Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Percy Jack Clayson, General List and Reconstruction Finance Corporation, is awarded the Military Cross: Foreign conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on low-flying offensive patrol, he engaged an enemy scout and shot it down, with the result it crashed to earth. He has brought down several hostile machines, one of which was forced to land in our lines, and has engaged massed enemy troops and transport from a very low altitudes with machine-gun fire, inflicting heavy casualties. He has displayed the most marked determination, courage and skill. Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Percy Jack Clayson, Military Cross, is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross: A patrol leader of great skill, and a skilful marksman, whose personal fighting successes have proved of much value to his squadron. Captain Clayson"s patrol frequently encountered enemy formations in superior numbers, but invariably succeeded in inflicting serious losses.
