Ernest Foot

Major Ernest Leslie Foot MC (19 May 1895 – 23 June 1923) was an English World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

However, an auto accident the night before the squadron departed for France knocked Foot out of flying for the remainder of the war.

[10] Finally, on 11 April 1919, Foot was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list, bringing his military career to an end.

[11] After leaving the Royal Air Force Foot joined the Handley Page Transport company as a commercial pilot flying the London to Paris passenger route,[10] finally leaving the company in April 1923 to take a position with the Bristol Aeroplane Company as a test pilot[12] and instructor with their flying school operated on behalf of the Royal Air Force Reserve.

[10] On 21 April 1923 Foot was granted a commission as a probationary flying officer (Class "A") in the General Duties Branch of the RAF Reserve.

In July 1921 he took part in the Sixth Aerial Derby, organised by the Royal Aero Club, flying a 100-mile (160 km) circuit around London twice, in a Martinsyde F.4 fitted with a 300 hp Hispano-Suiza engine.

[16] In June 1922, at the Third Croydon Aviation Race Meeting, Foot took 3rd place in the First Sprint Handicap flying the Martinsyde F.4.

However, after repairs he set off again, but his aircraft crashed on the Stonehill Road between Chertsey and Chobham, and burst into flames.