Major William John Charles Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick DSO, MC & Bar (25 May 1896 – 26 September 1933) was a Scottish First World War flying ace, credited with 21 aerial victories.

[5] He was officially seconded to the Royal Flying Corps from The Rifle Brigade on 11 June 1915.

His next victory, on 11 May, would be his most notable; he set afire the Albatros D.III of Jasta 5's triple-ace Offz.

Edmund Nathanael, its fuselage falling away from its wings and plunged in flames to earth.

[8][9] It was also during this stretch that he was entrusted by Major General Hugh Trenchard to evaluate the new Spad XIII at La Bonne Maison Aerodrome.

[13] He was Mentioned in Despatches on 7 November 1917 by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.

[11] At the end of 1917 he was transferred back to England to the Training Directorate of the Air Board.

[16] He married Natalie Bertha Tanner of Larches, Rusherville, Kent on 20 July 1924.

[4] He went on to fly a lot of aerial survey work in the postwar years.

[18] Then, on 26 September 1933, he took off from Baragwanath Airport near Johannesburg, South Africa, flying a de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, registration ZS-AEF.

[17] The resulting crash killed him and his passenger, Sir Michael Oppenheimer, 2nd Baronet.

[1][19][20] Military Cross (MC) 2nd Lt. William John Charles Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick, Rif.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions in destroying and driving down hostile machines, frequently engaging the enemy with great dash and a fine offensive spirit when encountered in superior numbers.

By his cool judgment and splendid fearlessness he has instilled confidence in all around him, his brilliant leadership being chiefly responsible for his numerous successes.