Malcolm Henderson

Air Vice-Marshal Malcolm Henderson CB CIE CBE DSO RAF (1 June 1891 – 7 March 1978) was a World War I pilot and a senior commander in the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Henderson began World War I as an army private, in the London Scottish battalion, but was commissioned into the Seaforth Highlanders in 1915^[1] and seconded to the Royal Flying Corps. In 1916 he was awarded the DSO. The citation read:

Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) Malcolm Henderson, 4th (Ross Highland) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's), Territorial Force, and Royal Flying Corps.
For conspicuous gallantry when, on photographic reconnaissance, his machine was struck by a shell from an enemy anti-aircraft gun. The shell passed through the nacelle of the machine, and took off his left leg just below the knee. In spite of this he succeeded in coming down from 7,000 feet, and landing 3,000 yards behind our line, thus saving his aeroplane and the life of the Observer.^[2]

Later that year the French government awarded him the Croix de guerre.^[3]

In the 1920s he spent some years in Egypt, commanding first 216 Squadron (with DH.10 aircraft) and then 47 Squadron (with DH.9As).

He was Air Officer Commanding No. 14 (Fighter) Group during the Battle of Britain.

References

• Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - Air Vice-Marshal M Henderson

1. Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 March 1915
2. Supplement to the London Gazette, 30 March 1916
3. Supplement to the London Gazette, 9 December 1916