David Edmund Stodart

David Edmund Stodart (c1882-1938). Early aviator

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Obituary 1938

The death, at the age of 56, of Sqn. Ldr. David Edmund Stodart, D.S.O., D.F.C., breaks another link with the early days of flying. His career was curious, for he first qualified as a doctor, and then became a combatant officer.

He learnt to fly in 1912 at the Ewen Flying School, Hendon. His R.Ae.C. certificate bore the number 321, dated October 15, 1912. He used to race at Hendon under the name of Dr. Edmund.

In 1914 he joined the R.F.C. and was stationed at Netheravon. In the Great War he distinguished himself, as his decorations testify. By 1917 he had risen to the rank of Major, and at the battles of Arras he commanded No. 3 Squadron, which was equipped with Morane Parasols.

After the war, he was given a permanent commission in ihe R.A.F., and served in India, Egypt and Palestine. Among other appointments he commanded No. 84 (Bomber) Squadron at Shaibah in Iraq. In 1931 hye retired from the Service and reverted to his old profession of medicine, becoming assistant physician in the dermatology department of Middlesex Hospital.

In 1934 he entered for the Mildenhall-Melbourne race, having as co-pilot his nephew, F/O. K. G. Stodart. They flew an Airspeed Courier, and arrived at Melbourne sixth in the handicap race.

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