Group Captain William Victor Strugnell MC & Bar (23 July 1892 – 1977) was a British First World War flying ace credited with six aerial victories.^[1] He went on to a long career in the Royal Air Force, and serving throughout the Second World War.

Strugnell's father was a sergeant major. At the age of 15, Strugnell joined the Royal Engineers as a bugler. He then transferred to the Hampshire Regiment as a sapper, before being seconded to the Royal Flying Corps soon after its formation on 13 April 1912, serving as an Air Mechanic in No. 3 Squadron RFC from 13 May.^[2] Strugnell trained as a pilot, and was granted Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificate No. 253 on 24 July 1912, after a soloing a Bristol biplane at the Army School on Salisbury Plain,^[3] being the third non-commissioned officer in the British military to receive a pilot's license.^[4] He later served in No. 5 Squadron RFC.^[4]

On 27 June 1915 Strugnell, then a sergeant, was appointed a flying officer^[5] and commissioned as a second lieutenant for service in the field.^[6] He was posted to No. 1 Squadron RFC, and on 5 February 1916, piloted a Morane-Saulnier L that drove down an Aviatik C.I reconnaissance aircraft for his first victory.^[1][7] Soon after, on 12 February 1916, he was appointed a flight commander with the acting rank of captain.^[8]

Strugnell served as a flight commander in No. 43 Squadron RFC, from its formation at Stirling on 15 April 1916.^[9] On 3 June 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross "for Distinguished Service in the Field".^[10]

Strugnell spent some time on instruction duty before returning to action flying a Sopwith Pup in No. 54 Squadron RFC as flight commander of "A" Flight.^[7] On 19 March 1917, he shared in the setting on fire of a German reconnaissance aircraft. On 14 April and 1 May, he sent another reconnaissance aircraft and an Albatros D.III down out of control. On 11 May 1917, he shared in the destruction of another reconnaissance aircraft, and soon after single-handedly destroyed an Albatros D.III.^[1]

On 24 July 1917 his award of a Bar to his Military Cross was gazetted. His citation read:

Lieutenant (temporary Captain) William Victor Strugnell, MC, Hampshire Regiment and Royal Flying Corps.

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading an offensive patrol he attacked and brought down a hostile machine. Later, in the same patrol, he brought down a second machine. In all he has accounted for five machines and a kite balloon."^[11]

On 1 September 1917 Strugnell was appointed a squadron commander with the acting rank of major.^[12]

On 1 August 1919 Strugnell was granted a permanent commission in the RAF with the rank of major (squadron leader).^[13] He was posted to No. 1 Flying Training School (Inland Area), before being briefly attached the School of Military Administration at Chiseldon from 23 September^[14] to 1 November 1921, after which he was assigned to the RAF Depot (Inland Area) as a supernumerary officer.^[15]

On 14 September 1922 he was posted to the RAF Aircraft Depot in Iraq,^[16] transferring to the Engine Repair Depot, Egypt, on 18 October 1924,^[17] before eventually returning to the UK when posted to the RAF Depot, Uxbridge, on his transfer to the Home Establishment on 9 May 1926.^[18] From 1 September 1926 Strugnell served at the headquarters of No. 21 (Training) Group at RAF West Drayton.^[19]

On 1 July 1928 he was promoted to wing commander,^[20] and on 1 September was appointed Officer Commanding of No. 9 Squadron, based at RAF Manston,^[21] forming part of No. 51 (Night Bomber) Wing. In August 1930 the Vickers Virginia bombers of No. 51 Wing formed part of the "Blue" forces in the annual RAF Exercises.^[22] On 10 January 1931 Strugnell was posted to the Home Aircraft Depot at RAF Henlow for administrative duties.^[23]

He was promoted to group captain on 3 July 1934,^[24] returning to the Middle East to serve as commander of No. 1 Armoured Car Company at RAF Hinaidi, Iraq, until 19 February 1935.^[25] He then commanded the Reception Depot at West Drayton from 3 April 1935,^[26] and was station commander of RAF Manston from 10 August 1935.^[27]

Strugnell served throughout the Second World War. He was a station commander in Algeria in 1943,^[28] and received a mention in despatches on 8 June 1944.^[29] He retired from the RAF on 7 June 1945,^[30] only a month after the end of the war on Europe.

On 12 February 1951, he was commissioned as a flight lieutenant (Class J) in the Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers,^[31] relinquishing his commission exactly eight years later on 12 February 1959.^[32]