Clive Robertson Caldwell | |
|---|---|
 Clive Caldwell c. 1942 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Killer" |
| Born | July 28, 1911 Lewisham, New South Wales |
| Died | 5 August 1994 (aged 83) Sydney |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1946 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant (formerly Group Captain) |
| Commands | No. 112 Squadron RAF (1942) No. 1 Wing RAAF (1942–1943) No. 80 Wing RAAF (1944–1945) |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Krzyż Walecznych (Poland) |
Clive Robertson Caldwell, DSO, DFC & Bar (28 July 1911 – 5 August 1994) was the leading Australian air ace of World War II. He is officially credited with shooting down 28.5 enemy aircraft in over 300 operational sorties, including an ace in a day. In addition to his official score, he has been ascribed six probables and 15 damaged.[1][2] Caldwell flew Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks and Kittyhawks in the North African Campaign and Supermarine Spitfires in the South West Pacific Theatre. He was the highest-scoring P-40 pilot from any air force and the highest-scoring Allied pilot in North Africa.[3] Caldwell also commanded a Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron and two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) wings. His military service ended in controversy, when he resigned in protest at the misuse of Australian First Tactical Air Force's fighter units and was later court martialed and convicted for trading liquor.