Alan Incell Riley Explained

Honorific Prefix:Captain
Alan Incell Riley
Honorific Suffix:AFC
Birth Date:9 December 1897
Death Date:17 December 1960
Birth Place:London, England
Death Place:London, England
Allegiance:United Kingdom
Branch:British Army
Royal Flying Corp
Royal Air Force
Serviceyears:1914–1919; 1923–1928
Rank:Captain
Servicenumber:6122
Unit:No. 48 Squadron RAF
Battles:First World War
Awards:Air Force Cross
Laterwork:Commercial Pilot; Flight Instructor; Company Director

Lieutenant Alan Incell Riley (9 December 1897 – 17 December 1960) was a British World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1] [2]

Early life

Riley was born in London on 9 December, 1897[3] to George and Margaret[4] Riley of Clacton[5] and was educated at Malvern College.

Military service

Riley began his military service as a Private with the Artists Rifles.[6]

He served in the Royal Flying Corps between 1916 and 1919. Riley rejoined the forces, being in the Royal Air Force from 1923 to 1928. On 2 July 1932 Riley gave up his commission upon completion of his service.[7]

In 1919, Riley was awarded the Air Force Cross.[8]

Other work

Airco Ltd

Between 1919 and 1920, Riley flew the London to Paris route as a pilot with Airco Ltd.

Westland Aircraft Works

In 1928, he worked at the Westland Aircraft Works.

India

Delhi Flying Club

From 1928 Riley was an instructor at the Delhi Flying Club and flew Lady Willingdon from Delhi to Calcutta in a de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft. The aeroplane was lent for the journey by Grant Govan who was president of the club.[9]

Viceroy's Cup

In 1933, Riley won the Viceroy's Cup, which was a 700-mile handicap air race beginning and ending in Delhi. The route took competitors through Bareilly, Lucknow, Agra and Rampur with a stop at each place. His average speed in winning the race was 115 mph.[10]

Survey Flight

Also in 1933 he made a 1,500 mile survey flight on behalf of Indian National Airways. This was to examine a possible link up between cities in northern India and the Indian Trans-Continental Airways' service.[11]

Later life

In later life Riley worked as a company director.[12]

He died in London on 17 December 1960 at the age of 63.[13]

Personal life

He was married to Ella Adele Van Os at St. Mary Abbots Church in Kensington, London on 19 June 1926. Ella is recorded in the 1939 England and Wales Register as being a member of the Civil Nursing Reserve.[14]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alan Incell Riley . The Aerodrome . 2015 . 13 December 2015.
  2. Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces, 1915–1920. p. 321.
  3. Web site: 1933 Who's Who in British Aviation: Name R. Grace's Guide to British industrial history. 21 November 2016. 21 February 2024. en.
  4. London, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1917.
  5. News: Marriages. 1 June 1926. The Times. 44286. 17.
  6. Medal Card (Official Document - UK National Archives) Alan Incell Riley, service no. 6122.
  7. News: London Gazette. 6 July 1932. The Times. 46178. 4.
  8. News: Awarded the Air Force Cross. 5 June 1919. The Edinburgh Gazette. 13458. 2050.
  9. News: News in Brief. 19 November 1931. The Times. 45984. 11.
  10. News: AIR RACE IN INDIA. 1933-02-13. Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947). 2018-11-11. 2.
  11. Book: Flight International Magazine 1933-08-31. Reed Business Information Ltd. 1933-08-31. en.
  12. UK Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960 (ref. 4330/01).
  13. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar.
  14. England and Wales Register 1939.