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Lt Charles Gray Catto

45 Squadron, R.F.C.

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An American, Charles Catto was born in Dallas, Texas, and was a medical student at Edinburgh University in Scotland in 1914 when the war broke out. He tried to enlist in the British Army, but his parents refused permission and he was only allowed to complete his education provided that he did not then join the Army: he therefore joined the Royal Flying Corps in June 1917! After Training, he went to Italy joining 45 Squadron in March 1918.

Flying British Camels, he claimed five enemy victories, one of which – a Brandenburg two-seater- fell inside allied lines. This machine came from Flik 8D, and was flown by Flugsfuhrer Alois Gnamusch and Lt. Rudolf Huss.

After the war Catto returned to Edinburgh University to complete his studies, and then to the US where he became a doctor in his native Texas.

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