From Carlton Place, Ontario, Stearne Tighe Edwards joined the Royal Naval Air Service on 31 October 1915. Posted to 9 Naval Squadron on 10 August 1918, he scored 17 victories flying the Sopwith Camel. Despite a nervous breakdown on 23 May 1918, he recovered and became a flight instructor. On 12 November 1918, Edwards was injured in a crash and died ten days later.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Act. Flt Cdr. Stearne Tighe Edwards, R.N.A.S.
In recognition of his services on the following occasions: —
On the 3rd September, 1917, with his flight he attacked a two-seater Aviatik. The enemy machine was observed to go down in a vertical nose dive, and the enemy observer was seen to collapse in tne cockpit.
On the 21st September, 1917, he drove a two-seater enemy machine down out of control.
On the 23rd September, 1917, he attacked an Albatross scout, which crashed into the sea.
On the same date he attacked three Albatross scouts. One got on the tail of another officer's machine at very close range, shooting him up very badly. Flt. Cdr. Edwards attacked him from above, and the enemy machine turned on its back and went down in a vertical dive. He followed the enemy machine down to 8,000 feet, when its wings came off, and it fell to the ground.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 November 1917 (30363/11320)
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) Bar
Lieut. (tempy. Capt.) Stearne Tighe Edwards, D.S.C., R.A.F.
For conspicuous bravery and most brilliant leadership of fighting patrols against enemy aircraft. On 2 May 1918, whilst leading a patrol of four scouts, he encountered a hostile formation of eight enemy scouts and drove down one enemy machine completely out of control. Soon afterwards, he engaged another formation of six enemy scouts, driving down one to its destruction whilst his patrol accounted for another. He only broke off the fight owing to lack of ammunition. He has destroyed or driven down out of control many enemy machines since he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and has at all times shown the greatest gallantry and a fine offensive spirit.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 June 1918 (30756/7304)
![Stearne Edwards [Canada]](/images/aces/canada/edwards4.jpg)