When the war broke out, Edmund Roger Tempest was farming with his brother in Saskatchewan, Canada. Together, they returned to England, joining the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps. On 18 August 1915, 2nd Lieutenant Tempest received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 1604 on a Maurice Farman biplane at Birmingham on 18 August 1915. Tempest's brother, Second Lieutenant Wulstan J. Tempest, was credited with downing Zeppelin L31 on 1 October 1916. Posted to 64 Squadron in July 1917, Edmund Tempest scored his first victory later that year flying a D.H.5. In 1918, flying the S.E.5a, he scored an additional 16 victories before returning to England at the end of August.
Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates, 1910-1950
Military Cross (MC)
T./Capt. Edmund Roger Tempest, Gen.
List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attacked a formation of seven enemy machines, firing on one from a distance of a few feet and destroying it. On another occasion with his patrol he engaged thirteen enemy machines. Though both his guns were out of action, he continued fighting for fifteen minutes in order to enable the rest of his patrol to keep up the fight. Having driven off the enemy, he brought his patrol back safely. He showed splendid courage and initiative.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 13 May 1918 (30681/5703)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Capt. Edmund Roger Tempest, M.C.
Since March last this officer has destroyed nine enemy machines. A daring and most capable officer, who never hesitates to engage the enemy. By brilliant leadership he achieves success with the minimum of loss.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 November 1918 (30989/12974)
Victories
Date
Time
Unit
Aircraft
Opponent
Location
1
30 Nov 1917
1520
64
D.H.5 (A9507)
Albatros D.V (OOC)
NW of Bourlon Wood
2
08 Mar 1918
1230
64
S.E.5a
Albatros D.V (DES)
Graincourt
3
17 Mar 1918
1130
64
S.E.5a
Pfalz D.III (DES)
Douai
4
17 Mar 1918
1135
64
S.E.5a
Pfalz D.III (OOC)1
Biache
5
18 Mar 1918
1235
64
S.E.5a
Albatros D.V (OOC)
Cambrai
6
22 Mar 1918
1745
64
S.E.5a (C5392)
Pfalz D.III (DES)
Pronville
7
02 Apr 1918
1835
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Albatros D.V (DESF)
Ervillers
8
23 Apr 1918
1835
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Albatros D.V (DES)
Boiry Notre Dame
9
03 May 1918
1645
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Pfalz D.III (DES)
Vitry en Artois
10
31 May 1918
0625
64
S.E.5a (C1860)
Albatros D.V (DES)
NW of Steenwerck
11
12 Jun 1918
1230
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Albatros C (DESF)
Festubert
12
20 Jul 1918
0925
64
S.E.5a
Rumpler C (DES)2
Drocourt
13
10 Aug 1918
0840
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Fokker D.VII (DES)
Roye
14
11 Aug 1918
0815
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Fokker D.VII (OOC)3
Roye
15
11 Aug 1918
1515
64
S.E.5a (B74)
Fokker D.VII (DES)
Roye
16
12 Aug 1918
0715
64
S.E.5a
Fokker D.VII (DES)
Chaulnes
17
14 Aug 1918
0910
64
S.E.5a
C (OOC)4
N of Roye
1
Shared with Lt J F T Barrett, 2Lt C B Stringer, Lt Charles Bissonette, 2Lt K G P Hendrie
