Flight Sub Lieutenant William Arthur Moyle
William Moyle was born in Paris on May 8, 1895, though he may have lived just outside of Paris. When he enlisted, he gave the address of his next of kin as R.R. #4, and he listed his occupation as farmer. He was the son of Joseph and Ellen Jane Moyle. William attended Paris High School and the family attended the Paris Baptist Church.
William was single when he enlisted at the age of 22 years with the 215th Battalion. However, a few months before the battalion went overseas, he joined the Royal Naval Aerial Service (RNAS). While the primary role of the RNAS was naval (fleet reconnaissance, anti-submarine patrols, and coastal defence), they also provided significant support on the Western Front in Belgium and France.
After training in England, William saw active service over Belgium and France for eight months with the 3rd Squadron. During that time, he took part in many raids over the German lines. In late 1914, RNAS squadrons were based at Dunkirk, and later in the war, several RNAS squadrons (notably No. 1, 3, 8, and 10) were temporarily placed under the command of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) to assist in major land battles, such as the Battle of Arras and the lead-up to the Battle of Vimy Ridge. These squadrons engaged in typical Western Front air duties, including aerial combat to achieve air superiority, reconnaissance, and bombing German positions.
On March 25, 1918, William was reported as missing and as a German prisoner, but he later was confirmed to have died on March 22, during the early phase of the German spring offensive, known as Operation Michael. By March 22, the second day of the offensive, the British were fighting desperately to establish new defensive lines and prevent a total collapse. The Royal Flying Corps and attached RNAS squadrons like Moyle's No. 3 Squadron were heavily involved in the desperate defensive effort. Their role was critical in terms of reconnaissance, ground attacks, and air combat with the German Air Service. William Moyle's mid-air collision occurred during one of these vital, high-risk offensive patrols on March 22, 1918, a day of immense confusion and heavy casualties as Allied forces struggled to contain the German advance.
Flight Sub Lieutenant William Moyle is remembered at the Arras Flying Service Memorial in the Faubourg-d’Amiens cemetery in the town of Arras.