Major Michael H B Nethersole, BA (Oxon.), CSI, CIE, DSO
Michael Nethersole was born in 1891.
The Nethersole family seem to have originated in Deal Kent and moved to India. His father held some senior government civil service position in Uttar Pradesh.
At the start of WW1 he was living in the UK possibly completing a degree course. His record card shows an address in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
At that time he was a member of the Royal Garrison Artillery which was tasked with coastal defence of the UK and he held the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
He was later seconded to RFC. By December 1916 he was a Captain and Flight Commander and later CO of 70 Sqn in 1917 with rank of Major where he flew the Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
In June 1918 he was appointed CO 103 Sqn equipped with the DH9
DH9
For his excellent work with 103 Squadron Nethersole was awarded a DSO - see citation below
103 Squadron L to R Wilson Nethersole and Bennett
103 Squadron Officers group 1919
DSO Citation.
"A squadron commander of exceptional merit, who, by his enthusiasm and fine example has revolutionised the tactics of his squadron. Formerly accustomed to bombing from a high altitude the members have descended to low altitudes, thus ensuring greater accuracy of aim. On 30th October he led his squadron on a low bombing raid against an aerodrome. The raid was most successful, he himself destroying two hangars. On the return journey he kept his machines so well together that, though they were attacked by large numbers of hostile scouts, they succeeded in destroying five of them with no loss on our side. The engagement continued during the whole of the return journey, but the squadron succeeded in causing considerable damage to hostile troops on the ground in addition to the casualties in the air as noted above. Gaz 19th Dec 1918. "
Post WW1
After the WW1 he returned to India in August 1919 and became a very distinguished administrator who I believe was primarily involved in the building of at least one dam and other major irrigation projects.
In 1956 Nethersole was a local administrator and police magistrate in the Seychelles were he had moved to retire
He passed away on the Seychelles in the late 60s/early 70s.
Compiled by David Fell with photos from my archive
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