Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry
At 10:30, while on a course E.S.E. from the Manacles, and position 59 L.F.R., both by D.R. and from the Lizard Wireless, I spotted a submarine coming to the surface one mile on my port bow. She was apparently proceeding West. When her conning tower was above the surface, and the wash of the hull just becoming visible, she must have sighted the airship, and made all haste to submerge again. She had just succeeded in submerging when I got over the spot and the first bomb I dropped fell some way ahead of her and failed to explode. By putting the helm hard over I was able to release my second bomb almost immediately after; this was as near a direct hit as possible, the bomb exploding with delay action fuse directly over the swirl left by the conning tower of the submarine. A large quantity of oil came to the surface as well as numerous small bubbles. Nothing further was seen of the submarine. The bombs were dropped from a height of 1,000 feet.
A large steamer of 7-8000 tons was approaching, proceeding up channel, and I signalled “Submarine” to her by flash lamp; whether she took in the message or not I cannot say. It is possible the submarine spotted this vessel and was lying in wait for her. After this I reported by wireless and suggested trawlers should be sent; I then remained in the immediate vicinity for close on two hours, and later for another two hours swept an area with a radius of about 15 miles from the spot. There were, however, no signs of the submarine, which I believe to have been sunk by the second bomb. Eventually I was obliged to return to base owing to trouble with both engines, and the wind increasing, landing at 1505. During the patrol the weather was thick, visibility being between two and three miles, and occasional drizzling rain.’
C-22 was lost in the Channel midway between Land’s End and Ushant on 21 March 1917 - but pilot and crew were rescued.
Appointed C.O. of the C-2 in August 1917, Coltson remained similarly employed until May 1918, accompanying research revealing numerous patrols out of Mullion. He was recommended for advancement to the rank of Captain in the Royal Air Force, his Commanding Officer reporting: ‘This officer has flown over 1300 hours on patrol. He has shown considerable initiative and sound judgement in all his work. He has flown in very rough weather, fog and mist, navigating his ship with great skill. He has carried out successfully a large amount of convoy work, and has engaged the enemy on several occasions. In view of this officer’s services and conduct, I strongly recommend him for promotion to Captain, R.A.F.’
Of those engagements, relevant Observer’s Reports reveal Coltson and the C-2 carrying out an attack on an enemy submarine on 9 August 1917 - ‘Dropped two 100lb. bombs about 300 yards and 200 yards ahead of swirl left by submarine ... Landed at 1400. Very gusty wind 25-30 m.p.h. Rough landing, broke forward propeller, two feet tear in envelope forward. Time in Air: 5 hours and 55 minutes. Distance Flown: 200 miles.’
Sadly, however, Coltson’s gallant and promising career was curtailed in November 1918, when he fell victim to the influenza pandemic. He is buried in Berechurch (St. Michael’s) Churchyard, Essex.
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