William Dickson (RAF officer)

William Dickson (24 September 1898 – 12 September 1987) was a senior commander in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during and after the Second World War. He served as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), the professional head of the RAF, from 1953 to 1956, and subsequently as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the professional head of the British Armed Forces, from 1956 to 1959.

Born in Alnwick, Northumberland, Dickson joined the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War, transferring to the RAF upon its formation in 1918. He served in various roles during the interwar period, including a posting in Iraq.

During the Second World War, Dickson held several key command positions. He served as Director of Plans at the Air Ministry and later as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) No. 44 Group. He subsequently became AOC No. 205 Group in the Middle East and then Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Policy).

After the war, Dickson continued to rise through the ranks. He served as Vice-Chief of the Air Staff before becoming Chief of the Air Staff in 1953. As CAS, he oversaw the introduction of new aircraft and technologies into the RAF and played a key role in shaping British air power strategy during the Cold War.

Following his tenure as CAS, Dickson was appointed Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In this role, he was responsible for advising the government on all aspects of military policy and strategy. He retired from the RAF in 1959 and was succeeded by Lord Mountbatten.

Dickson was awarded several honours and decorations throughout his career, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB), the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), and the Air Force Cross (AFC).