Adrian Franklyn facts for kids

Group Captain Adrian Winfrid Franklyn (born April 1, 1899 – died June 1986) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down seven enemy aircraft. After the war, he stayed in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and served through World War II before he retired in 1948.

Biography

Early Life

Adrian Franklyn was born in Twickenham, England. His father, Burdett Caslon Franklyn, was a clerk from Australia, and his mother, Violet, was from Brighton, England. Adrian was 15 when his father passed away.

World War I Adventures

Adrian Franklyn joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) as a cadet in 1917. This was the air force of the British Army. He became an officer on August 12, 1917.

In early 1918, he joined No. 3 Squadron RFC. He got his first victory on March 22, flying a Sopwith Camel plane. He destroyed an Albatros D.V enemy plane.

By April 11, 1918, the RFC had joined with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the new Royal Air Force (RAF). Franklyn shared his second victory with other pilots that day. His third victory came the very next day, when he forced another Albatros D.V plane down.

Facing the Red Baron

On April 20, 1918, Franklyn became the last British pilot to fight against the famous German pilot, Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the "Red Baron." The Red Baron's squadron of many planes attacked six Sopwith Camels. But then six more Camels, including Franklyn's, arrived and broke up the German attack. Franklyn forced the Red Baron's plane down towards the German ground forces.

The very next day, the Red Baron was killed by ground fire. He had avoided fighting Canadian ace Arthur Roy Brown but flew too close to Allied lines. Franklyn scored his next victory on June 9, when he and another pilot destroyed an Albatros C plane.

Military Cross Award

Franklyn was given the Military Cross award on June 21, 1918, for his bravery. The award recognized his amazing skill and courage. For example, he silenced an enemy artillery battery and shot down an enemy plane. He also attacked enemy aircraft on the ground and caused a lot of damage to enemy equipment and soldiers.

On July 20, Franklyn and Captain Hazel Wallace forced down a Hannover C plane. This made Franklyn an "ace," which means he had shot down five or more enemy aircraft. His sixth and seventh victories happened in September, when he destroyed a Fokker Dr.I and a Fokker D.VII. On September 7, Franklyn was promoted to temporary captain.

Between the Wars

After World War I ended, Franklyn stayed in the Royal Air Force. He became a permanent officer in 1919. He was promoted several times, becoming a flight lieutenant in 1925, a squadron leader in 1935, and a wing commander in 1938. During this time, he served in various places, including on aircraft carriers like HMS Courageous and HMS Furious.

In 1934, he married Isabella Milne.

World War II and Retirement

During World War II, Adrian Franklyn was promoted to temporary group captain on December 10, 1940. He served as the leader of RAF Stormy Down and later RAF Millom air bases. His rank of Group Captain became permanent in 1943. He retired from the Royal Air Force on August 30, 1948.

Group Captain Adrian Franklyn passed away in Whitford, Devon, in June 1986.