Adrian Tonks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adrian James Boswell Tonks
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|---|---|
| Born | 10 May 1898 Solihull, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | 14 July 1919 (aged 21) Alexandria, Egypt |
| Buried |
Hadra War Memorial Cemetery, Alexandria, Egypt
(31°12′12″N 29°55′21″E / 31.20333°N 29.92250°E) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 4 (Naval) Squadron RNAS/No. 204 Squadron RAF No. 80 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross & bar |
Captain Adrian James Boswell Tonks DFC* (born May 10, 1898 – died July 14, 1919) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. He earned two special awards for his courage: the Distinguished Flying Cross.
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Who Was Adrian Tonks?
Adrian James Boswell Tonks was born in Solihull, England, on May 10, 1898. His father, Arthur George Tonks, was a mechanical engineer.
Adrian's Role in World War I
Becoming a Pilot
Adrian joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916. This was a part of the British Navy that used airplanes. He quickly learned to fly. By December 1916, he had earned his pilot's license.
In August 1917, Adrian joined No. 4 (Naval) Squadron. He flew a fast fighter plane called the Sopwith Camel. He got his first victories on August 22, when he took down two German Albatros D.V planes. Later that year, he forced down other enemy planes.
Joining the Royal Air Force
On April 1, 1918, the Royal Naval Air Service joined with another air force group. Together, they formed the Royal Air Force. Adrian's squadron became No. 204 Squadron RAF. He was promoted to captain.
He continued to achieve victories in 1918. He took down several more German planes, including the Fokker D.VII. On August 15, he forced three Fokker D.VIIs out of the sky near Ypres. He also flew dangerous low-altitude missions to attack targets on the ground.
Awards for Bravery
Adrian Tonks received the Distinguished Flying Cross twice. This award is given for great bravery in air combat.
His first award was given on November 2, 1918. It recognized his courage in fighting enemy planes. For example, he once bravely dived into a group of twelve enemy planes to protect his fellow pilots. Even when he ran out of bullets, he kept distracting the enemy.
He received a second award, called a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, on December 3, 1918. This was for his leadership in bombing raids. He showed amazing skill and courage, causing serious damage to the enemy from low heights. During these raids, he also destroyed two enemy planes.
Adrian's Aerial Victories
Adrian Tonks was officially credited with twelve aerial victories. Here's a quick look at his combat record:
| No. | Date/Time | Aircraft/ Serial No. |
Opponent | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 4 (Naval) Squadron RNAS | ||||||
| 1 | 22 August 1917 @ 0945 |
Sopwith Camel (B3856) |
Albatros D.V | Out of control | South-east of Ostend | |
| 2 | Albatros D.V | Out of control | ||||
| 3 | 9 November 1917 @ 1330 |
Sopwith Camel (B6256) |
DFW C | Out of control | North of Pervijze | |
| 4 | 23 November 1917 @ 1400 |
Sopwith Camel (B6243) |
Albatros D.V | Out of control | East of Keiem | |
| No. 204 Squadron RAF | ||||||
| 5 | 30 June 1918 @ 1430 |
Sopwith Camel (D1824) |
Fokker D.VII | Out of control | Zeebrugge | |
| 6 | 10 August 1918 @ 1840 |
Sopwith Camel (C66) |
Fokker D.VII | Out of control | Gistel | |
| 7 | 13 August 1918 @ 1915 |
Sopwith Camel (C66) |
Fokker D.VII | Out of control | South-east of Bailleul | Shared with Lieutenant Harold W. M. Cumming. Leutnant Dieter Collin, Staffelführer of Jasta 56. ☠ |
| 8 | 15 August 1918 @ 0830 |
Sopwith Camel (C66) |
Fokker D.VII | Out of control | East of Ypres | |
| 9 | Fokker D.VII | Out of control | ||||
| 10 | Fokker D.VII | Out of control | ||||
| 11 | 28 September 1918 @ 1230 |
Sopwith Camel (D9600) |
Fokker D.VII | Destroyed | Werken | |
| 12 | Fokker D.VII | Out of control | ||||
After the War
After World War I ended, Adrian Tonks continued his service as a captain. He was sent to No. 80 Squadron RAF in Egypt. Sadly, on July 13, 1919, he crashed his plane, a Sopwith Pup, near Cairo. He passed away from his injuries the next day. He is buried in the Hadra War Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria, Egypt.
