Alexander Beck (RAF officer) facts for kids

Captain Alexander Beck (born November 3, 1899 – died January 4, 1989) was a brave pilot from Argentina and Britain. He flew planes during World War I. Even though he was too young to join the army, he found a way to serve. He became a famous "flying ace," which means he shot down 11 enemy planes! He also earned a special medal called the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Early Life of a Young Pilot

Alexander Beck's family moved to Argentina from a place called Cumbria in England. He really wanted to help in the war. So, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (which later became the Royal Air Force) even though he was not old enough.

He was born on November 3, 1899. He finished his pilot training in July 1917. This meant he was sent to fight four months before his 18th birthday.

Alexander Beck in World War I

On June 21, 1917, Alexander Beck became a Flying Officer in the Royal Flying Corps. He flew 13 missions with a group called 60 Squadron. But then, his parents told the Royal Flying Corps his real age. Because he was under 18, he was sent away from the fighting in France.

Returning to the Skies

Alexander Beck came back to 60 Squadron in March 1918. He got his first victory in August. He was flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a plane. On August 8, he destroyed a German Fokker D.VII fighter plane.

He then destroyed a Hannover spy plane on August 14. This happened over Riencourt in the morning. Later that same morning, he destroyed an Albatros plane over Guemappe. On August 31, he helped destroy an LVG two-seater spy plane over Inchy.

Becoming a Flying Ace

On September 28, 1918, Alexander Beck destroyed another LVG two-seater plane over Cambrai. This made him a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy planes.

In October 1918, he had five more victories:

• On October 3, he shot down a Fokker D.VII over Esnes.
• On October 9, he captured an LVG plane at Bohain-en-Vermandois.
• On October 22, he captured a Halberstadt spy plane at Orvillers-Sorel.
• On October 26, he helped destroy an LVG over Le Quesnoy.
• On October 29, he shot down another Fokker D.VII over Mormal.

On November 1, he helped shoot down a Fokker D.VII over Mormal Woods. This was his and his squadron's last victory in the war.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Alexander Beck was given the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a very important medal for bravery in the air. The award was officially announced on December 3, 1918.

The official statement about his award said: "Lieutenant (Acting-Captain) Alexander Beck. A bold and skilful leader, who has himself shot down four enemy aeroplanes. His personal courage and able leadership have had a marked influence in maintaining the efficiency of the squadron."

This means he was a brave and talented leader. He helped his squadron stay strong and effective.

See also

• Thomas Traill
• Kenneth Charney, Argentine Second World War RAF ace