Alfred Blenkiron facts for kids

Lieutenant Alfred Victor Blenkiron MC (born July 4, 1896 – died March 20, 1920) was a brave British pilot and observer during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he helped shoot down five enemy aircraft. He earned a special award called the Military Cross for his courage in the sky.

Military Service

Becoming a Pilot

Alfred Blenkiron joined the British Army in 1915. He first became a temporary officer in the Somerset Light Infantry regiment.

Soon after, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. In 1916, he started as a flying officer who observed from the plane.

He flew on the Western Front, which was a major battle area in France and Belgium. From March to August 1916, he was an observer with No. 22 Squadron. He flew in the front of a type of plane called an FE.2b, which had its propeller at the back (a "pusher" plane).

First Victories

Blenkiron then served with No. 23 Squadron and later No. 25 Squadron, still as an observer on the FE.2b. He achieved his first success on January 23, 1917, by helping to destroy a Halberstadt D.III enemy plane.

Just six days later, he scored another victory, even though he was wounded. He helped set an Albatros D.II plane on fire. For this brave action, he was awarded the Military Cross on March 3, 1917.

On March 1, 1917, Blenkiron was promoted to lieutenant.

Flying as a Pilot

After he recovered from his injury, he trained to become a pilot himself. He was appointed a flying officer on November 10, 1917. He was then assigned to No. 56 Squadron on December 3, 1917.

Flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a plane, he achieved two more victories with No. 56 Squadron. He forced down an Albatros D.V on December 15, 1917, and a German two-seater plane on January 25, 1918.

Later, he was transferred back to England. He became one of the first pilots in No. 151 Squadron, which was the Royal Air Force's first special squadron for night fighting.

He returned to France with this unit and flew a Sopwith Camel plane. He forced down a large Friedrichshafen G.III bomber, which was then captured.

Honours and Awards

Military Cross

The Military Cross is an award given for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land."

Lieutenant Alfred Victor Blenkiron received this award for his outstanding bravery. Even though he was wounded, he skillfully used his machine-gun to shoot down an enemy plane. This allowed his pilot to bring their own plane safely back to base. On another occasion, he showed great courage while on patrol and helped bring down another enemy aircraft.

Later Life

After the war, Alfred Blenkiron passed away on March 20, 1920, in Coulsdon, Surrey, England.