Alfred Edwin McKay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Edwin McKay
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McKay in 1915
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| Nickname(s) | Eddie |
| Born | 27 December 1892 Brussels, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 28 December 1917 (aged 25) |
| Allegiance | Canada / United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Flying Corps |
| Years of service | 1916–1917 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 24 Squadron 23 Squadron |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain Alfred Edwin "Eddie" McKay (born December 27, 1892 – died December 28, 1917) was a brave Canadian pilot. He was a flying ace during the First World War, meaning he shot down many enemy planes. Eddie McKay flew with the Royal Flying Corps, which was an early air force. He was awarded the Military Cross for his courage.
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Eddie McKay's Early Life
Eddie McKay was born in Brussels, Ontario, Canada, on December 27, 1892. His parents were William and Mary McKay. Later, his family moved to London, Ontario.
University and Sports
Eddie went to the University of Western Ontario. He studied in the Faculty of Arts. He was a great athlete there. A student newspaper, The Western University Gazette, often wrote about his amazing speed. His speed helped Western's rugby team win the Canadian Junior Championship in 1915.
Flying in the First World War
Around March 1916, Eddie McKay finished his pilot training. He learned to fly at the Wright Aviation School in Augusta, Georgia. After his training, he traveled to Europe to join the Royal Flying Corps.
Becoming a Flying Ace
A newspaper article from that time called Eddie a "careful" pilot. It said he was one of the best pilots from the Wright school. He joined 24 Squadron. There, he flew an Airco D.H.2 plane. He achieved four victories between July 1916 and January 1917. A "victory" meant shooting down an enemy aircraft.
Because of his success, Eddie was promoted to Captain. He was then asked to train new pilots. But Eddie missed being in combat. He asked to go back to flying missions.
More Victories and Challenges
Later, Captain McKay joined 23 Squadron. He flew a French plane called the Spad S. VII. He earned his last six victories in just one month. This was between November 19, 1917, and December 18, 1917. This brought his total victories to ten, making him a true flying ace.
On October 26, 1917, Eddie was in a dogfight. He was chased by a famous German pilot, Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron. During this fight, two other German pilots, Oswald Boelcke and Erwin Bohme, crashed into each other. Eddie McKay and another pilot confirmed this accident.
Sadly, on December 28, 1917, Captain McKay's plane was shot down over Belgium. He was killed in action that day.
Remembering Eddie McKay
Eddie McKay is remembered in several ways. His name is on page 579 of the First World War Book of Remembrance. He is also honored at the Arras Memorial in France.
In 1920, a man named William Haddon created the Eddie McKay Cup. This cup was for the Public School Hockey League in London, Ontario. It was given in honor of Eddie's "athletic manhood and enthusiasm for sport."
In November 2007, students at King's University College placed a special marker. This marker honors Eddie McKay on the University of Western Ontario campus.
See also
- World War I Flying Aces
- List of World War I flying aces by nationality
