Alfred Haines (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Haines
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Alfred John Haines |
| Born | Early 1898 Evesham, Worcestershire, England |
| Died | 10 August 1918 (aged 20) Vicinity of Asiago, Italy |
| Buried |
Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery Extension, Montecchio Precalcino, Italy
(45°39′59″N 11°33′28″E / 45.6665°N 11.5578°E) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 45 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Italian front |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Lieutenant Alfred John Haines DFC (1898 – 10 August 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft.
Contents
Becoming a Pilot
Alfred John Haines joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1917. The RFC was the air force of the British Army before it became the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started as a cadet, which is like a trainee officer.
Joining the Air Force
- On 14 July 1917, Alfred became a temporary second lieutenant. This meant he was an officer, but still on probation.
- By 26 September, his rank was confirmed. He was officially a second lieutenant.
Flying in World War I
Alfred Haines was sent to Italy to join No. 45 Squadron. This squadron flew Sopwith Camel planes. The Sopwith Camel was a famous British fighter plane used during World War I.
First Victories in the Sky
- Alfred got his first aerial victory on 4 February 1918. He destroyed an Albatros D.V plane over a place called Susegana.
- His next victories came on 7 June. He set two Albatros D.III planes on fire over Arsiera.
- On 23 July, he destroyed an Aviatik plane over Grigno.
- His final two victories happened on 29 July. He destroyed two Austro-Hungarian Phönix D.I planes over Prata di Pordenone.
A Hero's End
On 10 August 1918, Alfred Haines was flying high at 10,000 feet. His plane was hit directly by an anti-aircraft cannon. This was a sad day, as he was killed in action. His body fell into "no man's land," which was the dangerous area between the two armies. The Austro-Hungarian soldiers, who were the enemy, showed respect. They returned his body under a flag of truce.
Alfred John Haines is buried in Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery Extension in Montecchio Precalcino, Italy.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Alfred Haines was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This is a very important award given for bravery while flying. He received it after he died, on 21 September 1918.
What the Award Said
The official message about his award praised his courage:
- Lieutenant Alfred John Haines.
- During the past three months this very gallant pilot has destroyed five enemy machines, and earlier in the year he crashed another. He was killed in action on 10 August 1918.
This citation shows that he was a very brave and skilled pilot who made a big difference in the war.
