Anthony Wall (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anthony Herbert William Wall
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| Born | 17 June 1888 London, England |
| Died | December 1989 (aged 101) Newton Abbot, Devon, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | c.1914–1919 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | Middlesex Regiment No. 48 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross & Bar Order of the British Empire |
Squadron Leader Anthony Herbert William Wall (born June 17, 1888 – died December 1989) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Anthony Wall achieved an amazing sixteen aerial victories. He later returned to serve in the Royal Air Force during World War II.
World War I: A Daring Flying Ace
Anthony Wall first joined the British Army in the Middlesex Regiment. Later, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the early version of the Royal Air Force. He became an observer and gunner in a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane. He flew with No. 48 Squadron.
He often flew with an Australian pilot named Lieutenant Fred Parkinson Holliday. Together, they were a great team. Anthony Wall got his first victory on April 6, 1917. He then quickly became a flying ace by April 24, 1917. This means he had helped shoot down five enemy planes.
On May 9, he destroyed a German LVG plane. He also helped take down three Albatros D.III fighter planes. He continued to achieve victories throughout May and June. By July 3, 1917, he had reached a total of 16 aerial victories.
Awards for Bravery
Anthony Wall received several important awards for his courage. On July 18, 1917, he was given the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle. His award recognized his "coolness and accurate shooting" in air fights.
He received a Bar to his Military Cross on August 25, 1917. A "Bar" means he earned the same award a second time for more acts of bravery. This time, it was for his clever flying. He led six enemy planes into a fight where five of them were destroyed.
After the war, in 1919, he was also made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This is a high honor given for great service to the country. Anthony Wall left the Royal Air Force in October 1919.
World War II: Serving His Country Again
When World War II began, Anthony Wall returned to serve his country. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in March 1940. He worked in the Administrative and Special Duties Branch. This meant he helped with important tasks behind the scenes.
He was promoted several times during the war. He became a flying officer in 1940 and a flight lieutenant in 1943. After the war, he remained on the RAFVR Emergency List. He finally retired from service on February 10, 1954. He was allowed to keep the rank of squadron leader.
