Arthur Lee (RAF officer) facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal Arthur Stanley Gould Lee (born August 31, 1894 – died May 21, 1975) was a very important officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started flying during the First World War. He became a "flying ace" by shooting down seven enemy planes.

He continued to serve in the RAF through the Second World War. After retiring in 1946, he spent his time writing books. Some of these books were about his own life and experiences.

Arthur Lee's Military Career

Flying in World War I

Arthur Lee joined the army in 1915. He later moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He became known for his flying skills. Once, he was the only pilot to safely land a new plane when others crashed.

He joined No. 46 Squadron RFC and flew a Sopwith Pup plane. On September 4, 1917, he got his first air victory. He forced an Albatros D.V plane down. He worked with other pilots to take down enemy planes. By September 30, he had five victories. This made him a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft.

He became a captain on November 20. He got two more victories on November 30. He forced down a DFW plane and destroyed an Albatros D.V.

Lee received the Military Cross award on February 4, 1918. This award was for his bravery. He bombed enemy positions and fought enemy planes. One time, he got lost in thick clouds. He landed his plane and was attacked by enemy soldiers. But he managed to take off again and escape. He showed great courage and quick thinking.

Between the World Wars

After the First World War, Arthur Lee stayed in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He became a flight lieutenant in 1919. He worked at different RAF bases and offices. He even served in Iraq for a while.

In 1927, he was promoted to squadron leader. He returned to the United Kingdom for more training. He then took command of No. 10 Squadron RAF, which was a bomber squadron. He continued to work in important roles within the RAF. He was promoted to wing commander in 1934.

In 1935, Lee attended a special college for defense. After that, he became the commander of RAF Hornchurch. In 1937, he went to Turkey. He helped train pilots at the new Turkish Air Force Staff College. He became a group captain in 1938.

Serving in World War II

Arthur Lee left Turkey in March 1941. He then went to Egypt. He helped lead the British air forces in Greece. They were supporting Greece against an invasion. The British forces had to retreat to Crete and then to Egypt.

For the rest of 1941, Lee worked as a staff officer. He helped plan operations for the RAF in the Middle East. He also worked with the Desert Air Force.

Lee later returned to Britain. He became a senior officer for No. 12 Group RAF in RAF Fighter Command. He was given a temporary rank of air commodore in 1942. He also received an award from the King of Greece. In 1944, he was recognized for his good service.

In September 1944, Lee went to Romania. He led the British Air Section there. In 1945, he became the head of the British Military Mission to Yugoslavia. He was given the acting rank of air vice marshal.

After the Wars

Arthur Lee retired from the RAF on January 21, 1946. He was allowed to keep his high rank of air vice marshal.

After retiring, Lee became a writer. He had started writing letters to his wife every day during World War I. These letters later became his book, No Parachute: A Fighter Pilot in World War I, published in 1968. He had won awards for his writing even while he was in the RAF. He also helped start a magazine for the RAF Staff College. He wrote several books about his life and history.