Arthur Noss facts for kids

Second Lieutenant Arthur Rex Hurden Noss MC (born January 22, 1897 – died September 15, 1917) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he helped shoot down nine enemy airplanes. He earned a special award called the Military Cross for his courage. Sadly, he passed away after a flying accident.

Early Life

Arthur Rex Hurden Noss was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Alfred Noss. He grew up in Crouch End, England. He went to Kent Coast College in Herne Bay. He was a great athlete, winning eight sports awards in his final year at school!

World War I Service

Arthur began his military service as a gunner. He was part of the Honourable Artillery Company.

Joining the Royal Flying Corps

On April 4, 1917, Arthur became a temporary second lieutenant. He joined the Royal Flying Corps as a flying officer (observer) on June 20, 1917. This meant he would fly in planes and help spot enemies or operate a machine gun. His official start date for these duties was May 16, 1917.

Arthur was sent to No. 48 Squadron in March 1917. Here, he flew in Bristol F.2 two-seater planes. These planes had a pilot and an observer/gunner like Arthur.

First Victories

Arthur scored his first aerial victory on May 27, 1917. He achieved one more victory before he started flying with Keith Park. On July 19, their plane had a problem with its engine and crashed. Arthur was injured in this accident. Flight magazine reported his injury on August 2, 1917.

Flying with Keith Park

Arthur Noss and Keith Park became a very successful team. They achieved seven victories together in August 1917. One day, August 17, was especially amazing for them.

Keith Park went to help another British plane, a Sopwith Camel, that was being attacked by three German Albatros D.III planes. As they chased the Germans away, two more enemy planes attacked Arthur and Keith. Arthur fired at them, and when they flew past, Keith took his turn and shot both of them down!

Then, three more German planes attacked. Arthur used his machine gun to make one of them spin out of control. Keith chased after it. Still, three more Germans attacked, but they also flew past the British plane. Keith then saw another Sopwith Camel being attacked. He fired 100 rounds of machine gun bullets at the German plane from very close. The German plane spun out, giving Arthur and Keith their fourth victory that day!

Military Cross and Legacy

For their incredible bravery on August 17, Arthur and Keith were awarded the Military Cross. This special award was announced on September 26, 1917.

Sadly, Second Lieutenant Arthur Rex Noss was injured in another plane crash on September 15, 1917. He passed away from his injuries that evening or the next day. He is buried in Zuydcoote Military Cemetery in France.

Noss family grave in Highgate Cemetery

Arthur's Military Cross award was officially announced on January 9, 1918, after he had passed away. His award citation praised his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It said that even when his fellow planes were out of action, he kept attacking the enemy with great determination. He and his pilot destroyed one enemy plane and forced three others out of control. He was always a great example of courage and persistence.

Arthur is also remembered on his grandparents' family grave in Highgate Cemetery in London.

See Also

• Aerial victory standards of World War I