Arthur Peck facts for kids

Arthur Hicks Peck was a brave officer in the Royal Air Force. He was born on April 25, 1889, and passed away on February 14, 1975. During the First World War, he became a famous "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Arthur Peck achieved eight aerial victories in total! He was awarded important medals for his courage, like the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross.

Arthur Peck: A Life of Service

Early Life and Education

Arthur Peck was born in Darjeeling, India. He was the only son of Francis Samuel Peck. His father was a doctor who worked for the Indian Medical Service. Sadly, his father died at sea when Arthur was young.

Arthur went to Clifton College in Bristol from 1903 to 1906. After that, he studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. Before the First World War began, he spent several years living in Australia.

World War I Hero

Arthur Peck joined the British Army on December 7, 1914. He served as a second lieutenant in the Devonshire Regiment. He fought in France and Salonika. Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the early version of the Royal Air Force. He became a flying officer in October 1916.

By June 1917, he was a flight commander with the rank of captain. He joined No. 111 Squadron in Palestine.

First Victories in the Sky

Flying a Bristol F.2 Fighter, a two-seater plane, Peck scored his first victory. On October 30, 1917, he forced an enemy plane to land. His observer and gunner, Captain John Lloyd-Williams, helped him. On November 6, they forced another enemy plane down. Two days later, on November 8, they shot down an Albatros D.III in flames.

Peck was recommended for the Military Cross medal. This was because on October 29, he bravely chased away three enemy planes by himself.

Becoming a Flying Ace

His squadron then got new planes, the S.E.5a single-seat fighters. On December 4, he forced another Albatros D.III down. This was his fourth victory. He officially received his Military Cross medal on January 18, 1918.

On March 3, he achieved his fifth victory. He and Major F. W. Stent destroyed an enemy reconnaissance plane. This made him a "flying ace." The very next day, March 4, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, another very important medal.

On March 23, Peck had an amazing day. He forced down three more enemy planes near Jericho. This incredible action earned him a Bar to his Military Cross. A Bar means you've earned the same medal again.

General Sir Edmund Allenby praised Peck for his "distinguished, gallant and valuable services." This was called a "mention in despatches." On April 13, Peck was promoted to major.

Life Between Wars

After the war ended, Arthur Peck left the military in April 1919. But he missed flying! So, six months later, he rejoined the RAF as a flight lieutenant.

In June 1920, Peck married Marjorie Amy Clare-Smith. In January 1921, his role in the RAF became permanent. He even joined an aerobatic display team. This team performed amazing flying stunts at the annual Royal Air Force Aerial Pageant.

Leading Squadrons and New Technology

On January 1, 1923, Peck was promoted to squadron leader. He became the leader of No. 25 Squadron in Constantinople. His squadron later moved back to England.

In June 1925, No. 25 Squadron showed off their skills at the Royal Air Force Display. Nine of their planes flew in perfect formations. They used a new system called radio telephony. This allowed Peck to talk directly to his pilots while they were flying! People on the ground could also hear the conversations through loudspeakers. The British Broadcasting Company even broadcast it on the radio.

Later, Peck led No. 25 Squadron in Army training exercises. He also served in Iraq, leading No. 6 Armoured Car Company. He then commanded No. 55 Squadron in Iraq. He received another "mention in despatches" for his services there.

Promotions and Commands

Peck returned to England in 1929. He was promoted to wing commander on July 1, 1929. He then worked at the Headquarters of the Air Defence of Great Britain.

On August 20, 1932, he became the Station Commander of RAF Northolt. This meant he was in charge of the entire airbase. He was promoted to group captain on July 1, 1935. After that, he became a Senior Air Staff Officer in Singapore.

Second World War Service

Arthur Peck continued to serve in the RAF during the Second World War. Even though he reached the normal retirement age in April 1942, he kept working. He finally retired at his own request on September 8, 1944.