Arthur Randall facts for kids

Arthur Clunie Randall was a brave Scottish pilot. He was born on February 6, 1896. He became a flying ace during World War I. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Arthur Randall achieved 10 aerial victories in total. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage. He continued to serve in the military until 1926.

Early Life

Arthur Clunie Randall was born in Paisley, Scotland. This was on February 6, 1896. When he joined the military, he was living in Bothwell, Lanarkshire.

World War I Hero

Arthur Randall joined the army on November 13, 1914. He first served in the infantry. This is the part of the army that fights on foot. Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps in October 1916. This was the air force of Britain at the time.

He became a pilot and flew an Airco DH.2 plane. His first aerial victory was on January 23, 1917. He shot down an enemy plane. He scored another victory on March 11, 1917. He was injured during this fight.

In April 1917, he was promoted to lieutenant. He later became a flight commander. This meant he led a group of planes. He then flew a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a plane. With this plane, he achieved eight more victories. These happened between June and October 1918.

Just before World War I ended, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is given for bravery in air combat. His award citation said he was a "daring and skilful airman." It also noted he had taken down six enemy planes. He was praised for his determination and dedication to duty.

After the War

Arthur Randall stayed in the Royal Air Force (RAF) after World War I. The RAF was formed from the Royal Flying Corps. In August 1919, he became a permanent captain.

He took part in the campaign in the Baltic Sea. British forces helped local armies against the Red Army. This was during the Russian Civil War. Randall was part of a daring attack on Kronstadt on August 17, 1919. He flew one of eight planes that created a distraction. This allowed small boats to attack Russian warships.

During this mission, his plane's engine failed. But it started working again just as he was about to land. Even though it could fail again, he kept going. He wanted to help with the attack. His engine did fail completely on the way back.

In March 1920, he received another award. It was the Cross of Liberty from the government of Estonia. This was for his help during the Estonian War of Independence.

Randall continued to serve in different RAF squadrons. He was with No. 210 Squadron and later No. 203 Squadron. He left the Royal Air Force in December 1926. He later moved to Dominica in the Caribbean. He lived in a village called Delices.

See also

• List of World War I aces credited with 10 victories
• Aerial victory standards of World War I