Arthur Vigers facts for kids

Captain Arthur Whitehair Vigers (20 January 1890 – September 1968) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down 14 enemy aircraft. He was one of the top pilots who flew the Sopwith Dolphin plane. He also earned two important awards for his bravery: the Military Cross (MC) and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

Early Life and Military Start

Arthur Vigers was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, in the United Kingdom. His parents were Thomas William Vigers and Margaret Mary. He went to school at Mill Hill School in London.

In 1908, when he was 18, he joined the London Cable Signal Company. This was a part of the Royal Engineers Signal Service, which helped with communications for the army.

World War I Heroics

When World War I began, Vigers became a second lieutenant in the London Cable Signal Company in September 1914. He was later moved to serve with the regular army.

He was promoted to temporary lieutenant in July 1915. He was also recognized for his "gallant and distinguished service" (meaning brave and excellent work) in November 1915. In January 1916, he received the Military Cross, a medal given for bravery in battle.

In May 1917, Vigers joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He started as an observer, helping pilots spot things from the sky. He flew with No. 15 Squadron RFC. After that, he trained to become a pilot himself. He officially became a flying officer (a pilot) in November 1917.

He then joined No. 87 Squadron RAF and flew the Sopwith Dolphin, a single-seat fighter plane. He achieved his first two victories on June 3, 1918, by shooting down enemy fighter planes. By August 10, he had shot down three more, bringing his total to five. This made him a "flying ace." He shot down three more planes in August. On September 1, he was promoted to temporary captain and became a flight commander, leading a group of planes. That month, he shot down six more aircraft.

On November 1, 1918, Vigers was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award recognized his outstanding bravery. The official statement said he was a "gallant and skilful airman." It mentioned how he bravely attacked a larger group of enemy planes, destroying two and sending another out of control.

Vigers stayed with No. 87 Squadron even after the war ended. He was recognized again for his service in March 1919 and was made a temporary captain once more in May 1919.

Arthur Vigers' Air Victories

Here is a list of the enemy aircraft Arthur Vigers shot down or forced out of control during World War I:

Life After the War

After World War I, Arthur Vigers left the Royal Air Force and moved to Australia. He started working for the Sopwith Larkin Aviation Company. This company was co-founded by Herbert Joseph Larkin, who had been a flight commander with Vigers during the war.

In December 1919, Vigers planned to be the first person to fly across the Bass Strait, from Melbourne to Launceston, Tasmania. He planned to use a Sopwith Gnu plane. However, another pilot, Lieutenant Arthur Leonard Long, made the flight first.

On December 26, 1919, Vigers took part in an air show in Australia. About 10,000 people watched. He flew a Sopwith Dove in a pretend dogfight. He also raced against other pilots. Vigers won the first race, which was the first air race in Australia.

In January 1920, Vigers had an accident while flying. His engine failed, and his plane crashed. His passenger, Phillip Roff Nunn, sadly died a few days later from his injuries. An investigation found that a broken engine part caused the crash, and Vigers was not to blame.

By June 1920, Vigers had recovered. He set an Australian record by flying his Sopwith Gnu with three passengers to a height of 15,200 feet (about 4,630 meters). In August 1920, he had another plane crash during a tour, but luckily, no one was hurt that time.

In 1923, Vigers continued flying. He helped survey (check out) an air route for the Defence Department. He flew from Sydney to Adelaide. On the return flight, his plane crashed, but he and his co-pilot only had minor injuries.

Vigers also worked for the Qantas Aerial Mail Service, which delivered mail by air. He left Qantas in May 1924. In November 1925, he worked for the West Australian Mail Service. He helped transport a body by air over a long distance for burial.

Arthur Vigers married Marjorie Frances Vigers in England on August 10, 1929.

During World War II, he served again in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Arthur Vigers passed away in Bunbury, Western Australia, in September 1968.