Awdry Vaucour facts for kids

Awdry Morris Vaucour, also known as "Bunny," was a brave pilot during the First World War. He was born on March 8, 1890, and sadly passed away on July 16, 1918. He became a "flying ace," which means he was officially credited with shooting down seven enemy aircraft. For some time, he flew with an observer and gunner named Alan Bott, who also became a flying ace later on. Vaucour's life ended in Italy when he was accidentally shot down by an Italian pilot from his own side. This sad event is sometimes called "friendly fire."

Becoming a Pilot

Awdry Vaucour started his military journey even before the First World War began. He was part of a training group for officers at the University of London. When the war started, he officially joined the Royal Field Artillery on September 1, 1914.

Early Missions and Awards

Vaucour quickly showed his bravery. On September 28, 1915, he flew a special mission to gather information over enemy areas. Even though there were thick clouds and heavy anti-aircraft fire (guns shooting at planes from the ground), he completed the mission. For this brave act, he and his pilot, Captain Euan Rabagliati, both received the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle.

Soon after, Vaucour officially became a flying officer (observer) in the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He was also recognized for his "gallant and distinguished service" by a top general.

Learning to Fly

Vaucour then decided to become a pilot himself. He earned his pilot's license on April 10, 1916, after learning to fly a biplane. He joined No. 70 Squadron RFC.

On September 2, he and his observer, Lieutenant Alan Bott, had a successful day. They destroyed an enemy plane called a Fokker E. Just twenty minutes later, they forced another enemy plane to go out of control. They destroyed another Fokker E on September 15. On the same day, Vaucour was put in charge of a group of planes, becoming a "flight commander." Within a month, he received another bar for his Military Cross, meaning he earned the award a second time.

Instructor and Commander

After his time fighting, Vaucour returned to England. For a while, he taught new pilots at the Central Flying School. This was a very important job, helping to train the next generation of flyers. He stayed there until August 22, 1917.

Vaucour then went back to combat, this time in Italy. He was promoted to "squadron commander" and became the leader of No. 45 Squadron RAF on August 24. This meant he was in charge of a whole squadron of planes and pilots.

More Victories and Awards

In 1918, Vaucour continued to show his skill. On February 27, flying a Sopwith Camel plane, he shot down two Albatros D.III enemy planes. He was again recognized for his "distinguished and gallant services" on April 18. On June 3, he received another major award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, for his bravery in the air. He went on to destroy two more enemy aircraft in June.

A Sad End

Awdry Vaucour was killed in action on July 16, 1918. He was mistakenly shot down by an Italian Hanriot HD.1 plane near Monastier di Treviso, Italy. This was a tragic accident, as the Italian pilot was on the same side.

Vaucour was buried in Italy. His name is also remembered on a war memorial in Bexhill-on-Sea, England. After his death, he was given another award, the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valor, in November 1918.