Basil Blackett (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Basil John Blackett
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| Born | 23 June 1886 Potters Bar, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 22 April 1927 (aged 40) Pinner, Middlesex |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom Australia |
| Service/ |
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| Years of service | 1900–1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
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| Battles/wars | World War I • Annexation of German New Guinea • Gallipoli Campaign • Western Front |
| Awards | Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
Lieutenant Basil John Blackett (born June 23, 1886 – died April 22, 1927) was a brave British soldier. He became a World War I flying ace. This means he was a pilot or air gunner who shot down five or more enemy aircraft. Basil Blackett achieved his victories as an observer and rear gunner. He served with the Australian Imperial Force, but was assigned to the Royal Flying Corps. Later, he joined the Royal Air Force.
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Basil John Blackett: A WWI Flying Ace
Basil John Blackett was born in Potters Bar, Middlesex, England. He went to famous schools like Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge. Even as a student, he was involved in military training. From 1900 to 1905, he served in a volunteer rifle group. He started as a private and worked his way up to a senior rank.
Early Military Service
In 1907, Basil joined the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps. Ceylon is now known as Sri Lanka. He later moved to the Ceylon Mounted Rifles in 1909. He served as a private and a trooper in these groups.
When World War I began, Basil was 28 years old. He was living in Australia and working with racehorses. He was a trainer and a jockey. On August 11, 1914, he decided to join the war effort. He volunteered for the First Australian Imperial Force.
Joining the War Effort
Basil Blackett set sail from Sydney on August 19, 1914. He was part of a special Australian force. Their mission was to take over German New Guinea. After Australia took control, Basil worked in the government stores in Rabaul. He was promoted quickly, first to lance corporal, then to corporal. By November 20, he became a second lieutenant.
However, Basil became very sick with dysentery. This is a serious stomach illness. On April 13, 1915, he had to return to Sydney to get better.
Fighting in Gallipoli
After recovering, Basil was promoted to lieutenant on June 25, 1915. He joined the 18th Battalion. On August 18, his battalion arrived at ANZAC Cove. This was during the difficult Gallipoli Campaign.
Just a few days later, on August 22, he was wounded. He was hit in the right knee during the Battle of Hill 60. On September 18, he got sick with dysentery again. He was sent to a hospital in Malta, then to London.
Basil was given a long break to recover. By February 1916, he was well enough for general duties. On February 26, he got married to Jean Mounsey Whittle in London. They later had two daughters.
From Soldier to Airman
Basil rejoined his battalion on February 25, 1917. Soon after, he was chosen for special training. He would become an observer and air gunner in the Australian Flying Corps. This meant he would fly in planes and help spot enemies. He would also operate a machine gun from the aircraft.
On June 25, he joined 25 Squadron RFC. The RFC was the Royal Flying Corps.
Aerial Victories and Recognition
Basil Blackett achieved his first aerial victory on August 5, 1917. He was flying in an Airco DH.4 plane. His pilot was a Canadian named Conrad Lally. They destroyed an Albatros D.V enemy plane over Pérenchies.
On September 3, Basil and Lally shot down two more Albatros D.V planes. Basil then moved to different squadrons. He spent time with 43 Squadron RFC and 18 Squadron RFC. He also spent a week with 102 Squadron RFC.
On May 30, 1918, Basil had two more victories. He was flying with Irish pilot Albert G. Waller in a DH.4. They shot down two Fokker D.VII planes over Bac Saint-Maur. This brought his total victories to five, making him a flying ace.
On August 10, he returned to England. He became a Navigation Instructor at RAF Stonehenge.
Joining the Royal Air Force
In October 1918, Basil decided to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF was formed from the Royal Flying Corps. He officially left the Australian Imperial Force on October 31. On November 1, he became a lieutenant in the RAF. He left the RAF on April 4, 1919.
Basil John Blackett passed away on April 22, 1927. He was living in Pinner, Middlesex, at the time.
Awards and Medals
In July 1918, Basil Blackett received a special award. It was the Croix de Guerre from the King of the Belgians. This medal is given for bravery in battle. It was very rare for an Australian Flying Corps member to receive this award.
He also earned several other medals for his service. These included the 1914–15 Star, the War Medal, and the Victory Medal. He also received an Indian General Service Medal. This was for his service as a sergeant in India. Other awards included the 1902 Coronation Medal and the 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal. He also received the Volunteer Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. From France, he was awarded the Légion d'honneur (5th Class) and the Croix de Guerre.
