Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith facts for kids

Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith (1884–1951) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "fighter ace" because he shot down 22 enemy aircraft. After the war, he helped start flying services in southern Africa. He also served in World War II.

Early Life and Joining the Military

Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith was born in Lee, London, on April 10, 1884. When World War I began, he was working as a bank teller. Even though he was married with two children and older than many soldiers, he joined the army. His friends even nicknamed him "Dad."

He first joined a special unit called the Inns of Court Regiment. This unit helped train future officers. On August 12, 1916, he officially became a temporary officer in the Royal Flying Corps. After learning to fly, he joined No. 60 Squadron RFC. In 1917, he had an accident while flying a Nieuport Scout and got injured. Once he recovered, he became a flight instructor, teaching others how to fly.

Becoming a Combat Pilot

In early 1918, Roxburgh-Smith returned to flying in battles. He flew SE.5a planes with No. 74 Squadron RFC. He was promoted to lieutenant on February 12, 1918. He flew in a group led by the famous pilot Mick Mannock.

His first victory was on April 12, 1918, when he helped shoot down an Albatros D.V plane. He worked with Mannock and three other pilots for this success. By May 26, he had shot down five enemy fighter planes, making him an "ace." After his eighth victory on July 19, he was shot down himself but only had minor injuries.

He quickly returned to duty. On August 4, 1918, he became a flight commander, which meant he led a group of planes. He shot down many more enemy aircraft. He destroyed four planes in August, four in September, and five in October. On October 14, he shot down three planes in one day! This brought his total victories to 22.

In total, he destroyed 14 enemy fighters (some shared with other pilots). He also forced four fighters to crash or land out of control. He destroyed three reconnaissance planes (one shared) and forced one more to crash. This made him the third-highest scoring ace in his squadron, after Mick Mannock and James "Taffy" Jones.

Pioneering Aviation in Africa

After World War I, Roxburgh-Smith moved to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1920. He worked as a farmer for several years. At that time, flying for regular travel was just starting in the country.

In 1926, he sold his farm and went back to England. He practiced his flying skills and got a private pilot's license. When he returned to Rhodesia in June 1927, he got a job as a second pilot for an aerial survey company. He became the first commercial pilot in South Africa. He worked on this survey until February 1928.

He moved to England again but came back to Rhodesia in February 1929. This time, he had support from a company called Cobham-Blackburn Airlines. They wanted to create air routes all the way across Africa, from Cairo, Egypt, to Cape Town, South Africa. With this help, he raised money locally and started the Rhodesian Aviation Syndicate. This company later joined a bigger airline called Imperial Airways.

In May 1931, Roxburgh-Smith left the company. He planned to work for a wealthy man named Glen Kidston, who was also interested in aviation in South Africa. However, Kidston sadly died in a plane crash on May 5, which ended that plan. Roxburgh-Smith then returned to England on June 1.

In 1932, Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith became the Superintendent of the Salisbury Municipal Aerodrome, which is now called Belvedere Airport.

Service in World War II

Even though he was 55 years old, Roxburgh-Smith returned to serve in World War II. He first joined the Southern Rhodesian Air Force. On March 1, 1940, he received a special commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot officer. He was promoted to flight lieutenant on September 20, 1940. He later transferred to the Southern Rhodesian Air Force Reserve of Officers on October 1, 1943.

Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith passed away in Rome, Italy, in 1951 while traveling in Europe.

Awards and Honours

Benjamin Roxburgh-Smith received several important awards for his bravery and skill.

Distinguished Flying Cross

This award was given to him on November 1, 1918. The award citation said he had shot down six enemy planes. It praised him for being "bold in attack" and "skilful in defence," calling him a "valuable airman."

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

A "Bar" means he received the Distinguished Flying Cross a second time. This was awarded on February 7, 1919. The award noted his excellent leadership and how he helped keep his squadron's spirits high. It also mentioned his courage in many air battles. Since May, he had accounted for twelve more enemy machines.

Croix de guerre (Belgium)

This is a military award from Belgium. He received it on February 20, 1919, for his valuable service during the war.