Bruno De Roeper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruno Philip Henry de Roeper
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| Born | 22 March 1892 Forest Gate, London |
| Died | 1965 Nottingham, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Naval Air Service Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1925 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Unit | No. 6 Squadron RNAS |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Air Force Cross |
Bruno Philip Henry de Roeper (1892–1965) was a brave British pilot. He was a flying ace during World War I. This means he shot down five or more enemy aircraft. He also served his country during World War II.
Contents
A Young Pilot's Journey: World War I
Bruno de Roeper joined the Royal Naval Air Service on April 16, 1915. He started as a Temporary Flight Sub-Lieutenant. His first base was at HMS President. On July 1, he earned his pilot's license. He got it after flying a Grahame-White biplane at a flying school.
Early Flying Days and Challenges
De Roeper's first job was at a Coastal Air Station in Redcar, Yorkshire. He flew patrols to protect the coast. He also looked for enemy airships called Zeppelins. He had two accidents in 1916 while at Redcar. One time, his Caudron G.3 plane had to land suddenly. Another time, his B.E.2c hit a searchlight when landing. This happened after a night patrol.
Becoming a Flying Ace
After Redcar, he joined No. 6 Squadron RNAS. Here, he flew a Nieuport Scout plane. On December 3, 1916, he became an Acting Flight Commander. This was a step up in his leadership role.
His first victory came on May 20, 1917. He forced an Albatros two-seater plane down. Five days later, he attacked another German plane. But the enemy observer shot him in the jaw. This injury kept him from flying until July. While he was recovering, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. His squadron also got new Sopwith Camel planes.
Between July 22 and August 20, 1917, he achieved four more victories. He forced four enemy planes out of the sky. This made him a flying ace! After these successes, he became a flight instructor. He taught new pilots for the rest of the war. On January 1, 1918, he was promoted to Squadron Commander. In May 1919, he received the Air Force Cross. This award recognized his bravery and skill.
Life Between the Wars
On August 1, 1919, de Roeper officially joined the Royal Air Force. He was given the rank of Major, which later changed to Squadron Leader. The next day, he married Jean Julia Key in Romford.
New Roles and Interests
He then worked at the Central Flying School at RAF Upavon. Later, he moved to the School of Photography at RAF Farnborough. Finally, he went to No. 1 Flying Training School at RAF Netheravon.
De Roeper was also interested in space. On November 14, 1924, he was suggested to become a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. This is a group for people who study astronomy.
In December 1924, he joined a special committee in Germany. This group helped oversee Germany's factories after World War I. Their job was to make sure Germany followed the rules about what it could produce. On April 16, 1925, de Roeper left the regular Royal Air Force. He was placed on the retired list.
Staying Connected to Aviation
Even after retiring, de Roeper loved aviation. He got his pilot's license again in 1931. He earned Aviators Certificate No. 10158 at Brooklands Flying School. He also worked in the aircraft industry. By April 1939, he was a business manager for Rootes. This company was building Bristol Blenheim planes for the war.
Serving Again: World War II
When World War II began, de Roeper rejoined the Royal Air Force. He started as a Squadron Leader. On January 1, 1944, he was promoted to Wing Commander. Later, he became a Temporary Group Captain. This rank was made permanent on March 24, 1945. On March 3, 1946, de Roeper retired again. He kept the rank of Group Captain.
