Carl Raymond Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Raymond Davis
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Carl Raymond Davis c. 1939
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| Born | 30 July 1911 Krugersdorp, Transvaal, South Africa |
| Died | 6 September 1940 (aged 29) near Tunbridge Wells, England |
| Buried |
St Mary's churchyard, Storrington, Sussex
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1940 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Service number | 90131 |
| Unit | No. 601 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Relations | Carl Raymond Davis Sr (father) Clara May Davis (mother) |
Carl Raymond Davis, DFC (born July 30, 1911 – died September 6, 1940) was a brave pilot during the Second World War. He was born in South Africa to American parents but flew for the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF). He was a "flying ace" in the famous Battle of Britain, which means he shot down many enemy planes. Carl Davis was one of 11 American pilots who helped defend Britain during this important battle. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Carl Davis was born in a place called Krugersdorp in South Africa. His parents were American. He went to school in England at Sherborne School and then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He also studied at McGill University in Canada, where he became a mining engineer.
In 1932, Carl became a British citizen. He was married to Anne, whose brother also flew in the same RAF squadron. After finishing his engineering studies, Carl learned to fly planes in New Jersey, USA.
In 1935, Carl Davis moved back to the United Kingdom. He joined No. 601 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at Hendon Aerodrome. He officially became an officer in the RAF in August 1936.
Flying in the Second World War
Carl Davis began full-time service in the RAF on August 27, 1939, just before the Second World War officially started. On November 27, he flew one of the six Blenheim planes from his squadron that attacked a German seaplane base.
Battle of Britain Hero
During the Battle of Britain in 1940, Carl Davis showed incredible bravery.
- On July 11, 1940, he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 enemy plane.
- He shot down two more Bf 110s on August 11, 1940.
- He then shot down three more Bf 110s on August 13.
For his courage and skill, Carl Davis was given the Distinguished Flying Cross on August 30. This award recognized his bravery and success in combat. His award citation mentioned that he had destroyed six enemy aircraft and damaged several others.
His Final Flight
Carl Davis continued to fly and shot down five more enemy planes. However, on September 6, 1940, his plane was shot down. A German Messerschmitt Bf 109 attacked his Hawker Hurricane plane during a battle over Tunbridge Wells.
Carl Davis crashed near Tunbridge Wells and sadly died at the age of 29. His plane was completely burned out in a garden.
Remembering Carl Davis
Today, Carl Davis is still remembered for his service. A group called the 2464 (Storrington) Squadron of the Air Training Corps holds a special ceremony each year. They lay a wreath at his grave in the churchyard at St Mary's, Storrington. This service happens after the church's Battle of Britain service every year.
See also
- List of Battle of Britain pilots
- Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain
- List of flying aces in the Battle of Britain
