Cecil Gardner facts for kids

Cecil Vernon Gardner (born September 14, 1889 – died September 30, 1918) was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down ten enemy aircraft in air battles. He earned a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his courage.

Meet Cecil Vernon Gardner

His Early Life

Cecil Vernon Gardner was born in a place called Broughton, Oxfordshire, England. His parents were James and Hannah Elizabeth Gardner. He grew up on a farm named Grovehill Farm in Tingewick, Buckinghamshire. He went to school at the Royal Latin School in Buckingham.

Joining the Military

Gardner joined the British Army in December 1915. In March 1917, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the United Kingdom's air force at the time. He started as an air mechanic, helping to fix planes.

Becoming a Pilot

In April 1917, the RFC was having a tough time. They were losing many planes and pilots. Because of this, Gardner was made a probationary second lieutenant on July 19, 1917. He became a full officer on October 7.

After finishing his flight training, Gardner joined No. 19 Squadron RFC in January 1918. He flew a type of plane called the Sopwith Dolphin. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together. They formed a new air force called the Royal Air Force (RAF).

His Aerial Victories

Gardner got his first victory on June 6, 1918. This was during a big German attack. He helped shoot down a German plane called a DFW C.V over Vieux-Berquin. He shared this victory with three other pilots.

Just three days later, on June 9, he destroyed another DFW C.V plane by himself. This happened over Neuf-Berquin. In July, he shot down four more enemy aircraft.

On August 8, the Allies (the British and their friends) started a big counter-attack. This attack helped to defeat the German Army. On August 11, Gardner shot down two enemy planes in one afternoon. The very next day, August 12, he was made a temporary captain.

He shared his ninth victory on September 16, 1918, with another pilot named James Hardman. His last air battle was on September 27. He destroyed a Fokker D.VII plane over Haynecourt. This brought his total to six enemy planes destroyed and four forced down.

His Final Flight

After his last victory, Gardner's plane was shot down. He was hit by a German ace pilot named Gustav Borm. Gardner was badly hurt and died from his wounds three days later, on September 30, 1918.

Awards and Memorials

Cecil Gardner was given the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is for bravery in air combat. However, the award was officially announced on November 2, 1918. This was three days after he had died.

His award citation said he was a "bold and skilful leader." It also said he was a "brilliant fighting pilot" who had shot down eight enemy machines.

Gardner was buried at Grévillers British Cemetery in France. This cemetery is near where he was shot down. His name is also on the War Memorial at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Buckingham. His older brother, Percy, who also died in World War I, is remembered there too.