Cecil Marchant facts for kids

Captain Cecil James Marchant (born June 15, 1895 – died May 30, 1965) was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace because he shot down nine enemy aircraft! Let's learn more about his amazing adventures in the sky.

Cecil Marchant's Early Life and Army Days

Cecil James Marchant was born in London, England. When he was just 18 years old in 1913, he joined the British Army. He served in a group called the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

By October 1914, he had become a sergeant. He was even mentioned in official reports by the top commander, Sir John French. In July 1915, he became a second lieutenant in another army group, the Middlesex Regiment.

Becoming a Pilot in World War I

Marchant spent about 18 months fighting in the trenches. These were long, narrow ditches where soldiers lived and fought. After this, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time.

He earned his pilot's license on August 1, 1916. On the same day, he officially became a flying officer. This was a normal step after finishing pilot training.

Flying the Sopwith Pup

In early 1917, Marchant's first job was flying a Sopwith Pup plane. He joined No. 46 Squadron. On March 1, 1917, he was promoted to lieutenant. His first time fighting in the air ended in June of that year.

Return to the Skies: The Sopwith Camel

On January 1, 1918, Marchant was made a flight commander. This gave him the temporary rank of captain. He went back to No. 46 Squadron in February 1918. This time, the squadron had new planes called Sopwith Camels.

These planes were famous for being very good in dogfights. Marchant scored his first aerial victory on March 22, 1918. Over the next 45 days, he achieved a total of nine victories! This made him a "flying ace."

Awarded for Bravery: The Military Cross

Cecil Marchant was given the Military Cross for his amazing bravery. This important award was officially announced on June 22, 1918.

His award citation said: "For great bravery and dedication to duty. He, with two other pilots, bombed a train from only 50 feet high. Three train cars went off the tracks. Another time, he and five other pilots bombed and shot at enemy vehicles. They caused many casualties and destroyed most of the vehicles. While flying a low bombing mission, he shot down two enemy two-seater planes that crashed out of control. He also shot down a third plane that caught fire. He always showed great courage and cleverness."

On July 2, 1918, Marchant was badly wounded. He had to leave combat and go to the hospital. Later, he worked in the Air Ministry as a staff officer. He also became an adjutant, which is an officer who helps with administrative tasks.

Marchant's Aerial Victories

Here is a list of the nine times Captain Marchant shot down or helped shoot down enemy aircraft:

Life After World War I

After the war, Cecil Marchant worked in his family's business. He also helped organize reunions for his old squadron members.

Cecil James Marchant passed away on May 30, 1965.