Charles Jeffs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Hubert Jeffs
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| Born | 11 July 1895 Holton-le-Clay, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1949 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Border Regiment No. 56 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Major Charles Hubert Jeffs MC was born on July 11, 1895. He was a brave British pilot during World War I. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy aircraft. He also earned a special award called the Military Cross.
Contents
Becoming a Pilot and Soldier
Charles Jeffs started his military training at the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps. This was a special school for people who wanted to become army officers. On June 8, 1916, he officially joined the 5th Battalion of the Border Regiment as a second lieutenant.
Soon after, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the early version of the Royal Air Force. He learned how to fly airplanes and became a flying officer on June 14, 1917.
Joining a Famous Squadron
On August 18, 1917, Jeffs joined No. 56 Squadron RFC. This squadron was famous for its skilled pilots. Just four days later, he achieved his first aerial victory. He was flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a plane. He successfully destroyed an enemy Albatros D.V aircraft.
A Flying Ace's Victories
Using the same type of plane, Jeffs scored four more victories. His last victory happened on September 29. This win was shared with another flying ace, Gerald J. C. Maxwell, and five other pilots. Sharing a victory means multiple pilots worked together to take down an enemy plane.
Captured in Battle
On October 5, 1917, Jeffs faced a tough challenge. He was shot down by a German pilot named Bruno Loerzer. Loerzer was a very successful German ace. Jeffs survived the crash but was captured by the enemy. He became a prisoner of war (POW).
While he was a prisoner, Jeffs was promoted to lieutenant in the Border Regiment on December 8, 1917.
After the War
Jeffs remained a prisoner until World War I ended in November 1918. After his release, he returned to serve in the Royal Air Force for a short time. On October 19, 1919, he was placed on the "unemployed list." This meant he was no longer actively serving in the RAF.
On July 7, 1920, Jeffs officially left the RAF. He went back to serve in the 5th Battalion of the Border Regiment.
Service in World War II
Charles Jeffs continued his service in the Border Regiment during World War II. He held the rank of captain during this time. On March 12, 1949, he retired from the army because he had reached the age limit. He was then given the special title of "honorary major." This means he was recognized for his service with the rank of major, even though he was no longer actively serving.
Charles Jeffs is remembered in his hometown. His name is on the "Roll of Honour" at St. Peter's Church in Holton-le-Clay. This list honors the men from the village who served in World War I.
