Charles Lavers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Stewart Touzeau Lavers
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 17 August 1896 Saint Albans, United Kingdom |
| Died | 1979 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 23 Squadron RFC No. 1 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross British Empire Medal |
Captain Charles Stewart Touzeau Lavers was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was born on August 17, 1896, and lived until 1979. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down nine enemy aircraft in battles high in the sky.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the War
Charles Stewart Touzeau Lavers was born in Saint Albans, England. When he was 19 years old, in September 1915, he joined the West Yorkshire Regiment to serve his country.
He served with the army in France until September 1916. Then, he decided to join the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at that time.
Adventures as a Pilot
First Flights and Victories
Lavers started as an observer and gunner in a plane called the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2. He flew with No. 23 Squadron. In November 1916, he was hurt during a flight but recovered. After that, he trained to become a pilot himself.
In June 1917, he joined No. 1 Squadron RFC. This is where he became a true flying ace. His first victory happened on June 18, 1917. He was flying a Nieuport fighter plane and worked with other skilled pilots, Louis Fleeming Jenkin and Harry Reeves. Together, they destroyed an enemy Albatros D.V plane over Oostaverne.
Lavers continued to achieve more victories. He shot down four more enemy planes, making them go "out of control." His last victory in this period, on August 17, was shared with another pilot named William Rooper.
Returning to the Skies
After some time back in England, Lavers returned to No. 1 Squadron RAF in 1918. He was promoted to Captain on February 1, 1918. He quickly started scoring more victories.
On June 1, 1918, he helped destroy a German Pfalz D.III fighter plane. Many other pilots, including Percy Jack Clayson and Harold Albert Kullberg, also helped in this big team effort. Later, on September 15, Lavers, William Ernest Staton, and four other pilots managed to capture a Pfalz D.XII plane.
His final victory happened on October 1, 1918. It was another large team effort, with twelve other pilots helping to force a Fokker D.VII plane down.
Life After the War
After World War I ended, Charles Lavers left the Royal Air Force in July 1919. He was officially given the rank of Captain in April 1921.
He returned to his family's business, which was in the timber industry. Many years later, around 1960, he received the British Empire Medal. This award was for his service in the Royal Observer Corps, a civilian group that helped watch for aircraft.
Awards and Recognition
Lavers was honored for his bravery and skill with the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given to officers in the Royal Air Force for acts of courage during flight operations.
The award citation said that he often led his group of scout planes, protecting bombers on long missions. He successfully brought all the bombing planes back safely many times. It also mentioned his skill and determination in driving off enemy planes that attacked his group. He was credited with destroying several enemy planes and helping to destroy others.
