Charles Lupton facts for kids

Charles Roger Lupton (born January 27, 1898 – died May 9, 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. He earned this title by winning five aerial battles.

Early Life and Joining the War

Charles Roger Lupton was born in Potternewton, England. His father, Charles Lupton, was a well-known lawyer and even served as the Lord Mayor of Leeds.

Charles Roger went to Hillbrow School and Rugby School. He left school early in July 1916, when he was not yet 18 years old. He decided to join the Royal Naval Air Service, which was part of the Royal Navy and flew planes.

He officially became a temporary flight sub-lieutenant on July 20, 1916. He earned his pilot's license on September 14, 1916, after learning to fly a Maurice Farman biplane.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Charles Lupton first served at air stations in Britain. In April 1917, he had a serious accident that kept him from flying for two months.

In August 1917, he was sent to Dunkirk, France. There, he joined No. 5 (Naval) Squadron. He flew the Airco DH.4, which was a two-seater bomber plane used for daytime attacks.

Lupton achieved his first victory on September 28, 1917. He forced an Albatros D.V enemy plane to go out of control over Blankenberge. He did it again on December 8 over Aertrycke airfield. His gunner, Aerial Gun Layer Smith, was with him for both victories. The second victory was shared with another pilot, Flight Sub-Lieutenant John Gamon.

Awards and Recognition

On December 18, 1917, Charles Lupton and two other officers received the Distinguished Service Cross. This award is given for bravery and excellent service. They earned it for a bombing raid on October 25, 1917. They volunteered for the mission even though the weather was very bad. The award recognized their "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty."

Lupton was promoted to flight lieutenant on December 31, 1917. In January 1918, he became an acting flight commander, meaning he led groups of planes.

In March 1918, his squadron moved further south. On March 22, Lupton, flying with his new gunner A. G. Wood, forced another Albatros D.V down near Vendhuile. For his bravery and skill in leading bombing missions, he was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross. This award was announced after his death on June 4, 1918. It praised him for causing "great damage to enemy transport" and for his "courage and resource."

Royal Air Force and Final Mission

On April 1, 1918, the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps joined together to form the Royal Air Force. At this time, Charles Lupton was promoted to Captain. His squadron, No. 5 (Naval) Squadron, became No. 205 Squadron RAF.

Just a week later, on April 6, 1918, he shot down a Fokker Dr.I plane, which burst into flames near Villers-Bretonneux. The very next day, he forced a Pfalz D.III plane down over Lamotte. These were his fourth and fifth victories, making him a flying ace.

Sadly, Captain Charles Roger Lupton was killed in action on May 9, 1918. He was returning from a raid over German lines when his plane collided with a French aircraft at about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) in the air. He was only 20 years old.

He is buried at the British Cemetery in Vignacourt, France. His name is also remembered on a memorial at St. Johns Church in Roundhay.