Charles Sims (RAF officer) facts for kids

Flight Lieutenant Charles John Sims (born December 20, 1899 – died December 30, 1929) was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Sims achieved nine aerial victories in total. One of his most amazing victories involved shooting down an enemy plane that then crashed into another, giving him two wins at once! He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage in attacking enemy positions on the ground.

Early Life of Charles Sims

Charles John Sims was born in Bournemouth, England. His birthday was on December 20, 1899.

Charles Sims in World War I

Sims joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) in October 1917. He became a probationary flight officer. He was assigned to No. 13 (Naval) Squadron. This squadron later became No. 213 Squadron RAF. This happened when the RNAS joined with the Royal Flying Corps. Together, they formed the Royal Air Force (RAF) on April 1, 1918.

Sims flew a Sopwith Camel single-seat fighter plane. He was very dedicated to his missions. He often flew low to attack enemy trenches. He also supported ground troops. Between July and November 1918, he achieved nine aerial victories. This was just before the war ended.

His most impressive wins happened on September 25. He shot down one Fokker D.VII plane. This plane then spun out of control and crashed into a second Fokker D.VII. This gave Sims two victories from one action! On October 14, he scored three victories in a single day. In total, he destroyed a balloon and four German aircraft by himself. He also shared two victories with other pilots. Two other enemy planes were forced down out of control.

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

Charles Sims received the Distinguished Flying Cross on November 2, 1918. This award recognized his bravery. His award citation praised his actions during a raid. He flew very low, at about 200 feet, to bomb an enemy airfield. He hit his target directly. Then, he flew even lower, to about 50 feet. He attacked enemy Fokker biplanes parked outside their hangars. The citation called him an officer of "exceptional courage and ability." It also noted his "remarkable powers of observation."

After the War: Sims's RAF Career

After World War I, Sims continued to serve in the RAF. On August 1, 1919, he was given a permanent commission as a lieutenant. This meant he would stay in the RAF for the long term.

In November 1920, he became a student member. This was at the Royal Aeronautical Society. In October 1922, he was chosen for a special course. It was called Aeronautical Research Course "C." He studied at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London. He finished his studies in October 1925. He earned a Diploma of Imperial College for his advanced work.

In May 1926, he published a paper. It described his experiments. These experiments were about adding special substances to aircraft fuel. On January 1, 1926, he was promoted. He became a flight lieutenant. On September 10, 1926, he was assigned to No. 24 Squadron RAF. This squadron was based at RAF Kenley. However, his time there was short. He was soon reassigned to the RAF School of Photography. This school was at RAF Farnborough.

In July 1929, Sims traveled to Iraq. He went there for "secret experiments." About a month after returning from Iraq, he died. He was found dead in his bedroom at Farnborough on December 30, 1929.