Christopher Shannon (RAF airman) facts for kids

Sergeant Christopher James Shannon was a brave English soldier. He was born in 1899 in Stamford Hill, London. We do not know when he passed away. During the First World War, he became known as a "flying ace." This means he was officially credited with winning five air battles against enemy planes.

Christopher James Shannon: A World War I Flying Ace

Early Life and Military Service

Christopher James Shannon joined the military during World War I. He served in the British Army. Later, he became part of the Royal Air Force. He held the rank of Sergeant.

In 1917, Shannon was part of No. 22 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. This was a very important part of the British military. He flew in a special type of airplane. It was called the Bristol F.2b.

This plane was a two-seater fighter. Shannon's job was an "observer/gunner." This meant he helped the pilot look for enemy planes. He also fired the plane's machine gun during air battles.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Christopher Shannon achieved his first air victory on August 21, 1917. He was flying with pilot Lieutenant T. W. Martin. Together, they forced an enemy Fokker D.VII plane down. This happened north of Cambrai.

His next victories were with a different pilot, Lieutenant Frank George Gibbons. On September 2, they destroyed two more Fokker D.VII planes. These battles took place over Haynecourt.

Shannon continued to show great skill. On September 16, he helped force another Fokker D.VII down. This happened over Quesnoy Wood. His fifth and final victory came on September 27. He and Lieutenant Gibbons forced down another Fokker D.VII. This battle took place between the Sensée Canal and Cambrai.

Honored for Bravery

For his bravery and skill in the air, Christopher Shannon received an important award. On December 31, 1918, he was given the Distinguished Flying Medal. This medal is awarded to members of the Royal Air Force for acts of "exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air."