Clement G. Boothroyd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clement Graham Boothroyd
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 25 August 1899 Halifax, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 6 February 1952 (aged 52) Jesmond, Newcastle on Tyne, England |
| Allegiance | England |
| Service/ |
Aviation |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross, Mentioned in dispatches |
Lieutenant Clement Graham Boothroyd DFC was a brave airman during the First World War. He became known as a "flying ace" because he helped shoot down many enemy aircraft. He flew as an observer and gunner in a special plane called a Bristol F.2 Fighter. Working with his pilots, he achieved 12 confirmed victories in the sky.
Contents
Flying High: Clement Graham Boothroyd's War Service
Boothroyd's first success with 20 Squadron happened on July 2, 1918. He destroyed an enemy plane, a Fokker D.VII, near Geluwe. On August 11, he took down a "kite balloon" (a large balloon used for observing) south of Heule.
A Streak of Victories
On September 20, he began a series of ten more victories. He even had two victories on both October 23 and October 30. For these last two double wins, his pilot was another flying ace, Captain Horace Percy Lale.
Boothroyd's Final Score
By the end of the war, Clement Boothroyd had an impressive record. He had taken down one observation balloon. He also set one Fokker D.VII plane on fire in the air. Nine other enemy aircraft were destroyed during flight. Finally, one more plane was sent down out of control.
After the First World War
After the war ended, Boothroyd stayed in the military for a while. On August 1, 1920, he was "Mentioned in Dispatches" by General C. C. Monro. This was a special recognition for his excellent service in Waziristan. On December 12, 1922, Boothroyd moved to the Class A Reserve. This meant he was still part of the military but not actively serving. Exactly four years later, he officially left the service.
Awards and Honors
Clement Graham Boothroyd received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for bravery while flying in combat.
Distinguished Flying Cross Citation
The official statement for his award said: "2nd Lieut. Clement Graham Boothroyd. (FRANCE) An officer of high courage. On October 23, after attacking a railway station with bombs, his group of planes was attacked by about fifteen enemy scouts. Of these, he destroyed one, and his pilot took down another. In total, he has to his credit eight enemy aircraft and one kite balloon."
