Clement W. Payton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clement Wattson Payton
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|---|---|
| Born | 13 April 1897 Walsall, Staffordshire, England |
| Died | 2 October 1918 (aged 21) † near Courtrai, Belgium |
| Buried |
Harelbeke New British Cemetery, Belgium
(50°51′34″N 3°19′28″E / 50.85944°N 3.32444°E) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 210 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
Lieutenant Clement Wattson Payton (born April 13, 1897 – died October 2, 1918) was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down 11 enemy aircraft and balloons.
Early Life and Family
Clement Wattson Payton was born in Walsall, England. He was one of ten children. His father, Joseph Wattson Payton, was a vicar, which is a type of church leader.
Clement's older brother, Frederick, also served in the war. Sadly, Frederick was killed in action in 1916. He is buried in France.
Joining the War Effort
Clement joined the Royal Flying Corps as a cadet. This was like a trainee program for pilots. In November 1917, he became a temporary second lieutenant.
By February 1918, he had earned his pilot's license. This meant he was ready to fly planes in combat.
Becoming a Flying Ace
In April 1918, Clement was sent to France. He joined No. 210 Squadron RAF as a fighter pilot. He flew a plane called the Sopwith Camel, which was a famous fighter plane of that time.
His first victory happened on May 20. He forced a German Albatros D.V fighter plane to go out of control over Belgium. The next day, he and two friends destroyed a German observation balloon. These balloons were used to spy on enemy positions.
Clement continued to have success in the air. On May 26, he shot down another Albatros D.V. The very next day, he and another pilot, Lawrence Coombes, drove down a Pfalz D.III fighter.
On June 1, 1918, Clement and Coombes worked together to destroy a German reconnaissance aircraft. This was Clement's fifth victory, making him a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft.
After a short break from victories, Clement began to score again in August 1918. He shot down five of Germany's new Fokker D.VII fighter planes. One of these wins was shared with another pilot, Ivan Couper Sanderson.
By October 1, 1918, Clement had achieved a total of 11 victories. This included one balloon and two enemy aircraft destroyed with help from others. He also destroyed five enemy aircraft by himself and forced three others out of control.
A Hero's End
Clement Wattson Payton was killed in action on October 2, 1918. This was just one day after his last victory. He had also recently received the Distinguished Flying Cross, a special award for bravery in the air.
He was shot down by enemy fire from the ground. At the time, he was bombing an enemy supply train in Belgium. Clement is buried in the Harelbeke New British Cemetery in Belgium.
