Conn Standish O'Grady facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Standish Conn O'Grady
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|---|---|
| Born | 4 January 1888 Ireland |
| Died | 7 May 1968 (aged 80) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1919 1940–1944 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | No. 23 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross Air Force Cross |
| Relations | Standish James O'Grady (father) |
| Other work | Civil engineer and lecturer |
Standish Conn O'Grady (born January 4, 1888 – died May 7, 1968) was an amazing Irish flying ace during World War I. He was known for shooting down nine enemy airplanes! Later, he helped train pilots in World War II. Outside of flying, he was a smart civil engineer and taught at Durham University.
Contents
Early Life and Studies
Standish Conn O'Grady was born in Ireland on January 4, 1888. He was the youngest of three sons. His father, Standish James O'Grady, was a famous writer.
In 1910, Standish graduated from Trinity College, Dublin. He earned degrees in Arts and Engineering. After college, he worked as a hydraulic engineer in Ireland. This job involves designing systems for water. Later, he moved to Canada. There, he worked with water resources for the government.
World War I Hero
When World War I started, O'Grady was in Canada. He soon returned to England. On July 25, 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force at the time.
He started his flight training in September 1916. He learned to fly with different training squadrons. By October 1916, he was officially a flying officer. His training continued until early 1917.
Flying in France
In March 1917, O'Grady was sent to France. He joined No. 23 Squadron RFC. His job was to fly the SPAD S.VII, a fast single-seat fighter plane. He quickly showed his skill.
- He got his first aerial victory on April 30, 1917.
- More victories followed in May and June.
- On August 1, he was promoted to lieutenant.
- On August 11, he became a flight commander, leading a group of planes.
- By August 26, he had achieved nine victories. This made him a "flying ace."
- Soon after, in September 1917, he was sent back to England.
Military Cross
O'Grady was awarded the Military Cross on September 25, 1917. This is a special award for bravery. His award was for his amazing courage. He led his patrols against many enemy planes. He shot down three enemy planes by himself. His bravery and determination were highly praised.
After the war, O'Grady left the Royal Air Force on May 24, 1919.
Standish O'Grady's Air Victories
Here is a list of the planes Standish O'Grady shot down:
| No. | Date/Time | Aircraft/ Serial No. |
Opponent | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 April 1917 @ 1640 |
SPAD S.VII (A262) |
Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Inchy-en-Artois | |
| 2 | 13 May 1917 @ 1900 |
SPAD S.VII | Albatros D.III | Set afire; destroyed | Vitry | Shared with Second Lieutenant Douglas McGregor. |
| 3 | 24 June 1917 @ 1610 |
SPAD S.VII (B3464) |
Albatros D.III | Set afire; destroyed | Sint-Jan | Shared with Captain William Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick and Second Lieutenant George Ivan Douglas Marks. |
| 4 | 12 August 1917 @ 0620 |
SPAD S.VII (B3556) |
Albatros D.III | Destroyed | Gheluvelt | Shared with Second Lieutenant Clive Wilson Warman. |
| 5 | 14 August 1917 @ 1905–1915 |
SPAD S.VII (B3556) |
Albatros D.III | Destroyed | East of Saint-Julien | |
| 6 | Reconnaissance aircraft | Destroyed | Shared with Second Lieutenants George Ivan Douglas Marks, C. F. Briggs and T. A. Doran. | |||
| 7 | 20 August 1917 @ 1945 |
SPAD S.VII (B3556) |
Albatros D.V | Set afire; destroyed | Poelcappelle | |
| 8 | 26 August 1917 @ 0650–0700 |
SPAD S.VII (B3556) |
Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | North of Passchendaele | |
| 9 | Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | North of Comines |
Between the Wars
After World War I, O'Grady went back to being an engineer. He worked for a company and then started his own business. In 1931, he became a lecturer. He taught Civil Engineering at Armstrong College in Newcastle. This college was part of Durham University.
He also kept his love for flying. In 1925, he joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers. He was promoted to flight lieutenant in 1928.
World War II Service
When World War II began, O'Grady returned to active service. He became an instructor.
- From May to August 1940, he taught at a school in England.
- From October 1941 to October 1943, he taught in South Africa.
- On July 24, 1942, he was promoted to squadron leader.
- On January 1, 1944, he received another award, the Air Force Cross. This award is for great bravery in flying.
- He left the military on March 24, 1944, but kept his rank of squadron leader.
Life After the Wars
In 1944, O'Grady returned to Durham University. He became a Senior Lecturer. He retired from teaching in 1954.
Outside of his work, O'Grady had many hobbies. He enjoyed fencing, sailing, and mountain climbing. But his biggest passion was gliding. He was a member of two gliding clubs. He even became the chief flying instructor for one of them. He continued to fly gliders well into the 1950s. He was also a respected member of the Institution of Civil Engineers for many years.
