David John Weston facts for kids

Meet David John Weston, a brave British pilot from World War I. He was born on November 14, 1898, in Wandsworth, London, England. We don't know when he passed away. David Weston was known as a 'flying ace' because he won 13 battles in the sky against enemy planes. All his victories were against other fighter planes!

David Weston's Amazing Air Battles

David Weston became an officer on August 12, 1917. Soon after, he joined the 20 Squadron of the Royal Air Force. In the air, pilots often worked with an "observer." This person sat in the back of the plane and operated the machine guns.

Weston flew with two very skilled observers: Walter Noble and Ernest Deighton. Together, they achieved many victories.

First Victories

Weston and Noble scored their first two victories on January 25, 1918. This was just the beginning of their successful missions.

More Triumphs in the Sky

David Weston had some incredible days in the air.

• On May 19, 1918, he achieved three victories in one day with Ernest Deighton.
• On June 30, he scored another three victories, this time with Walter Noble.
• His last victory was on July 2, 1918. He destroyed an enemy Fokker D.VII plane over the Gheluvelt-Menen Road.

In total, David Weston shot down six enemy planes that crashed out of control. He also completely destroyed seven other enemy fighter aircraft.

Special Award: Distinguished Flying Cross

For his bravery and skill, David Weston received a very important award called the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award was announced on August 3, 1918.

The award citation described him as: "A bold and skilful airman, who has accounted for six enemy machines. He has been generally engaged against superior numbers and always with success."

This means he was a brave and talented pilot who often fought against more enemy planes than he had. And he always won!