David S. Hall (RFC officer) facts for kids

Captain David Sidney Hall (1892 – 20 November 1917) was a brave Scottish pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Captain Hall was officially credited with six victories in the air.

Life and Military Service

David Sidney Hall was born in Grangemouth, Scotland, in 1892. He was the youngest son of William Hall. David went to school at Hermitage School, Dunoon Grammar School, and Hillhead High School in Glasgow. After school, he worked in an office for accountants.

When World War I began, David joined the army in October 1914. He started as a private in the Highland Light Infantry. In April 1915, he became an officer, a second lieutenant, in the Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) regiment. Soon after, he was sent to France to fight.

In December 1916, David joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He trained to become a pilot. After his training, he was sent to No. 57 Squadron in France. There, he flew a special type of plane called the Airco DH.4. This was a two-seater plane used for bombing during the day.

Flying Ace Missions

On 18 June 1917, David Hall became a flight commander, with the rank of captain. This meant he led groups of planes.

On 27 July, he and his observer/gunner, Lieutenant N. M. Pizey, were in a fight over Houthulst Forest. They managed to make an enemy Albatros D.V plane crash. Sadly, Lieutenant Pizey was killed during this action. After this, Captain Hall flew with a new observer, Lieutenant Britton.

On 2 October, Captain Hall led a group of five DH.4 planes on a bombing mission. Their target was an enemy airfield at Abeele. On their way back, they were attacked by many Albatros D.V fighter planes. In the intense fight, Captain Hall and his observer, Lieutenant Edward Patrick Hartigan, claimed to have shot down four enemy planes. However, two of their own planes were shot down, and a third crashed.

Military Cross Award

For his bravery in the air, Captain Hall was given the Military Cross on 26 November. This is a very important award for military personnel.

His award citation said:

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) David Sidney Hall, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Royal Flying Corps.

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading back his formation of five machines from a bombing raid he was attacked on eight different occasions by numerous enemy scouts. He himself shot down one in flames and another out of control, while his observer shot down two in flames. He has at all times, completed the task allotted to him, and set a splendid example."

This means he showed great courage and dedication. Even when attacked many times, he shot down two enemy planes himself, and his observer shot down two more. He always finished his missions and was a great role model.

Final Mission

On 28 October, Captain Hall and Lieutenant Hartigan shot down another enemy plane.

On 20 November 1917, the first day of the Battle of Cambrai, they went on a mission to check the weather. They flew alone, but they never came back. Later that day, their plane's wreckage was found near Les Alleux, France.

Captain Hall and Lieutenant Hartigan are buried together in the Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery in Saint-Omer, France.

See also

• List of World War I aces credited with 6 victories
• Notable members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders