David Stewart (RAF officer) facts for kids

Flight Lieutenant David Arthur Stewart (born March 8, 1890 – died December 24, 1924) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy aircraft. What made him special was that he achieved all his sixteen victories while flying large bomber planes, not the smaller, faster fighter planes.

David Arthur Stewart: A WWI Flying Ace

David Arthur Stewart started his military career in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. This was the air force of the British Army before the Royal Air Force was created.

Early Days and War Service

Stewart's first two victories happened in August 1916. He was an observer in the front seat of a plane called an F.E.2b with No. 20 Squadron RFC. He helped shoot down two German fighter planes.

After these early successes, he decided to become a pilot himself. He trained hard and earned his pilot's license in December 1916. By May 1917, he became a temporary second lieutenant and a flying officer.

His First Victories as a Pilot

His first victory as a pilot came on January 6, 1918. He was flying an Airco DH.4 bomber for No. 18 Squadron RFC. On March 6, 1918, he had an amazing day. He destroyed one German Pfalz D.III fighter and forced three others down out of control. He continued to score victories steadily.

On April 1, 1918, a big change happened. The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together to form the Royal Air Force (RAF). His unit then became No. 18 Squadron RAF.

Awards for Bravery

David Stewart was recognized for his incredible courage and skill.

Military Cross

On April 22, 1918, he received the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery in battle. His award citation mentioned how he bravely faced 30 enemy planes while returning from a bombing mission. He shot down one, and his observer shot down another. Even when his observer was hit, Stewart managed to fly his damaged plane safely back to their lines.

Bar to Military Cross

Just two months later, on June 22, he received a Bar to his Military Cross. This means he earned the award a second time. The citation highlighted his continued bravery, destroying four enemy planes in one month. He also flew many important reconnaissance missions, gathering valuable information for his side.

Distinguished Flying Cross

On November 1, 1918, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This medal is given for acts of courage and devotion to duty while flying. He was praised for being a skilled leader who destroyed three more enemy machines. He also led many bombing raids and photographic flights, often flying very low to get accurate information.

Stewart continued to achieve victories. By June 1918, he had scored sixteen aerial victories. Most of these were against enemy fighter planes. He worked with skilled observer gunners like Lewis Collins and William Miller.

David Stewart's Air Combat Record

Here is a list of David Stewart's confirmed aerial victories:

After the War

After World War I ended, David Stewart stayed in the RAF. He continued to serve and was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in June 1921. He was stationed in the Middle East with No. 216 Squadron RAF, flying large transport aircraft like the Handley Page O/400.

In January 1922, he received another award, the Air Force Cross, for his continued service. Later that year, he transferred to the Reserve of Air Force Officers. This meant he was no longer on active duty but could be called back if needed.

In 1923, he returned to active duty for a year, joining No. 7 Squadron RAF, a bomber unit. He also became a member of the Royal Aero Club, a famous club for aviators.

A Tragic End

After his military service, David Stewart became a commercial pilot for Imperial Airways, a major airline at the time. However, his civilian flying career was very short.

On December 24, 1924, he took off from Croydon Airport in England. He was the only crew member on a de Havilland DH.34 plane, carrying seven passengers to Paris. Just a few minutes into the flight, the plane had problems. It crashed and caught fire, sadly killing Stewart and everyone on board.