Dennis Latimer facts for kids

Captain Dennis Latimer MC, DFC (born August 31, 1895 – died January 12, 1976) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. In fact, he achieved an amazing 28 victories in the air! All of these wins were against enemy fighter planes.

Early Life and Beginnings

Dennis Latimer was born in a place called Withington, in Shropshire, England. His parents were James Davies and Ida Lottie Latimer. By the time he was six years old, in 1901, his family had moved to Towyn, a town in Wales. There, his father owned a hotel.

Flying High in World War I

Dennis Latimer joined the war effort on January 26, 1917. He became a temporary second lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of the British Army at the time. By April, he was officially a flying officer.

In early 1918, he joined No. 20 Squadron RFC. Here, he flew a special two-seater fighter plane called the Bristol F.2b. This plane needed two people: a pilot and an observer who also acted as a gunner.

First Victories

Latimer scored his very first aerial victory on March 13, 1918. His observer and gunner for this fight was Lieutenant James Scaramanga. This was his only victory while still part of the Royal Flying Corps.

On April 1, 1918, something big happened! The Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service to create a new, bigger air force called the Royal Air Force (RAF).

After this, Latimer started flying with a new observer, Lieutenant Tom Noel. Together, they quickly became a very successful team. They achieved their second victory on April 21. Between May 8 and May 20, Latimer and Noel scored 13 more victories!

Becoming a Flight Commander

Because of his amazing skills, Dennis Latimer was promoted on May 25. He became a flight commander, which meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He also received the temporary rank of captain.

Latimer and Noel continued their success, adding nine more victories in June and July. In August, Latimer flew with a different gunner, Sergeant Arthur Newland, and they added five more wins to his record.

A Difficult Day

However, on August 22, Latimer was flying with Tom Noel again when their plane was shot down. They were attacked by a German pilot named Willi Nebgen. Sadly, Tom Noel was killed, and Dennis Latimer was captured by the enemy.

Even though he was captured, Latimer had achieved a lot. With his gunners, he had helped capture one enemy aircraft, destroyed 17 others (some shared with other pilots), and made 10 enemy planes go "out of control" (meaning they were forced to land or crash). This made him the highest-scoring ace in No. 20 Squadron!

Special Awards

After his capture, Dennis Latimer was recognized for his bravery. He was awarded the Military Cross on September 13. This award is given for acts of courage during battle. His award said he showed "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It mentioned that he and his observer had destroyed seven enemy machines and forced down three others in just four days!

Just a week later, he received another important award: the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air." His citation highlighted his great skill and bravery, noting how he shot down one scout plane in flames and then immediately destroyed another. It also mentioned he had accounted for four other enemy machines.

After the war ended, Dennis Latimer was sent back home. He left the RAF on April 10, 1919.