Dennis Waight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis Edward Francis Waight
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 15 February 1895 London, England |
| Died | October 1984 (aged 89) Liskeard, Cornwall, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1955 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Northumberland Fusiliers, No. 22 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Colonel Dennis Edward Francis Waight (born February 15, 1895 – died October 1984) was a brave British soldier and pilot. He was known for his courage during World War I. He started as a soldier on the ground. Later, he became an aerial observer, flying in planes to spot enemies and fight from the sky. He was so good at flying and fighting that he became a "flying ace." This means he helped shoot down 12 enemy aircraft.
He continued to serve in the military for many years. He was part of the armed forces both in the United Kingdom and in India. He served through World War II and retired when he was older.
Contents
Early Life and School Days
Dennis Waight grew up in St John's Wood, a part of London, England. He went to Aldenham School from 1911 to 1913. While at school, he was a good athlete. He played on the first team for football, which is what many people call soccer today.
World War I: From Ground to Sky
Dennis Waight joined the army in September 1914. This was right at the start of World War I. He first served as a soldier in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He showed great bravery during his time on the ground. Because of his courage, he was awarded the Military Cross. This is a special medal given for acts of bravery during battle.
In March 1918, he switched from the army to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the time. He became an aerial observer. This meant he sat in the back seat of a two-person plane. His job was to look for enemy planes and ground targets. He also operated the machine guns at the back of the plane. These guns helped protect the plane from attacks from behind.
He flew with No. 22 Squadron RAF in a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane. This plane was known for being strong and good in a fight.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Dennis Waight scored his first victory on July 10, 1918. He and his pilot, T. W. Martin, forced a German Pfalz D.III fighter plane down over Lille.
He became very successful during the Battle of Amiens in August 1918. On August 8, he and pilot William Frederick James Harvey helped destroy two more Pfalz D.III planes. A few days later, on August 11, he shot down a Fokker D.VII plane. On August 13, he destroyed a Rumpler plane and forced another Pfalz D.III down.
He continued to achieve victories. On August 14, he forced another German two-seater plane down. Two days later, he destroyed a Pfalz D.III. On August 21, he forced another German plane down. The next day, August 22, he and Harvey destroyed a Halberstadt reconnaissance plane. He finished August 1918 by destroying a Fokker D.VII while flying with pilot Ian Oliver Stead.
Dennis Waight scored his final victory just a week before the war ended. He and pilot Stanley Wallage forced a Pfalz D.XII plane down. In total, Dennis Waight helped destroy six enemy planes and forced six others down out of control. This made him a "flying ace."
Life After the Wars
After World War I, Dennis Waight continued his career in the British Army. He served in different roles and locations. He spent time working with the Indian Army. He also served as an Adjutant for a battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers. This meant he helped with the daily running and training of the soldiers.
He continued to serve through World War II. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1942. After many years of service, he retired from the army in 1947. He was given the honorary rank of Colonel when he retired. This was a special recognition for his long and dedicated service.
Colonel Dennis Waight passed away in October 1984 in Liskeard, England, at the age of 89.
