Donald Beard facts for kids

Lieutenant Donald Wainwright Beard (born 20 May 1895, date of death unknown) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a flying ace in World War I. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Donald Beard was officially credited with eight aerial victories.

Early Life and Joining Up

Donald Wainwright Beard was born in Sandbach, Cheshire, England. His birthday was on May 20, 1895. He joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on August 20, 1913. The RFC was the air force of the British Army before the Royal Air Force was created. He started his military career as a mechanic.

A Hero in World War I

When World War I began, Beard went to France with his unit. Even though he was a mechanic on the ground, he really wanted to fly.

First Act of Bravery

On July 20, 1916, Donald Beard was in the air. He was a gunner in a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 plane. This was during a mission with No. 4 Squadron RFC. During a fierce air battle, the pilot, Captain Copeland, was hurt. Beard quickly took action. He shot down the attacking German Pfalz E.I plane. Then, he bravely flew the damaged B.E.2 back to safety. For his amazing courage, he received the Military Medal. This act of heroism also gave him the chance to train as a pilot.

Becoming a Flying Ace

After finishing his pilot training, Beard joined No. 11 Squadron RFC. He became a sergeant pilot on November 26, 1917. He flew a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane that he nicknamed "Amy."

On March 9, 1918, Beard and his gunner, Sergeant H. W. Scarnell, were a great team. They forced a German Pfalz D.III plane to crash. Just six days later, the same team had another successful day. They destroyed an Albatros D.III fighter. They also forced two other enemy planes to crash. A week after that, with a new gunner, Second Lieutenant H. M. Stewart, Beard set an Albatros D.V on fire.

On April 3, 1918, Donald Beard was promoted. He became a Temporary Second Lieutenant, which meant he was now an officer. His last victories in World War I happened on May 9, 1918. On that day, he destroyed one Pfalz D.III. He also forced another one to crash out of control.

After the First World War

On December 10, 1920, Donald Beard left his military position. He did this because of health problems caused by his time in the army.

World War II Service

Donald Beard returned to service for World War II. He was given a new role as a Flying Officer on November 18, 1940. On January 22, 1941, he was assigned to administrative duties. This meant he helped with office work and organization. Later, on July 20, he moved to the Technical Branch. On November 18, 1941, Beard transferred into the reserves. This meant he was still part of the military but not on active duty. He resigned his commission again on March 13, 1942, due to poor health. Records from April 8, 1947, also show him resigning his commission. This might mean he came back to duty after his 1942 resignation.

Awards and Recognition

Donald Wainwright Beard was awarded the Military Medal on December 9, 1916. He received this honor for his bravery as a sergeant. His serial number was 839.