Douglas Savage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Douglas Savage
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|---|---|
| Born | 1892 Oxford, England |
| Died | 1967 (aged 74–75) Oxford, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1919 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Flight lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Warwickshire Regiment No. 82 Squadron RFC No. 62 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Military Cross Air Force Cross |
Douglas Alfred Savage (1892–1967) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during the First World War. This means he shot down seven enemy aircraft in air battles. He received two important awards for his courage: the Military Cross and the Air Force Cross.
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Douglas Savage's Military Service
Douglas Savage was born in Oxford, England. His father, Alfred Savage, worked as a stationer, bookseller, and publisher.
Joining the Army
Douglas joined the army on March 19, 1915. He became a second lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank. He first served in a training group of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Later, he moved to a fighting group of his regiment in France.
In April 1916, he joined a special unit that used trench mortars. These were small cannons used to fire shells over short distances. He was briefly an acting captain, then an acting lieutenant. He left this unit in September 1916. After that, he returned to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was promoted to lieutenant in July 1917.
Becoming a Pilot
Savage then decided to join the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain before the Royal Air Force was formed. After finishing his flight training, he became a flying officer in September 1917.
He spent two months with No. 82 Squadron. Then, he joined No. 62 Squadron. Here, he flew the Bristol F.2 Fighter. This was a two-seater plane, meaning it had a pilot and an observer/gunner.
Fighting in France
In January 1918, Savage and No. 62 Squadron went to France. They flew many missions, like patrols and protecting bombers. They also attacked enemy positions on the ground. During a big enemy attack in March, he shot down an enemy aircraft. But his squadron faced many losses. Many aircrew were killed, wounded, or captured.
On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service. Together, they formed the Royal Air Force (RAF). Savage's unit became No. 62 Squadron RAF.
They were very busy during the Battle of the Lys in April. Pilots flew for many hours each day. Douglas Savage had great success. He shot down two enemy aircraft on April 12. Then, he destroyed two more on April 21. However, on that same day, he was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire. He was injured when his plane was shot down near Armentières.
He achieved his sixth victory on May 19. Again, his plane was badly damaged by enemy fire. He had to make a forced landing. His seventh and final victory happened on June 2. After this, he was sent back to England.
Military Cross Award
Douglas Savage was awarded the Military Cross on July 23, 1918. This award is given for bravery during battle. His award notice said:
Lieutenant Douglas Alfred Savage, General List and Royal Air Force.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, especially on the following occasions. When on patrol attacked a formation of enemy aeroplanes, crashing one, while another fell to pieces in the air after a short combat. Attacked an Albatross, which he set on fire, and drove another down out of control. Attacked many ground targets from low altitudes.
This means he showed great courage and dedication. He attacked groups of enemy planes. He destroyed one and made another break apart. He also set an enemy Albatross plane on fire. He drove another one down out of control. Plus, he attacked many targets on the ground from a low height.
In October 1918, Savage became a flight commander. This meant he led a group of planes. He left the RAF on June 15, 1919, after the war ended.
Douglas Savage's Air Victories
Here is a list of the enemy aircraft Douglas Savage was credited with shooting down:
| No. | Date/Time | Aircraft/ Serial No. |
Opponent | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 March 1918 | Bristol F.2 Fighter | Enemy aircraft | Out of control | Observer: Second Lieutenant Louis Thompson | |
| 2 | 12 April 1918 @ 1420 |
Bristol F.2 Fighter (B1234) |
Pfalz D.III | Out of control | East of Estaires | Observer: Second Lieutenant Louis Thompson |
| 3 | 12 April 1918 @ 1515 |
Bristol F.2 Fighter (B1234) |
Albatros D.V | Out of control | Aubers | Observer: Second Lieutenant Louis Thompson |
| 4 | 21 April 1918 @ 0945-0950 |
Bristol F.2 Fighter (B1234) |
Albatros D.V | Destroyed | West of Lille | Observer: Second Lieutenant Louis Thompson |
| 5 | Pfalz D.III | Destroyed | ||||
| 6 | 19 May 1918 @ 1030 |
Bristol F.2 Fighter (B1336) |
Albatros D.V | Out of control | Bray | Observer: Lieutenant E. W. Collis |
| 7 | 2 June 1918 @ 1945 |
Bristol F.2 Fighter (C953) |
Fokker Dr.I | Out of control | South of Pozières | Observer: Sergeant William Norman Holmes |
Second World War Service
Douglas Savage returned to military service on April 25, 1940. This was during the Second World War. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This was a group of people who volunteered to serve in the RAF during the war.
He started as a pilot officer. He was later promoted to flying officer in October 1941. In 1942, he became a flight lieutenant. He was also an acting squadron leader.
In 1945, Douglas Savage received another important award. It was the Air Force Cross. This award is given for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry while flying, though not in active operations against the enemy."
