Duncan Grinnell-Milne facts for kids

Duncan William Grinnell-Milne was a brave pilot and a clever escape artist from the First World War. He was born on August 6, 1896, and passed away in November 1973. He was known for his six confirmed aerial victories, meaning he shot down six enemy aircraft.

He was also a prisoner of war who managed to escape from German captivity. After his military career, he became a successful author and broadcaster. He served in both the British Army and the Royal Air Force.

Early Life and Education

Duncan Grinnell-Milne was born in Bromley, London. He was the second son of George Grinnell-Milne, who was a merchant banker. His mother was Maria Caroline Mess.

He went to school at Cheam School. Later, he studied at the University of Freiburg in Germany.

World War I Adventures

Duncan joined the military at a young age. He became a second lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade in December 1913, when he was just 17. When World War I began, he was thought to be too young for the front lines.

To get around this rule, he transferred to the Royal Fusiliers. Soon after, he joined the Royal Flying Corps to train as a pilot. In August 1915, he earned his pilot's license.

First Combat and Capture

In September 1915, Duncan was promoted to lieutenant. He joined No. 16 Squadron RFC. On November 28, flying a BE.2c plane, he shot down an enemy Albatros C.I aircraft. This was his first aerial victory.

Just a few days later, on December 1, his plane was forced down behind German lines. He was captured and became a prisoner of war. He was reported missing and then confirmed as a prisoner in early 1916.

Daring Escape

Duncan spent more than two years as a prisoner. But he never gave up hope. In April 1918, he finally managed to escape!

He made his way from Germany to The Netherlands. After a short time there, he returned to England. On May 16, he was even presented to King George V at Buckingham Palace.

Return to the Skies

After his escape, Duncan returned to flying combat missions. He joined No. 56 Squadron RAF, flying the fast S.E.5a plane. On October 5, he destroyed an enemy balloon.

On October 21, he was promoted to acting-captain. That same day, he destroyed a Fokker D.VII enemy plane. He continued to be successful, destroying two more D.VIIs on October 29. On November 3, he destroyed his fifth enemy aircraft, another D.VII. This made him a "flying ace," a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy planes.

A week later, the war ended with the Armistice of 11 November 1918. In December, Duncan took command of No. 56 Squadron. He flew his red-painted S.E.5a, named Schweinhund, for the last time in January 1919. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

Between the Wars

After World War I, Duncan continued to serve in the Royal Air Force. He flew with No. 214 Squadron and No. 14 Squadron in Egypt. In May 1919, he received a bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross, meaning he earned the award a second time. He was also given a permanent commission as a lieutenant in the RAF.

In December 1920, he received the Military Cross. This award recognized his bravery in escaping from captivity during the war. In January 1921, he was promoted to flight lieutenant.

Test Pilot and Diplomat

Duncan became a test pilot at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. This meant he flew new or modified aircraft to check how they performed. In June 1922, he took part in an air show at Hendon. He and another pilot showed off combat tactics in their S.E.5a planes.

In April 1923, he became an attaché in Paris. This role involved representing the British Air Force in France. In April 1925, he left the RAF at his own request. During his flying career, he had flown 60 different types of aircraft and spent over 2,000 hours in the air.

Life After the RAF

After leaving the Royal Air Force, Duncan worked as an art dealer in New York. He also became a writer. He published two books about his own experiences: An Escaper's Log (1926) about his time as a prisoner, and Wind in the Wires (1933) about his flying career. He also wrote several novels. Later, he worked as a broadcaster for the BBC.

World War II Service

Duncan returned to military service before World War II began. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in April 1939. In June 1940, he was sent on an important mission to France. He delivered letters to the leaders of the French Air Force. These letters encouraged them to keep fighting alongside Britain, especially in North Africa.

Duncan was also the British liaison officer to the French Air Force Commander-in-Chief. He traveled to different locations, trying to encourage French officers to continue the fight. He noticed that many younger officers wanted to go to England to keep fighting. He left France in June 1940.

Once back in London, he became a liaison officer to Free French General Charles de Gaulle. He worked with de Gaulle for four months and took part in the battles of Dakar and Gabon. He was promoted to flying officer in August 1941. Duncan left the RAF in July 1944 and then rejoined the BBC, where he worked until 1946.

Later Life and Writing

After the war, Duncan Grinnell-Milne lived in London. He became a full-time writer, focusing mainly on history and biographies.

Family Life

Duncan Grinnell-Milne was married three times and had a son named Robin Ian Evelyn Grinnell-Milne, who was born in 1925.