Edward Darby facts for kids

Second Lieutenant Edward Darby was a brave pilot who flew during World War I. He was born on March 7, 1888, in Liverpool, England. He became known as a "flying ace" because he was very skilled at flying and fighting in the air. He was officially credited with six victories over enemy aircraft.

Edward Darby: A World War I Flying Ace

Edward Darby served in two important air forces during the war: the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Air Force. His courage and skill in the skies earned him a special award called the Distinguished Service Medal.

Joining the Air Service

Darby started his military career on August 5, 1917. He was an Air Mechanic 1st Class in No. 5 Squadron RNAS. This means he was a skilled mechanic who also flew as part of the crew. On that day, he and his pilot, Robert Jope-Slade, were flying a DH.4 plane. They managed to force down an enemy Albatros D.III aircraft near Snellegem.

A Special Award

Because of his bravery, Edward Darby was given the Distinguished Service Medal on September 14, 1917. This medal is given to members of the Royal Navy for acts of bravery during wartime. Soon after, on November 19, he was chosen to become a probationary observer officer. This meant he was training to be an officer who helped the pilot by looking out for enemies and directing attacks.

Becoming a Flying Ace

On April 17, 1918, a new air force was created called the Royal Air Force (RAF). Darby was officially made a second lieutenant (observer officer) in this new force. He was sent to No. 202 Squadron RAF, which also flew the DH.4 aircraft.

More Victories in the Sky

• Second Victory: On June 4, Darby and pilot Lieutenant A. L. Godfrey destroyed an enemy Pfalz D.III plane near Zeebrugge. This was his second victory.
• Third Victory: On June 27, flying with Lieutenant Laurence Pearson, Darby helped force down another D.III aircraft over Ostend.
• Fourth Victory: On July 16, he and Captain A. V. Bowater took down another D.III plane south of Ostend.
• Fifth and Sixth Victories: His last two victories happened on September 16. Again with Lieutenant Pearson, they forced down another D.III over Lissewege. Then, they shot down a Fokker D.VII plane in flames over Dudzele.

These six victories made Edward Darby a "flying ace," a title given to pilots who shoot down five or more enemy aircraft.

After the War

Edward Darby left the Royal Air Force on February 20, 1919. His service during World War I showed great skill and bravery in the air.