Edward Gribben facts for kids

Edward Gribben was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy aircraft. After the war, he served in the army and then returned to the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II.

Biography

Early Life

Edward Gribben was born in County Down, Ireland. In 1911, when he was 23, he worked as a draper's assistant in Castlewellan. He lived with his parents and six brothers and sisters.

World War I Pilot

When World War I started, Edward Gribben joined the army. He became a second lieutenant in the Royal Irish Rifles in August 1914. Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps to become a pilot. He became a flying officer in December 1916.

In early 1917, Gribben joined No. 70 Squadron. He flew a Sopwith Camel plane. Between July and August, he achieved five victories. This meant he destroyed two enemy planes and forced three others to crash.

After these successes, he moved to No. 44 Squadron. There, he flew a Camel as a night fighter pilot. On September 26, 1917, he received the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery in battle. His award was officially announced in January 1918.

The award said he showed great courage and dedication. He often attacked more enemy planes than he had. He destroyed some and forced others down. He was a very skilled fighter. He always helped his teammates if they were in trouble.

In January 1918, he became a flight commander, which is a leader of a group of planes. He then worked as a test pilot at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. He returned to fighting in October 1918 with No. 41 Squadron. Just two days later, his Camel plane was badly hit by an enemy Fokker D.VII. He was wounded in the arm but managed to land his plane safely.

Between the Wars

Edward Gribben left the RAF in January 1920. He also left his army role in the Royal Ulster Rifles. He tried to rejoin the RAF briefly in 1920 but it didn't work out.

He returned to the military in 1930. He became a captain in the 18th Battalion, London Regiment (London Irish Rifles). This was a Territorial Army unit, which is a reserve force. In November 1934, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He retired from this role in November 1938.

World War II and Later

Just before World War II began, Gribben joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He became a flight lieutenant in September 1939. He was promoted to squadron leader in December 1941. He stayed in the Air Force Reserves even after the war. He finally left the service in February 1954, when he was 65 years old.