Edward Pennell facts for kids

Flight Lieutenant Edward Robert Pennell (1894–1974) was a brave British pilot. He became a World War I flying ace, which means he shot down five or more enemy aircraft. He also served in the military again during World War II.

A Young Start in the Military

Edward Pennell, often called Ted, joined the Royal Navy when he was just 16 years old in 1910. He didn't stay long and soon joined the Honourable Artillery Company. This was a special part of the British Army.

When World War I began, he was called up for duty. He served as a corporal, which is a non-commissioned officer rank.

Becoming a Pilot

In August 1916, Edward Pennell joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force before the Royal Air Force existed. He became a temporary second lieutenant, a junior officer rank. By November, he was officially a flying officer.

He first flew with No. 27 Squadron in 1917. He piloted a single-seat plane called the Martinsyde G.100 "Elephant." On March 19, he achieved his first victory by forcing an enemy plane down.

French Recognition and More Victories

In July 1917, the French government gave him a special award called the Croix de Guerre. This award recognized his bravery in battle.

Soon after, he moved to a new group, No. 84 Squadron. Here, he flew a different single-seat fighter plane called the S.E.5a. In September, he was made a flight commander and given the temporary rank of captain.

He continued to show great skill in the air. On November 22, he destroyed an enemy observation balloon. These balloons were used to spot enemy positions. On November 30, he destroyed a German reconnaissance aircraft. He also helped force down two more enemy planes in late 1917 and early 1918. In total, he destroyed one balloon and two aircraft, and forced two more aircraft down.

A Special Award

In February 1918, he was promoted to lieutenant. However, he became ill the very next day and had to leave active service.

On June 3, 1918, King George V created a new award called the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award was for officers who showed great bravery while flying against the enemy. Edward Pennell was one of the very first people to receive this important medal. He left the military in January 1919.

Life Between the Wars

After World War I, Edward Pennell went back to his home in Clacton-on-Sea. He started a business, developing properties. He also became a partner in a restaurant and owned two cinemas.

He was very involved in his local community. He was elected to the local council, called the Urban District Council. He even served as its chairman in 1927–28.

Serving Again in World War II

When World War II started, Edward Pennell joined the military again. In January 1940, he became a probationary pilot officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

He quickly moved up in rank. By August 1940, he was a flying officer, and in June 1942, he became a flight lieutenant. He worked as a liaison officer at a flying school in the United States. This meant he helped connect different groups. He had to leave the service in August 1944 because of health issues.

After the Wars

Edward Pennell returned to Clacton and continued to serve his community. He was chairman of the Urban District Council two more times, from 1946–1948 and again from 1953–1954. He was also a long-time member and chairman of several other local committees.

He was a member of groups like the Royal Air Forces Association and the local Conservative Club. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing. Edward Pennell passed away in 1974.