Edward Sayers (RAF airman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Harper Sayers
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1897 Merton, Surrey |
| Died | 17 July 1918 (aged 20–21) Manston, Kent |
| Buried |
Willesden New Cemetery, Middlesex, England
(51°32′42″N 0°14′40″W / 51.54500°N 0.24444°W) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Médaille militaire (France) |
Sergeant Edward Harper Sayers was a brave British pilot from World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he helped shoot down five enemy aircraft.
Life and Early Service
Edward Harper Sayers was born in 1897 in Merton, a town in Surrey, England. In 1917, during World War I, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time.
He served in No. 20 Squadron. His job was a "2nd Class Air Mechanic," which meant he helped keep the planes in good shape. He also flew in a F.E.2d plane, which was a two-seater fighter. In this plane, he worked as an observer and a gunner, helping the pilot spot enemies and shoot them down.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Edward Sayers achieved his first aerial victory on April 7, 1917. Flying with pilot Second Lieutenant S. N. Pike, they forced an Albatros D.II enemy plane to go out of control over Tourcoing. This meant the enemy plane had to leave the fight.
On April 24, Sayers and Lieutenant E. O. Perry managed to set an Albatros D.III on fire over Becelaère. Sadly, they were later shot down themselves over Polygon Wood, but they survived.
Sayers then teamed up with Lieutenant Donald Cunnell. Together, they achieved two more victories. They shot down two more D.III planes in flames, one over Comines on May 2 and another over Wervicq on June 5.
His fifth and final victory came on June 8. With Second Lieutenant William Durrand as the pilot, they sent another D.III plane down in flames over Comines.
Awards and Legacy
For his bravery and skill, Edward Sayers was given a special award by the French government. On July 14, 1917, he was allowed to wear the Médaille militaire. This is a very important French military medal given for acts of courage.
Edward Sayers was promoted to Sergeant. Sadly, he died in a flying accident on July 17, 1918, at RFC Manston in Kent. He is buried in the Willesden New Cemetery in Middlesex, England.
Images for kids
-
Sayers's grave in Willesden New Cemetery
