Edwin Benbow facts for kids

Captain Edwin Louis Benbow MC (10 December 1895 – 30 May 1918) was a brave English flying ace during the First World War. He was known for shooting down eight enemy aircraft. This included six destroyed planes, one shared destroyed, and one forced "out of control." Edwin Benbow was special because he was the only pilot to become an "ace" while flying only the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.8 plane.

Early Life and Family

Edwin Louis Benbow was born on December 10, 1895, in Abbotsbury, England. His father, Joseph, was the head gardener for a large estate there. Joseph had married Jane Caroline Brommer in France.

Edwin had an older brother named William. William was born in France in 1889. Sadly, William passed away in Abbotsbury in 1918.

Becoming a Wartime Pilot

Edwin Benbow joined the Royal Field Artillery in February 1915. This was during the First World War. He served for about a year before becoming a second lieutenant.

In 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. At first, he was an observer and gunner in planes. Later, he trained to become a pilot himself. He became a flying officer in July 1916.

He was then sent to 40 Squadron. Here, he flew the F.E.8 plane. This is where he achieved all his victories.

First Victories

On October 20, 1916, Edwin Benbow got his first victory. He destroyed an Albatros D.II plane. Just two days later, he set a German two-seater plane on fire. This happened over a place called Vimy.

A modern F.E.8 reproduction in flight.

He continued to be very successful. In November 1916, he shot down another Albatros plane. In December, he downed two more Albatros planes. By doing this, Benbow became the only "ace" pilot flying the F.E.8. This specific plane, F.E.8 Serial No. 7627, was involved in five or more of his victories.

Facing the Red Baron

On January 23, 1917, Benbow was in a fierce air battle. His gun jammed, and he had to avoid a direct attack. The famous German pilot, the Red Baron, attacked him. Benbow managed to escape.

On February 14, he destroyed another Albatros D.II. His seventh victory came the next day. This time, he forced an enemy plane "out of control."

A big moment happened on March 6. Benbow and the Red Baron met in the sky again. Nine F.E.8s from 40 Squadron fought five planes led by the Red Baron. While the Baron was attacking another British plane, Benbow shot him down. The Red Baron's plane was damaged and seemed to be on fire. This was Benbow's eighth victory. The Red Baron survived, but it was a major win for Benbow.

Wounded and Final Mission

Soon after, 40 Squadron began using new planes. On March 19, Benbow was wounded by anti-aircraft fire. This ended his first time fighting in France.

After recovering, Benbow became an instructor. He taught other pilots how to fly and fight. He was promoted to Temporary Captain in March 1917.

In May 1918, he joined Billy Bishop's No. 85 Squadron. On May 30, 1918, while flying a Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a, he was shot down. He was killed by a German pilot named Hans-Eberhardt Gandert.

Honours and Awards

Edwin Louis Benbow was awarded the Military Cross. This is a very important award for bravery.

He received it for his "conspicuous gallantry in action." This means he showed great courage and skill in battle. He destroyed four enemy machines under very difficult conditions.