Eric Brookes facts for kids

Captain Eric Guy Brookes (1894 – 8 August 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy planes.

Becoming a Pilot

Eric Guy Brookes joined the British Army in 1917. He started as a second lieutenant. In 1918, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force at the time.

He was assigned to No. 65 Squadron. There, he flew a famous plane called the Sopwith Camel.

First Victories

Eric got his first victory on May 25, 1918. He shot down an Albatros D.V plane over Albert. He continued to be very successful.

By July 2, he had shot down four enemy planes. These included a Fokker Dr.I and a Pfalz D.III. On July 19, Eric was promoted to captain. He became a flight commander, leading other pilots.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Eric was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on August 1. This was a special award for bravery. The award recognized his amazing skills and courage.

A Brave Mission

One time, Eric was leading six planes. They were protecting bombers. Fifteen enemy planes tried to attack the bombers. Eric bravely fought them off. He shot down one enemy plane. This allowed the bombers to finish their mission.

Later, he protected another group of bombers. Even when his own group was down to three planes, he kept fighting. Two enemy planes attacked a bomber. Its observer had been killed. Eric fought them. He forced one down and made the other fly away. He was a very skilled and fearless officer. He also did great work flying close to the ground to attack enemy troops.

Final Flight

On August 8, Eric and other pilots forced two German Fokker D.VII fighters to land. The German pilots were captured.

Later that day, Eric went on another flight. He did not return. He was shot down north of Harbonnières. He is buried at the Heath Cemetery there.