Eric Walker (RAF officer) facts for kids

Lieutenant Eric Walker DFC (born July 10, 1896 – died April 11, 1983) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy planes.

Eric Walker: A World War I Flying Ace

Eric Walker was a British soldier and pilot who served during World War I. He was a very skilled observer and gunner in the Royal Air Force. His bravery earned him a special award for his actions in the sky.

Joining the Fight

Eric Walker joined the British Army on December 19, 1916. He started as a second lieutenant in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. This was a special group of soldiers. Later, in May 1918, he joined the Royal Air Force. Here, he became an "observer officer." This meant he flew in planes to spot enemy positions and help the pilot.

Battles in the Sky

Eric Walker flew with No. 18 Squadron RAF. His plane was an Airco DH.4. This plane was used for bombing and scouting. As an observer and gunner, his job was to look out for enemy aircraft. He also fired the machine gun.

His first victories happened on May 31, 1918. With his pilot, Second Lieutenant J. Waugh, he helped shoot down two enemy planes. These were Fokker Dr.I triplanes, which were famous German fighter planes. They forced these planes down near Armentières.

Later, on July 28, Eric Walker flew with a new pilot, Lieutenant John Gillanders. Together, they destroyed a Fokker D.VII plane. They also took down another two-seater aircraft over Esquerchin. Just a few days later, on July 31, Eric and Gillanders fought two more Fokker D.VII fighters. They destroyed one and forced another down near Brebières. These six victories made Eric Walker a "flying ace."

A Special Award

For his amazing bravery and skill, Eric Walker received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This important award was announced on November 1, 1918.

The award recognized his hard work and courage. It said he had flown on 35 bombing missions. He also completed 10 photo flights and 21 scouting missions. Many of these flights were very low to the ground. The award praised him as a "most efficient and keen observer." It also called him a "bold and determined fighter" who had helped take down four enemy machines.

Life After the War

Eric Walker finished his service on March 13, 1919, after the war ended. He went on to live a long life. He passed away on April 11, 1983.

Eric Walker came from a talented family. His sister, Dora Walker, was a seafarer. His other sister, Hilda Annetta Walker, was an artist. His niece, Marie Walker Last, also became an artist.