Eric William Wright facts for kids

Eric William "Ricky" Wright (born September 21, 1919 – died November 5, 2007) was a brave pilot and a senior officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He is famous for flying Hurricane planes with No. 605 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, a very important part of World War II.

Early Life and Joining the RAF

Ricky Wright grew up in Cambridge, England. He went to Cambridge County School and the Technical College. In June 1939, he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve. This was a group for people who wanted to train as pilots.

After finishing his pilot training, he was called up to join the regular Royal Air Force. This happened just as World War II was starting.

Flying in World War II

Battle of Britain Hero

In July 1940, Wright joined No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron. This was a very busy time for the RAF. He took part in the Battle of Britain, where British pilots defended their country from German air attacks.

In early September 1940, he helped shoot down two enemy planes: a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and a Dornier 17. On September 15, a very important day in the battle, Wright shot down another Dornier 17 over Maidstone.

By the end of 1940, he had officially destroyed six enemy aircraft. He likely destroyed three more and damaged six others. For his bravery and skill, he received the Distinguished Flying Medal in November 1940. He was then promoted to a pilot officer.

Fighting in the Far East

In 1941, Wright was sent to the Far East. He became a flight commander in No. 232 Squadron. At the end of January 1942, his squadron went to Singapore to help defend it from Japanese attacks.

Within a week, his commanding officer was killed, and Wright was promoted to squadron leader. He claimed to have damaged a Japanese bomber near Singapore. His squadron then had to move to Sumatra and later to Java.

In March 1942, Wright was told to take his remaining pilots to Tjilatjap. They were supposed to get on a boat to Australia. However, when they arrived, the last boat had already been sunk. A few days later, the island fell to the Japanese. Wright and his pilots became prisoners of war.

Life as a Prisoner of War

First, Wright and his fellow prisoners had to repair an airfield in Batavia. After that, they were sent to Japan. There, they worked as farm laborers and in shipbuilding yards. This was a very difficult time for them.

After the War

After World War II ended, Wright was given a permanent position as a flight lieutenant in the RAF. He was also part of the RAF's official aerobatic team, No. 247 Squadron, flying Vampire jets.

In April 1948, he made history. He was one of six pilots from No. 54 Squadron who flew Vampire F.IIIs. This was the first time jet aircraft had ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean!

Awards and Recognition

Eric "Ricky" Wright received several important awards for his courage and service:

• Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) (November 26, 1940): He received this award for his amazing leadership, skill, and bravery during the Battle of Britain. The official statement said he showed "fine qualities of leadership, skill and courage."
• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) (October 1, 1946): This award recognized his brave service against the Japanese in Malaya and the Netherlands East Indies in early 1942.
• King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (January 1, 1949): He was honored for his valuable contributions to the RAF.
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) (January 1, 1964): This is a high honor given for significant achievements.