Ernest Elton facts for kids

Ernest John Elton (December 25, 1893 – March 8, 1958) was a brave pilot during the First World War. He was the top-scoring British "flying ace" who was not an officer. A flying ace is a pilot who shoots down many enemy aircraft. Ernest Elton was credited with an amazing 17 victories in the air!

Early Life and Beginnings

Ernest Elton was born in Wimborne, England. His mother was Edith Jane Frampton. He was cared for by Hannah and Henry Elton, a local couple, and he later took their last name. As a boy, he sang in the choir at Wimborne Minster. After school, he learned to work at a local shop that made bicycles and carriages.

Joining the Military

Ernest Elton joined the Royal Flying Corps on August 11, 1914. This was at the very start of the First World War. He began his service as an air mechanic, helping to keep aircraft in good working order.

Helping to Build Better Planes

In June 1915, while serving with No. 6 Squadron in France, Ernest helped Captain Lanoe Hawker. They worked together to create a special mount for a machine gun on the Bristol Scout aircraft. This helped make the planes more effective in battle. Later, in late 1916, he went back to England to train as a pilot. After his training, he was assigned to No. 22 Squadron.

First Victories and a Brave Rescue

On February 26, 1918, Ernest Elton flew a Bristol F.2b Fighter. He achieved his first victories by destroying two enemy Albatros D.V planes near Lens. After this fight, his plane's engine stopped working. Ernest had to glide his plane six miles back to where his own side was. He crash-landed in an area called "no man's land" between the two armies.

His observer and gunner, Sergeant Hagen, was hurt in the leg. Ernest bravely pulled him out of the plane and into a shell hole for safety. Then, Ernest crawled and ran 200 yards to get help from his own lines. He came back with a first aid person to treat Hagen's wounds. Ernest stayed with Hagen until it was dark, and then Hagen was carried back to safety. When the plane was later recovered, it was full of bullet holes, even in the fuel tank right under the pilot's seat.

More Air Combat Success

Over the next 31 days, Ernest Elton became even more successful. He was credited with destroying twelve more enemy aircraft. He also forced two other planes to go down out of control. He personally shot down ten of these planes, and his gunner in the back seat shot down six.

His most amazing day was March 29, 1918. On this day, he destroyed three German two-seater planes in just ten minutes! These were the only two-seater planes he ever destroyed. Most of his other victories were against enemy fighter planes, especially the Albatros D.Vs.

Awards and Recognition

Ernest Elton was recognized for his bravery and skill.

Military Medal

In April 1918, he was given the Military Medal for his "bravery in the Field."

Distinguished Conduct Medal

In June, he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The award said:

1429 Sjt. E. J. Elton, MM, RAF.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the past month he has destroyed six hostile machines and brought down another out of control. On two of these occasions he has caused two enemy planes to crash to earth, although on each occasion his formation was fighting against very heavy odds. He has at all times displayed the most marked courage, skill and determination.

This means he showed great courage and dedication. In one month, he destroyed six enemy planes and forced another one down. Even when his group was outnumbered, he made enemy planes crash. He always showed amazing bravery, skill, and determination.

Italian Award

In September 1918, he was also given the Bronze Medal of Military Valour by Italy.

Ernest Elton left the Royal Air Force in 1922.