Ernest Hardcastle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Hardcastle
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| Born | 31 December 1898 Dudley Hill, Bradford, England |
| Died | November 1973 (aged 74–75) Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | c.1916–1919 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Lieutenant Ernest Hardcastle DFC was a brave English soldier and airman. He was born on December 31, 1898, and passed away in November 1973. During World War I, he became a "flying ace" by helping to win twelve air battles. He also served in World War II.
Contents
Ernest's Early Life and Joining the Air Force
Ernest Hardcastle was born on December 31, 1898, in Dudley Hill, which is part of Bradford, England.
Before World War I began, Ernest worked for a business group in Bradford. When the war started, he joined the army. In August 1917, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force at the time.
After his training, he became an officer in January 1918. He then joined No. 20 Squadron RAF in April 1918. In this role, he was an observer and a gunner on airplanes.
Ernest's Air Battles in World War I
Ernest Hardcastle became very good at air combat. His winning streak started on May 8, 1918. It ended on July 30, 1918.
Most of his victories were against enemy fighter planes. He helped destroy nine enemy aircraft. He also forced three other planes to crash or land out of control.
Other skilled pilots helped him achieve these victories. These included Lieutenants Victor Groom and August Iaccaci. Captains Douglas Graham Cooke and Horace Percy Lale also flew with him.
Ernest was given the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. This special award was announced on November 2, 1918.
In December 1918, he had to leave his role. This was because of health issues from his military service. He officially left the Royal Air Force in February 1919.
Serving Again in World War II
Ernest Hardcastle returned to military service for World War II. He became an officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve on September 30, 1940.
He continued to serve and was promoted. On September 30, 1941, he became a flying officer. Then, on January 1, 1943, he was promoted to flight lieutenant.
On June 9, 1945, he left his military role again. This was also due to health reasons.
Awards and Recognition
Ernest Hardcastle received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- This award recognized his great courage and skill. On one occasion, he was an observer with Lieutenant Groom. Their group of eight planes attacked twenty-five enemy planes. Ernest and Lieutenant Groom helped shoot down two of them. On another day, they were attacked by twelve enemy planes. They managed to shoot down two of those as well.
