Euan Dickson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Euan Dickson
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Flight Sub-Lieutenant Euan Dickson RN
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| Born | 31 March 1892 Sheffield, England |
| Died | 10 March 1980 (aged 87) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Naval Air Service Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 10 Squadron RNAS No. 5 Squadron RNAS/205 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross Croix de Guerre (France) |
Euan Dickson (born March 31, 1892 – died March 10, 1980) was a brave pilot from New Zealand, born in Britain. He was a flying ace during the First World War. This means he was very skilled at shooting down enemy planes. Euan flew for the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and later the Royal Air Force (RAF). He completed over 150 bombing missions in his D.H.4 aircraft. Along with his observer, he was credited with shooting down 14 enemy aircraft. After the war, he made history by being the first person to fly across New Zealand's Cook Strait.
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Early Life
Euan Dickson was born in Sheffield, England, on March 31, 1892. Around 1912, he moved to New Zealand. There, he found a job with an engineering company in Thames, located on the North Island.
First World War Service
In 1916, Euan Dickson decided to go back to Britain to join the war effort. He joined the Royal Navy and became a flight sub-lieutenant in July 1916. He earned his pilot's license on December 12, 1916.
He was first sent to 10 Squadron RNAS in March 1917. Soon after, in April, he moved to No. 5 Squadron RNAS. This squadron specialized in bombing missions. Euan flew all his combat flights in the Airco DH.4 aircraft. This was a two-seater biplane.
Awards for Bravery
Euan Dickson received several important awards for his courage and skill.
Distinguished Service Cross
On December 18, 1917, Euan was given the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). He earned this award for a bombing mission on October 25, 1917. He volunteered for the mission even though the weather was very bad. He had also taken part in many other bombing raids before this.
Bar to the DSC
Euan was promoted to temporary flight lieutenant in December 1917. In March 1918, he earned a Bar to his DSC. This means he received the award a second time. He got it for helping another aircraft that was being attacked by twelve enemy planes. Even though his own guns had no ammunition, he bravely flew towards the enemy. This made them stop attacking the other plane, likely saving it. He also shot down other enemy planes and took part in many bombing raids.
Distinguished Flying Cross
In April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the RNAS joined together to form the Royal Air Force. No. 5 Squadron RNAS became No. 205 Squadron RAF. Euan continued to fly with this squadron until August 1918. He then received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his amazing leadership. He led 84 successful bombing raids. For example, on one raid, he hit a railway station seven times and a supply dump four times. He also flew very low to attack enemy troops on the ground.
Croix de Guerre
The French Army also honored Euan Dickson with the Croix de Guerre. After leaving No. 205 Squadron, he stayed in the United Kingdom until he left the RAF in November 1919.
Combat Victories
Euan Dickson and his observers were credited with shooting down 14 enemy aircraft. Two of these victories were shared with other crews.
| Number | Date | Observer | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 December 1917 | Air Mechanic Shaw | Albatros D.V | Aertrycke Airfield |
| 2 | 17 February 1918 | Air Mechanic, 1st Grade, Walter Naylor DSM | Albatros D.V | Ostend |
| 3 | 18 February 1918 | Air Mechanic, 1st Grade, Walter Naylor DSM | Albatros D.V | St. Pierre Capelle |
| 4 | 16 March 1918 | Flight Sub-Lieutenant Walter Scott | Albatros D.V | Bohain-Le Catelet |
| 5 | 18 March 1918 | Flight Sub-Lieutenant Walter Scott | Albatros D.V | Beaurevoir |
| 6 | 27 March 1918 | Flight Sub-Lieutenant Stewart | Albatros D.V | Rainecourt |
| 7 | 28 March 1918 | Flight Sub-Lieutenant Stewart | Pfalz D.III | Foucaucourt |
| 8 | 6 April 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Pfalz D.III | Abancourt |
| 9 | 22 April 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Fokker Dr.I | Chaulnes |
| 10 | 23 April 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Fokker Dr.I | Chaulnes |
| 11 | 3 May 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Pfalz D.III | Chaulnes-Rosières |
| 12 | 3 May 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Pfalz D.III | Chaulnes-Rosières |
| 13 | 3 May 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Pfalz D.III | Chaulnes-Rosières |
| 14 | 18 May 1918 | Serjeant Charles V Robinson DFM | Albatros D.V | Chaulnes |
Later Life and Achievements
In 1920, Euan Dickson returned to New Zealand. On August 25, 1920, he became the first person to fly across the Cook Strait. This strait separates the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.
In 1921, working for Canterbury Aviation, he was the first pilot for New Zealand's first daily air mail service. This service flew between Auckland and Timaru. Later in life, he became the chairman of the Eden Motor Company. He retired in 1964.
