François de Labouchere facts for kids

François de Labouchere was a brave French pilot who flew during World War II. He was born in a place called Saint-Jean-le-Vieux in Ain, France, on September 18, 1917. Sadly, he was killed in a plane fight on September 5, 1942.

A Young Pilot's Journey

François de Labouchere was one of the very first pilots to join the Free French Air Force. This was a special group of French soldiers who kept fighting against the enemy even after France was taken over.

When the Battle of France happened, François was still a young pilot in training. During this time, his father, who was a cavalry officer, sadly passed away.

François was in Morocco when the war's fighting stopped for a bit (this was called an armistice). He then traveled through Gibraltar to get back to England. There, he met up with his friend from college, Émile Fayolle.

Joining the Squadrons

In September 1940, François became a warrant officer, which is a type of military rank. He and his friend Fayolle were sent to fly with No. 85 Squadron.

In March 1941, François was promoted to 2nd lieutenant. He then moved to No. 242 Squadron. Here, he flew alongside other pilots like Philippe de Scitivaux, Bernard Dupérier, and his friend Fayolle.

Later, in July, he chose to give up his time off to join No. 615 Squadron. This is where he met other famous pilots like René Mouchotte and Jean Maridor.

Leading a Squadron

In November 1941, François joined a special French fighter group called the No. 340 (Free French) Squadron. He quickly rose through the ranks.

On August 1, 1942, he became a captain and took charge of the Versailles squadron within this group.

Final Flights

On August 19, 1942, a big attack happened at Dieppe. On this day, his friend Fayolle disappeared during a flight.

Just a few weeks later, on September 5, François de Labouchere also disappeared. He was flying his Spitfire plane in an air-to-air combat. His body was never found.

Amazing Victories

François de Labouchere was a skilled pilot who shot down several enemy planes during his time flying.

Commemorative plaque on the Parisian house of François de Labouchere at n° 8 de la rue Guy-de-Maupassant

• On June 23, 1941, he shot down a Bf 109 plane over a place called Desvres.
• On September 18, 1941, he shot down another Bf 109 plane over Ostend.
• On August 19, 1942, he shot down two Do 217 planes over Dieppe.

Awards and Honors

François de Labouchere received many important awards for his bravery and service.

• Knight of the Legion of Honour: This is a very high award in France.
• Companion of the Liberation: He received this honor on January 5, 1943, after his death.
• Croix de Guerre 1939-45: This French military award came with four palms, showing his great courage.
• Medal of the Resistance: This award recognized his efforts in the French Resistance movement.
• Commemorative medal of the voluntary services in Free France: This medal honored his choice to volunteer for the Free French forces.
• Distinguished Flying Cross: This is a special award from the United Kingdom for bravery in air combat.