Francis Annesley, 6th Earl Annesley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Annesley
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 February 1884 Castlewellan, County Down, Ireland |
| Died | 6 November 1914 (aged 30) Near Diksmuide, Belgium |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Nationality | British/Irish |
| Spouse | Evelyn Hester Mundy |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Cambridge |
Francis Annesley, 6th Earl of Annesley (born February 25, 1884 – died November 6, 1914) was a brave Royal Navy officer and one of the first people to fly planes. He was also known as the 6th Earl of Annesley. He sadly passed away during World War I while flying for his country.
Who Was Francis Annesley?
Francis Annesley was born on February 25, 1884, in Castlewellan, County Down, Ireland. He was the only son of Hugh Annesley, who was the 5th Earl Annesley.
He went to school at Eton College and later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. When his father passed away in 1908, Francis became the 6th Earl of Annesley. In 1909, he married Evelyn Hester Mundy. They did not have any children.
Adventures at Sea
Before he became an adult, Francis Annesley loved adventures. He sailed from Liverpool all the way to Vancouver, going around the very southern tip of South America called Cape Horn. He worked as a sailor on the ship during this long journey.
Later, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a large yacht called Karina. He was a guest of Robert E. Todd, who was a member of the New York Yacht Club. Francis was also known for being a skilled big game hunter.
Joining the Military
Francis Annesley was a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. This was a part of the Royal Navy where people volunteered to serve. He later joined the Royal Naval Air Service, which was the air force of the Royal Navy.
Before he became a pilot, he helped in the war with an armored car. He was part of the Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car Division. His armored car helped to slow down the German army's advance towards Brussels. He also helped defend the city of Antwerp in 1914.
Final Flight
On November 6, 1914, Lord Annesley was last seen leaving Eastchurch, England. He was flying in a Bristol T.B.8 biplane. A biplane is an aircraft with two main wings stacked one above the other. Flight Lieutenant C.F. Beevor was flying the plane, and they were headed towards France.
They were never seen again after that flight. It was later believed that they had been shot down. German prisoners said that a German shell hit their plane's fuel tank. The aircraft then fell in flames near Diksmuide, Belgium. Francis Annesley was presumed to have died on December 2, 1914.
Legacy
After his death, his family's estate was valued at £42,751. Since Francis Annesley had no children, his cousin, Walter Beresford Annesley, became the 7th Earl Annesley.
