Francis Casey facts for kids

Francis Dominic Casey, DSC (born August 3, 1890 – died August 11, 1917) was a brave Irish pilot during the First World War. He was part of the Royal Naval Air Service and became known as a "flying ace." This means he shot down nine enemy aircraft. He was given a special award called the Distinguished Service Cross for his courage before he sadly died in a test flight in 1917.

Francis Casey's Early Life

Francis Dominic Casey was born in Clonmel, a town in County Tipperary, Ireland. He was the youngest son of Maurice J. Casey and Agnes M. Casey. He went to school at St. George's College, Weybridge.

Flying High in World War I

When the First World War began in August 1914, Francis Casey was working for a shipping company. On May 25, 1915, he joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a temporary sub-lieutenant. Soon after, on May 30, he started working with the Royal Naval Air Service. This was the air force of the Royal Navy.

Becoming a Pilot

In May 1916, Casey officially became a probationary flight sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Air Service. By August 3, 1916, his rank was confirmed. He was sent to No. 3 (Naval) Squadron. Here, he flew a single-seat fighter plane called the Sopwith Pup.

First Victories in the Sky

Francis Casey achieved his first aerial victory on March 17, 1917. He forced an enemy Halberstadt D.II fighter plane out of control over Bapaume. On April 1, Casey was promoted to flight lieutenant. Just a week later, on April 8, he got his second victory, forcing down an Albatros D.III fighter.

A True Flying Ace

Casey then had an amazing streak, gaining seven more victories in just twelve days. These happened between April 21 and May 2. Six of these were against Albatros D.III fighters. Because he shot down so many enemy planes, he became known as a "flying ace."

Special Awards for Bravery

On May 12, he was mentioned in official reports for his bravery. On June 22, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. This award recognized his "conspicuous bravery and skill" in attacking enemy aircraft.

His award citation mentioned his actions on April 21, 1917. He attacked an enemy two-seater plane and brought it down. On April 23, 1917, he attacked enemy planes four times in one flight. One plane went into a spinning nose dive, and another went completely out of control. The citation noted that he had forced four planes completely out of control and many others down.

A Tragic End

Francis Casey was promoted to the acting rank of flight commander. Sadly, he died in a flying accident during a test flight on August 11, 1917. He is buried in Adinkerke Military Cemetery in De Panne, Belgium.