Francis James Davies facts for kids

Flight Lieutenant Francis James Davies DFC (October 20, 1889 – March 7, 1941) was a brave British pilot. He fought in World War I and was known as a "flying ace." This means he won 12 air battles against enemy planes. He also served for a short time during World War II.

Early Life

Francis James Davies was born in 1889. He grew up in a place called Studley, England. He went to the Roman Catholic School there.

World War I Service

Davies joined the Royal Flying Corps in May 1917. This was the air force of Britain at the time. By August 1917, he had finished his pilot training.

In March 1918, he joined 29 Squadron. This squadron used French Nieuport planes. On March 18, Davies used his Nieuport to force down a German Pfalz D.III fighter plane.

By May 1918, he was flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a. With this plane, he destroyed a German Albatros D.V on May 19. A few days later, on May 26, he worked with two other pilots, Charles G. Ross and Reginald H. Rusby, to destroy a German reconnaissance plane.

Davies continued to win air battles with his SE.5a. His last victory was on August 11, 1918. On that day, he destroyed an observation balloon near Courtrai. These balloons were used by the enemy to watch troop movements.

The very next day, he flew his last mission of the war. He was hurt during this flight and had to crash-land his plane. This injury meant he could no longer fight in the war. He had achieved 12 victories:

• One observation balloon destroyed
• Two enemy planes set on fire
• Five other planes completely destroyed
• Four planes forced down out of control

For his bravery and skill, Davies received the Distinguished Flying Cross on September 21, 1918. This is a special award for pilots who show great courage in air combat.

Life After the War

After the war, in April 1919, Davies left the military because of the injuries he had received.

In 1920, he married Doris Edkins. They had a daughter and two sons. The family lived in Prestatyn in North Wales for a while. Davies worked for the Enfield Cycle Company, which made motorcycles and bicycles. He also became involved in other businesses, mostly related to car engineering. He kept his love for flying and was even the chairman of the Midland Gliding Club.

When World War II began, Davies returned to service in the Royal Air Force in July 1940. Sadly, Flight Lieutenant Davies passed away on March 7, 1941. He died from injuries he got in a car crash in Bath. He is buried at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Studley.

Awards and Recognition

Davies was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his amazing work during World War I. The award citation said that he was a "valuable airman" who was "bold in attack and skilful in manoeuvre." He was a great example to everyone.