Francis James Ralph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis James Ralph
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|---|---|
| Born | 9 December 1892 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England |
| Died | 3 September 1918 (aged 25) Pas-de-Calais, France ☠ |
| Buried |
Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Somme, France
(49°53′13″N 2°30′43″E / 49.88694°N 2.51194°E) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1918 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Second Lieutenant Francis James Ralph (born December 9, 1892 – died September 3, 1918) was a brave British soldier who fought in World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he helped shoot down 13 enemy planes. He did this while working as an "aerial observer," which meant he was the gunner and spotter in the back of a two-seater airplane.
Early Life
Francis James Ralph was born in Cheltenham, England, on December 9, 1892. After finishing school and getting married, he worked as a draughtsman. A draughtsman is someone who draws detailed plans, like for buildings or machines. He worked for a gas company from 1910 until he joined the army in 1915.
Military Service
Francis Ralph joined the military in 1915. By February 1918, he became a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. Soon after, the Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Ralph became a gunner and observer in a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane. He flew with No. 20 Squadron RAF. His job was to spot enemy planes and shoot them down.
Becoming a Flying Ace
On May 9, 1918, Francis Ralph got his first victory. Flying with pilot Lieutenant David Smith, he shot down a German Fokker Dr.I plane near Lille, France. The very next day, he was hurt during a fight, but his pilot safely flew him back to base.
After recovering, he flew with many different pilots. He helped destroy an Albatros D.V plane on May 31. Then, with Lieutenant William Thomson, he destroyed a Pfalz D.III on June 9. On June 17, they forced another plane, a Fokker D.VII, to crash out of control.
On June 26, Francis Ralph became a "flying ace." This title is given to pilots or observers who have helped shoot down five or more enemy aircraft. He achieved his fifth victory by forcing a Pfalz D.III to crash with pilot Lieutenant Paul Iaccaci.
After this, all his victories were with Captain Horace Lale as his pilot. Together, they shot down two Fokker D.VII planes on July 25. On August 14, they forced another Fokker D.VII to crash. On August 21, they had a very successful day, taking down a Pfalz D.III, an Albatros D.V, and two Fokker D.VII planes.
Final Mission and Award
Francis Ralph's 13th and final victory happened on September 3, 1918. He and Captain Lale forced a Fokker D.VII to crash. However, during this same battle, Francis Ralph was killed. His pilot, Horace Lale, bravely flew his body back to their base.
Francis James Ralph was given the Distinguished Flying Cross award after he died. This award is given for bravery and skill in air combat. His award notice said he was a "brave and skilful observer" who always showed "cool courage." It also mentioned a time when his patrol of eleven planes was attacked by fifteen enemy planes, and he helped shoot one down.
Ralph was first buried near Amiens, France. In 1927, his remains were moved to the Military Cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux, where he rests today.
