Francis Turner (RAF officer) facts for kids

Squadron Leader Francis McDougall Charlewood Turner (born March 17, 1897 – died June 18, 1982) was a brave British pilot during the First World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down seven enemy aircraft. After the war, he had a successful career at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and even returned to serve in the military during the Second World War.

Early Life and Family

Francis Turner was born in Hastings, Sussex, England. He was one of nine children. His father, Charles Henry Turner, was a church leader who later became a bishop. His mother, Edith Emma, was the daughter of another bishop, Francis McDougall.

World War I Hero

Francis Turner joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on January 3, 1916. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. After finishing his flight training, he became a flying officer. He was later promoted to lieutenant and then to a temporary captain, leading a group of planes.

First Victories

Turner achieved his first aerial victories on August 13, 1917. He was flying an Airco DH.4, which was a two-seater bomber plane, for No. 55 Squadron. With his observer, Second Lieutenant R. Brett, he forced two enemy Albatros D.V fighter planes to crash out of control near Roulers.

Military Cross Award

For his bravery, Francis Turner was awarded the Military Cross on September 26, 1917. This award recognized his outstanding courage and dedication. He led many long-distance bombing missions and photo-taking flights. He always did well, even in bad weather or when attacked by many more enemy planes. He was also the first pilot to successfully complete a long-distance solo reconnaissance mission.

Becoming an Ace

On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the Royal Air Force (RAF). On this very day, Turner, now with No. 57 Squadron, shot down three Fokker Dr.I fighters over Irles. With these victories, his total reached five, making him a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft.

He continued to achieve more victories. On July 28, he helped take down a Fokker D.VII fighter. On August 8, he and his observer, Second Lieutenant H. S. Musgrove, destroyed another D.VII over Moislains Airfield. This brought his total victories to seven.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Turner received another important award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, on November 1, 1918. This award was for his amazing leadership during a bombing raid. He led ten planes when they were attacked by twenty enemy Fokker biplanes. Despite being outnumbered, he led his group down to a low altitude. They successfully hit their targets, setting two sheds on fire and damaging enemy buildings. During this fight, three enemy planes were shot down, with Captain Turner himself crashing one. His daring leadership made the mission a success.

Turner left the RAF on March 12, 1920, due to health issues from his service. He was allowed to keep his rank.

Life Between Wars

After the First World War, Francis Turner chose an academic path. He studied at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He won a special prize in 1924 for his essay called The Element of Irony in English Literature. He then became a "fellow" at the college, which means he was a senior member of the teaching staff.

World War II Service

When the Second World War began, Turner returned to military service. On October 31, 1940, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot officer. He was promoted to flying officer in 1941 and became a temporary squadron leader in 1944. He left the service again on November 4, 1944, keeping his rank of squadron leader.

After the Wars

After the Second World War, Turner went back to Magdalene College. He became the Pepys Librarian and later the president of the college. He was friends with famous people like the mathematician Dennis Babbage and the writers C. S. Lewis and T. S. Eliot.

Francis Turner passed away in Chichester, West Sussex, on June 18, 1982.