Frank Ransley facts for kids

Captain Frank Cecil Ransley DFC, OBE was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was born on October 18, 1897, and lived until December 31, 1992. He became one of the oldest "flying aces" from that war. A flying ace is a pilot who shoots down many enemy planes. Frank Ransley was known for winning nine air battles.

Frank Ransley's Early Life

Frank Cecil Ransley was born in Caversham, Berkshire, England. This was on October 18, 1897. When he was young, he joined the army. He started as a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1914.

Frank Ransley's World War I Service

In 1917, Frank Ransley joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the time. He became a temporary second lieutenant. By September, he was officially a flying officer.

He was sent to No. 48 Squadron in late 1917. Here, he flew a special plane called the Bristol F.2 Fighter. This plane had two seats. One person flew it, and the other operated a gun.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Frank Ransley and his gunner achieved their first air victory in January 1918. Two months later, Ransley scored his second victory himself. By June 1918, he had achieved nine victories in total. He was promoted to a flight commander in May 1918.

He was given the Distinguished Flying Cross award in June. This award is for showing great bravery and skill. The award statement praised his courage. It said he was attacked by seven enemy planes. He and his observer fought back. They drove down two enemy planes. Ransley then rallied his team. He drove off the other enemy planes. The statement noted he had destroyed three enemy planes. He also forced three others out of control.

Summary of Air Victories

Frank Ransley achieved his nine victories while flying the Bristol F.2 Fighter. He often flew with different gunners or observers. His victories included destroying or forcing down various enemy aircraft. These included reconnaissance planes and fighter planes. He showed great skill in air combat.

Frank Ransley's Life After the War

After World War I, Frank Ransley joined the Her Majesty's Prison Service. This is the organization that runs prisons. From 1924, he worked at a Borstal. A Borstal was a special kind of prison for young offenders. He became a House-master there in 1928.

In 1932, he became a Governor (Class IV). This meant he was in charge of a prison. By 1958, he was the governor of HM Prison Wandsworth. He was also given another award. This was the Officer of the Order of the British Empire. This award recognized his important work.