Franklin Saunders facts for kids

Captain Franklin Geoffrey Saunders was a brave Welsh pilot who fought in World War I. He was born on June 3, 1891, in Swansea, Wales. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down eight enemy aircraft during the war.

Becoming a Pilot

Before World War I began, Franklin Saunders was a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He learned to fly and earned his pilot's license on January 1, 1914. He flew a Bristol biplane at a flying school in Brooklands, England.

Soon after the war started, he joined the Army. By late 1916, he was flying for the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the British Army at the time.

Aerial Victories

Franklin Saunders achieved his first aerial victory on January 14, 1917. He was flying with No. 47 Squadron in northern Greece. He and another pilot, Gilbert Green, worked together to force an enemy Albatros plane to land. They captured the plane and its crew.

More Success in the Sky

Saunders continued to be very successful in the air. In March 1917, he forced down a Friedrichshafen G plane. He also destroyed an Albatros C plane and, in June, an Albatros D.III. These victories showed his great skill as a pilot.

On June 4, 1917, he was given the Military Cross. This award was for his "distinguished service in the field." It recognized his bravery and important actions during battles.

Joining a New Squadron

After this, Saunders moved to No. 17 Squadron. Here, he flew a different type of plane called the S.E.5a. In January 1918, he captured a DFW C plane. He also destroyed a Rumpler C plane.

On February 5, 1918, he had two more victories. He forced down an Albatros D.III and sent a DFW C plane down in flames. These actions further proved his courage and flying abilities.

Military Cross Bar

In March 1918, Franklin Saunders was promoted to acting-captain. He also received a Bar to his Military Cross. A "Bar" means he received the same award again for more brave actions. This was officially announced on August 23, 1918.

The award citation praised his bravery:

"Temporary Captain Franklin Geoffrey Saunders, MC, Royal Flying Corps."

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On three separate occasions during a month he has fought a hostile machine, pursued it over the enemy's lines and driven it down to earth, where it was completely wrecked. He has shown the most consistent gallantry and skill in action."

This means he showed amazing courage and dedication. In just one month, he chased enemy planes, forced them down, and completely destroyed them. He was consistently brave and skilled in battle.

After the War

After World War I ended, Franklin Saunders was no longer actively serving in the military for a while. However, he returned for a short time in 1921 as a flight lieutenant. His date of death is not known.