Frederick Powell facts for kids

Frederick James Powell, OBE, MC (born August 13, 1895 – died May 1992) was a brave British pilot during the First World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft and was believed to have shot down nine more. After the war, he continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until 1927. He then returned to help during the Second World War.

Early Life and Beginnings

Frederick Powell was born in Patricroft, Manchester, England, in 1895. By 1901, his family had moved to Great Crosby, Lancashire. Later, in 1915, his address was listed as The Vicarage in South Shore, Blackpool.

Serving in World War I

Frederick Powell started his military journey in August 1913. He joined a group called the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry, which was part of the Territorial Force. This was a group of volunteer soldiers.

Joining the Royal Flying Corps

When the First World War began, Powell quickly joined a new army unit called the 18th (Service) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment in September 1914. He became a second lieutenant. Soon after, he volunteered to join the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which was the air force at the time. He transferred there in November 1914.

Becoming a Pilot

Powell trained to fly at Farnborough. He became a lieutenant in February 1915. On March 2, he earned his pilot's license after flying a Maurice Farman biplane by himself. He finished his training at Netheravon. By May 25, he was officially a flying officer.

Fighting in the Skies

Powell was sent to No. 5 Squadron in Belgium. He flew a Vickers Gunbus plane. On September 19, 1915, he claimed his first two victories against enemy aircraft. One of these was confirmed. He had several more possible victories in the following months.

In December, he became a flight commander and was promoted to temporary captain. He achieved his second confirmed victory on December 19. He received the Military Cross award on January 14, 1916, for his bravery.

Flying New Aircraft

As a flight commander, Powell was the first to fly a new type of plane, the FE.8, into battle in France. He was very protective of this plane and wanted to fly it every day. He scored his first win with the FE.8 on January 17, 1916. By March, he had three more confirmed victories, including one with another pilot, Gilbert W. M. Green, as his gunner.

New Roles and Capture

In April 1916, Powell returned to England. He went back to France in May to join No. 40 Squadron as a flight commander. This squadron was the first to use the FE.8 aircraft.

In February 1917, Powell became a chief fighting instructor. He then commanded No. 43 Training Squadron starting in April, becoming a temporary major.

On August 2, 1917, Powell returned to France to command No. 41 Squadron. On February 2, 1918, during a fight over the Douai area, he was wounded. His plane was damaged, and he had to land in German territory. He was captured and became a POW for the rest of the war. After the war ended, he was sent home and left the RAF in May 1919.

Between the World Wars

After the First World War, Frederick Powell continued to serve in the RAF. He was given a special commission as a flight lieutenant in 1920. He worked at the Boys' Wing at RAF Cranwell and later with No. 28 Squadron in India. He left active service in June 1927 and joined the RAF Reserve, finishing his service there in 1931.

Serving in World War II

When the Second World War began in September 1939, Powell returned to military service. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot officer. He was promoted several times, eventually becoming a temporary squadron leader in 1942 and then an acting wing commander.

He was mentioned in official reports three times for his good work. Finally, in June 1945, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This is a special honor given for great achievements.

Later Life

In his later years, Frederick Powell lived in Dorset. He passed away in Cambridge in May 1992.