Geoffrey Bailey facts for kids

Lieutenant Geoffrey Grierson Bailey was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Geoffrey Bailey achieved eight aerial victories during the war. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage.

Early Life

Geoffrey Grierson Bailey was born on March 10, 1899. He was the youngest of three sons. His father, Norman Coles Bailey, was a lawyer in London.

When he was young, Geoffrey was nicknamed "Buster." He started attending Westminster School in London in September 1912. In April 1917, when he was about 18 years old, he left school. He decided to join the Royal Flying Corps to become a pilot. He officially joined on May 2, 1917.

World War I Hero

After his training, Geoffrey Bailey became a scout pilot. He was assigned to 43 Squadron. There, he flew a type of airplane called a Sopwith Camel on the Western Front in France. This was a very important area during the war.

Geoffrey Bailey achieved his first aerial victory on February 16, 1918. He became a "flying ace" on May 9, 1918, when he scored his fifth victory. By the end of his service, he had eight victories against German fighter planes.

His victories included shooting down an Albatros D.III that caught fire in the air. He also destroyed three Albatros D.V planes. Additionally, he forced three other Albatros D.Vs and a Fokker D.VII to crash out of control.

For his amazing bravery and skill in combat, Geoffrey Bailey received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This important award was given to him on July 2, 1918. By December 6, 1918, he was confirmed in the rank of Lieutenant.

After the War

After World War I ended, Geoffrey Bailey's military service came to an end. On September 23, 1919, he was transferred to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force. By this time, he had a new nickname, "Lumpy."

It is believed that Geoffrey Bailey moved to South Africa around 1929. After that, not much is known about what happened to him.