Geoffrey Hemming facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey William Hemming
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| Born | 3 April 1898 Droitwich, Worcestershire, England |
| Died | 26 February 1926 (aged 27) RAF Calshot, Southampton Water, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1926 |
| Rank | Flight lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 4 Squadron RNAS No. 480 Flight RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |
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Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey William Hemming was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy planes! He was born on April 3, 1898, and sadly passed away on February 26, 1926.
Contents
A Young Pilot's Start in World War I
Geoffrey Hemming joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1916. This was a part of the British Navy that used airplanes. He quickly became a flight sub-lieutenant.
Joining a Squadron and First Victories
In December 1916, Geoffrey joined a special flying group called No. 4 Naval Squadron. They flew Sopwith Pup planes. Their base was in Ostend, Belgium.
On May 12, 1917, Geoffrey scored his first victory. He flew his Sopwith Pup and destroyed an enemy plane called a Siemens-Schuckert D.I. He continued to be very successful. On June 6, he destroyed another Siemens-Schuckert D.I and forced a third one down.
Later, he started flying a new plane called the Sopwith Camel. On August 22, 1917, he had an amazing day. He forced three enemy planes, called Albatros D.Vs, down out of control. This showed how skilled he was as a pilot.
Honors and Awards
Because of his bravery and success, Geoffrey Hemming received the Distinguished Service Cross in November 1917. This award recognized his excellent service.
He was also honored by the King of the Belgians. He received the Croix de Guerre and was made a commander of the Order of the Crown (Belgium). These awards showed how much his actions were appreciated by other countries.
After the War and Later Life
After World War I ended, Geoffrey Hemming continued his flying career. In 1919, he joined the Royal Air Force as a flying officer.
He worked at different air bases. In 1924, he was sent to the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment in Felixstowe. This was a place where they tested new aircraft. In 1925, he was promoted to flight lieutenant. He then joined No. 480 Flight at RAF Calshot.
A Tragic Accident
Sadly, Geoffrey Hemming died in a flying accident at Calshot on February 26, 1926. He was flying a Fairey IIID plane. His passenger, Flying Officer Robert Collins, was also badly hurt and passed away two days later.
Family Life
Geoffrey Hemming married Dorothy May Woods on February 7, 1923. They were married in Bangor, County Down.
