Geoffrey Hilton Bowman facts for kids

Group Captain Geoffrey Hilton "Beery" Bowman (2 May 1891 – 25 March 1970) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "fighter ace" during the First World War. This means he shot down many enemy aircraft. Bowman was credited with 32 victories. He started in the Royal Flying Corps and later became a high-ranking officer in the Royal Air Force.

Early Life and Training

Geoffrey Bowman was born in Manchester, England, on May 2, 1891. His father, George Bowman, was a doctor. Geoffrey went to Haileybury College and then Trinity College, Cambridge.

When the First World War began, Bowman joined the army. He became a second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment in August 1914. He served with his regiment in France.

In March 1916, Bowman joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He earned his pilot's license in June 1916. Two days later, he became a flying officer.

A World War I Flying Ace

Bowman joined No. 29 Squadron in July 1916. He flew a type of plane called the Airco DH.2. On September 3, he got his first victory. He accidentally crashed into a German plane, but managed to fly his damaged plane back safely.

Later that month, he shot down a German observation balloon. However, he crashed his own plane while trying to land near the balloon's wreckage.

Becoming a Flight Commander

In January 1917, Bowman became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He was promoted to captain in April 1917. In May, he moved to No. 56 Squadron. Here, he flew the faster S.E.5 plane.

By July, he had claimed five more victories. On September 23, Bowman was part of a famous air battle. He and seven other British aces fought and shot down the German ace Werner Voss.

Awards and Achievements

Bowman received the Military Cross in September 1917. He earned a second one, called a "Bar," in October. In February 1918, he was given command of No. 41 Squadron.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in March 1918. By the end of the war in November, he had an amazing record. He had helped capture one enemy aircraft. He also destroyed one balloon, 15 enemy planes, and forced 15 others "out of control."

For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1919. He also received the Croix de guerre from Belgium in July 1919.

Between the World Wars

After the First World War, Bowman continued his service. In 1919, he became an acting-major. He commanded No. 3 Squadron, Slavo-British Aviation Corps. This was an Anglo-Russian unit. They fought for the White Russians during the Russian Civil War.

In August 1919, Bowman officially joined the Royal Air Force as a flight lieutenant. He served in India in 1920. He was promoted to squadron leader in 1921.

Serving in Iraq and Aden

From 1922 to 1924, Bowman was the Commanding Officer of No. 8 Squadron in Iraq. He later served in Aden from 1928. His leaders praised him for his "distinguished services" there. He was promoted to wing commander in 1929.

In 1931, he even competed in an air race at the Hendon Air Show. He flew an Armstrong Whitworth Siskin plane.

Later Career and Retirement

Bowman commanded No. 1 Armament Training Camp in Yorkshire from 1932. He then worked at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. In December 1932, he married Pamela Ward.

From 1933, he was the Commanding Officer of RAF South Farnborough. This base was home to important aviation research and training. In 1937, Bowman retired from the Royal Air Force.

World War II and Final Years

When the Second World War began in September 1939, Bowman was called back to duty. He served until December 1941. After retiring for a second time, he worked for the Heston Aircraft Company.

Group Captain Geoffrey Bowman passed away on March 25, 1970. His funeral was held in Hanworth, Middlesex. A memorial service was also held in London.