Geoffrey Hornblower Cock facts for kids

Group Captain Geoffrey Hornblower Cock MC (born January 7, 1896 – died February 16, 1980) was a brave British pilot. He was a flying ace during World War I. This means he shot down many enemy aircraft. He was officially credited with thirteen aerial victories. He was the most successful pilot to fly the Sopwith 1½ Strutter airplane.

Geoffrey Cock's Military Service

Joining the War Effort

Geoffrey Cock began his military journey in December 1915. He joined a special training group called the 28th Battalion of the Artists Rifles. This group helped train officers. On June 3, 1916, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He became a temporary second lieutenant.

Becoming a Pilot

Cock trained with 25 Squadron. He earned his Pilot's Certificate in September. After that, he was officially made a flying officer. He then joined 45 Squadron. In October 1916, his unit moved to France. There, they flew Sopwith 1½ Strutter planes in combat.

First Victories in the Sky

Geoffrey Cock achieved his first aerial victories on April 6, 1917. He destroyed one enemy Albatros D.III plane. He also forced another Albatros D.III to crash out of control. He continued to have successful fights in his two-seater plane until July 22. He flew with seven different observers. These observers helped by firing the plane's guns. One of his notable observers was Victor White.

Shot Down and Captured

On July 22, 1917, Cock was on his 97th combat mission. He set an Albatros D.V on fire. Soon after, he was shot down himself. The pilot who shot him down was Hauptmann Wilhelm Reinhard from Jasta 11. This was Reinhard's first victory. Cock was the last pilot from 45 Squadron who had arrived in France nine months earlier to still be flying. He survived being shot down. However, he became a prisoner of war. He tried to escape, but it was not successful. He was finally sent home in December 1918.

His Impressive Record

Geoffrey Cock's final count of victories was impressive. He destroyed five Albatros D.Vs. One of these was shared with another flying ace, William Wright, and his observer, Edward Caufield-Kelly. He also forced eight other enemy planes to crash out of control.

Other Sopwith Strutter Aces

Besides Geoffrey Cock, three other British pilots also achieved all their victories using the Sopwith Strutter. These pilots were George Walker Blaiklock, John Thompson Guy Murison, and John Arthur Vessey. Each of them scored five victories.

Life After World War I

Geoffrey Cock stayed in the Royal Air Force after the war. He was promoted several times. On January 1, 1928, he became a squadron leader. On January 1, 1935, he was promoted to wing commander. He commanded 9 Squadron at RAF Boscombe Down in 1935. He became a group captain on November 1, 1938. He continued to serve during World War II. He retired from the air force in 1943.

Honours and Awards

Military Cross Award

Geoffrey Hornblower Cock received the Military Cross. This is a special award given for bravery in battle. The award recognized his outstanding courage and dedication.

• Why he received it:
  • He often showed great courage.
  • He was determined in attacking and destroying enemy aircraft.
  • He also bravely attacked enemy troops from a low height.
  • His skill in leading groups of planes was excellent.
  • He set a great example for other pilots in his squadron.