Geoffrey Pidcock facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Arthur Henzell Pidcock was an important officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was born on November 6, 1897, and passed away on February 12, 1976.

Pidcock became a "flying ace" during the First World War. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. He had six aerial victories in total. After the war, he stayed in the newly formed Royal Air Force. He became a senior officer during the Second World War. He was especially good at developing new weapons for aircraft. He retired from the RAF in 1951.

Early Life and Joining the Military

Geoffrey Pidcock was born in Eastbourne, a town in Sussex, England. He went to school at St Cyprian's School in Eastbourne. Later, he attended Haileybury College in Hertfordshire, starting in 1911.

He finished school in February 1915. In April 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force of the British Army during the First World War.

First World War Adventures

Pidcock finished his basic flight training in July 1916. He earned his pilot's certificate and became a second lieutenant. He was then assigned to No. 60 Squadron.

His first aerial victory happened on April 5, 1917. He was flying a Nieuport 17 plane. He worked with five other pilots to force an enemy Albatros D.III plane down. Soon after, he became a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain.

Pidcock later returned to England. He joined No. 44 Squadron. This squadron was responsible for defending the home country. In December 1917, he was promoted to lieutenant.

In March 1918, Pidcock went back to France. He joined No. 73 Squadron. Here, he flew the Sopwith Camel, a famous fighter plane. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together. They formed the new Royal Air Force (RAF).

Pidcock continued to achieve victories:

• On April 7, he forced down a Fokker Dr.I plane.
• On April 12, he destroyed an Albatros D.V.
• On May 3, he forced down another D.V.
• On June 11, he destroyed another D.V. This was his fifth victory, making him a "flying ace."
• On June 13, he helped destroy a German reconnaissance aircraft.

For his bravery, France awarded him the Croix de guerre on September 23, 1918.

Between the World Wars

After the First World War ended, Pidcock decided to stay in the Royal Air Force. In October 1919, he became a flying officer.

He was sent to India in early 1920. There, he served in No. 1 Squadron. In January 1922, he was promoted to flight lieutenant. His temporary commission became permanent in March 1923.

Pidcock then worked in various roles:

• He was an administrative officer in Iraq.
• He returned to England and joined No. 19 Squadron at Duxford.
• He worked at the Armament and Gunnery School at Eastchurch.
• He served at the headquarters of No. 7 Group and the Wessex Bombing Area.
• In October 1928, he joined the Air Staff at the Directorate of Training in London.

In July 1929, he got married to Evelyn Catherine Watkin.

Pidcock was promoted to squadron leader in May 1930. He returned to Iraq to command No. 55 Squadron. After this, he became an Armament Officer at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment. He also worked at the Air Armament School.

In January 1937, Pidcock was promoted to wing commander. He then became the Officer Commanding of No. 1 Air Observers School at North Coates Fitties.

Second World War Contributions

When the Second World War began in September 1939, Pidcock was appointed Assistant Director Armament (Bombs). He also served on the Ordnance Board. In January 1940, he became a temporary group captain. He then moved to the RAF Technical Branch.

In December 1941, he was appointed a temporary air commodore. In February 1942, he became the Director of Armament Development. This was a very important job. He helped create many new weapons for the RAF.

Some of the key weapons he helped introduce included:

• The RP-3 rocket projectile, a powerful rocket used by aircraft.
• The Hurricane Mk IID, a "tank-buster" plane with a large 40mm cannon.
• The Mosquito FB Mk XVIII Tsetse, which carried a powerful 6-pounder gun.
• The "Tallboy" and "Grand Slam" bombs. These were huge "earthquake bombs" designed to destroy large, strong targets.

In April 1942, he was promoted to group captain.

In January 1944, Pidcock became the vice-president of the Ordnance Board. In May 1945, he was appointed President of the Ordnance Board.

After the War and Retirement

After the Second World War ended, Pidcock received several honors:

• He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in January 1946.
• He was allowed to wear the insignia of a Commander of the Legion of Merit from the United States. This award was given to him for his "exceptional meritorious service as Director of Armament Development."

In July 1947, he was promoted to air vice-marshal. In October, he became the Director-General of Armament at the Air Ministry. In January 1948, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

By 1950, he was serving as Director-General of Technical Services. Geoffrey Pidcock retired from the Royal Air Force on April 23, 1951. He passed away on February 12, 1976.