George Darvill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George William Francis Darvill
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|---|---|
| Born | 26 October 1898 East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire, England |
| Died | September 1950 (aged 51) Christchurch, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 9 Squadron RFC No. 18 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross Distinguished Flying Cross |
Captain George William Francis Darvill was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a 'flying ace' because he shot down nine enemy aircraft. He was born on October 26, 1898, and passed away in September 1950. He received two important awards for his bravery: the Military Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the War
George Darvill was born in a small English village called East Meon, in Hampshire. His parents were Minnie and George Darvill. Before he became a pilot, he worked as a farmer.
When World War I started, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain before it became the Royal Air Force.
Flying in World War I
George Darvill became a pilot in 1917. His first job was with No. 9 Squadron. Then, in January 1918, he moved to No. 18 Squadron. Here, he flew Airco DH.4 planes. These were light bombers, meaning they could drop bombs and also fight in the air.
From March to September 1918, George Darvill became a true hero. He shot down nine enemy planes! This made him a "flying ace."
Awards for Bravery
Because of his amazing skills and courage, George Darvill received two special awards:
- The Military Cross: He earned this award in June 1918.
- The Distinguished Flying Cross: He received this in August 1918.
His award citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross described one of his brave actions:
"When returning from a bombing raid this officer, singlehanded, engaged three Fokkers. Despite the fact that his observer's gun jambed, he drove down one out of control, which was seen to crash. He has carried out forty-four successful bombing raids, several of which he has led. In addition, he has rendered valuable service on photographic and other reconnaissance duty. A keen and zealous officer, who sets a fine example of devotion to duty to younger pilots."
This means he fought three enemy planes by himself, even when his gun had a problem. He managed to make one crash! He also completed 44 bombing missions and helped with important photo missions. He was a great example for other pilots.
George Darvill's Air Victories
Here is a list of the nine enemy planes George Darvill helped to defeat:
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 March 1918 @ 1215 hours |
Airco DH.4 (Serial No. B9435) |
Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | Allenes | Darvil's observer: Sgt. A. Pollard |
| 2 | 19 May 1918 @ 1200 hours |
Airco DH.4 | Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | Douai | Observer: Lt. E. Collins Victory shared with Albert Gregory Waller & 3 others |
| 3 | 21 May 1918 @ 1045 hours |
Airco DH.4 (s/n A8034) |
Albatros D.V | Destroyed | Douai | Observer: AM2 L. Vredenberg |
| 4 | 8 July 1918 @ 0830 hours |
Airco DH.4 (s/n A7815) |
Fokker D.VII | Destroyed | Henin-Liétard | Observer: Lt. William Miller |
| 5 | 28 July 1918 @ 0735 hours |
Airco DH.4 (s/n A7815) |
Fokker D.VII | Driven down out of control | Vitry | Observer: Lt. William Miller |
| 6 | 9 August 1918 @ 1050 hours |
Airco DH.4 | Fokker D.VII | Driven down out of control | West of Douai | Observer: Lt. J. Fenwick Shared with John Gillanders, Herbert Gould & 10 others |
| 7 | 12 August 1918 @ 1100 hours |
Airco DH.4 (s/n F5857) |
Fokker D.VII | Driven down out of control | West of Somain | Observer: Lt. J. Fenwick |
| 8 | 4 September 1918 @ 0750 hours |
Airco DH.4 (s/n A7815) |
Fokker D.VII | Set on fire; destroyed | Cantin | Observer: Lt. William Miller |
| 9 | 4 September 1918 @ 0755 hours |
Airco DH.4 (s/n A7815) |
Fokker D.VII | Set on fire; destroyed | Aubigny-au-Bac | Observer: Lt. William Miller |
After World War I
After the first World War ended, George Darvill left the Royal Air Force in September 1919.
In 1926, he married Violet Ruth Collins. Even after the war, he stayed involved with airplanes and flying.
When World War II began in September 1939, George Darvill joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This was a group of people who volunteered to serve in the air force. He continued to serve until his death.
George William Francis Darvill passed away in September 1950 in Christchurch, England.
