George S. L. Hayward facts for kids

Flying Officer George Searle Lomax Hayward (born November 1, 1894 – died August 16, 1924) was an English World War I airman. He was an "aerial observer" during the war. This means he flew in planes to spot enemy positions and help the pilot shoot down enemy aircraft. He is known for achieving 24 "victories" by helping to bring down enemy planes.

Hayward worked with other skilled pilots, often called "aces," like Frank Weare, Ernest Elton, and William Lewis Wells. Most of his victories, 22 of them, happened very quickly between March and April 1918. He often helped shoot down two or three enemy planes in a single fight!

Serving in World War I

George Hayward first joined the army in a group called the 3rd Hussars. He later became a second lieutenant in the Royal West Kent Regiment. In late 1917, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. Here, he became a flying officer (observer).

He was assigned to No. 22 Squadron RFC. From November 1917 to April 1918, he achieved his 24 victories. He flew in a type of plane called the Bristol F.2 Fighter. This plane was a two-seater, meaning it had a pilot and an observer/gunner like Hayward.

His Victories

Hayward's job was to spot enemy planes and operate the machine gun. He helped take down many different types of German aircraft, including the Albatros D.V, Pfalz D.III, and Fokker Dr.I. These were some of the most famous fighter planes of World War I. His victories took place over important locations on the Western Front in France, such as Lille, Douai, and Albert.

In July 1918, Hayward was given a special award called the Military Cross. This award is given to officers for bravery during battle. His award recognized his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It mentioned how he bravely attacked large groups of enemy planes and helped shoot down two enemy machines on three different occasions. He was praised for his skill and courage.

After the War

After World War I ended, Hayward left the Royal Air Force in May 1919. However, he rejoined in October 1919 as an observer officer.

In early 1920, he was sent to India. His job there was to survey and map out the main air route between the cities of Delhi and Karachi. This was important for developing civil aviation.

By December 1923, Hayward was a Flying Officer. He was later assigned to No. 2 Flying Training School at RAF Duxford in March 1924. This school was where new pilots were trained.

His Death

In June 1924, No. 2 Flying Training School moved to RAF Digby in Lincolnshire. On August 15, George Hayward was teaching a new pilot, Charles Victor Breakey, how to fly an Avro 504K plane. Sadly, their plane had an engine problem and crashed to the ground. Both Hayward and Breakey were badly hurt and died later that day from their injuries.