Giles Blennerhasset facts for kids

Flying Officer Giles Noble Blennerhassett MC (born April 16, 1895 – died December 4, 1978) was an Irish World War I flying ace. A flying ace is a military pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. Giles Blennerhassett was officially credited with eight aerial victories. He achieved these victories while serving as an observer and gunner in No. 18 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps.

Early Life and Education

Giles Blennerhassett was born in Leoville, a small place in County Sligo, Ireland. He was the oldest of four children and the only son. His father, James Blennerhassett, worked as an accountant and later became the managing director of a department store in Sligo.

Giles went to school at Sligo Grammar School. This is where he received his early education before the war.

Joining the War Effort

When World War I began, Giles Blennerhassett joined the military. He trained with the Inns of Court Officers Training Corps. On June 2, 1916, he became a second lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of the British Army at the time. On March 24, 1917, he was officially named a flying officer (observer). This meant he would fly in planes and help spot enemy aircraft or targets, and also operate a gun.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Giles Blennerhassett was assigned to No. 18 Squadron RFC. He flew in two-seater planes called F.E.2bs. In these planes, one person piloted, and the other was the observer/gunner.

He achieved his first aerial victory on February 4, 1917. He forced an Albatros D.II fighter plane to go out of control. He then achieved two more victories on April 5 and destroyed another the next day.

On April 16, he reached five victories, making him a "flying ace." He continued to be successful, taking down three more Albatros D.III planes in May. This brought his total number of victories to eight.

Honored for Bravery

After his impressive achievements, Blennerhassett was sent back home on July 19. Just five days later, he received the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle.

His award citation mentioned his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It highlighted his skill and courage when attacking enemy planes. For example, he once attacked two enemy machines, forcing both out of control. Another time, he forced three other enemy planes down.

Later, Giles Blennerhassett learned to fly planes himself. He was promoted to lieutenant on December 2, 1917. He then served in several Home Defence squadrons, which protected Britain from air attacks.

On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together. They formed a new military branch called the Royal Air Force (RAF). Blennerhassett officially left his army commission that day to join the new RAF.

On November 11, 1918, he was made an acting captain.

Giles Blennerhassett's Aerial Victories

After the War

After World War I ended, Giles Blennerhassett continued to serve in the RAF. On October 24, 1919, he was given a short-term commission as a flying officer. He served with No. 48 Squadron RAF in India. However, he decided to leave the RAF on January 19, 1922.

Personal Life and Legacy

Giles Blennerhassett was a member of the Church of Ireland. He made a special donation to St John the Baptist Cathedral, Sligo. He donated the Bishop's Throne in memory of his father.

He was married twice. His first marriage was to Kathleen Maud Curry in 1918. Later, he married Dorothy Margaret Pinnock in 1932.

Giles Noble Blennerhassett passed away on December 4, 1978. His name is remembered on the Great War Roll of Honour in Sligo Cathedral.