Gordon Fox Rule facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gordon Fox Rule
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|---|---|
| Born | 16 August 1898 São Paulo, Brazil |
| Died | 10 June 1987 (aged 88) São Paulo, Brazil |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1921 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 49 Squadron RFC/RAF No. 100 Squadron RAF No. 141 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front Irish War of Independence |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Croix de guerre (France) |
Captain Gordon Fox Rule (born August 16, 1898 – died June 10, 1987) was a brave English Brazilian pilot. He was a 'flying ace' in World War I, meaning he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Gordon Fox Rule achieved seven aerial victories during his service.
Contents
Early Life
Gordon Fox Rule was born in São Paulo, Brazil. Even though he was born in Brazil, he went to school in England. He studied at Eastbourne College from 1914 to 1916. His mother was English, and his father was Brazilian. His father's family originally came from Scotland.
Military Career
Gordon Fox Rule joined the Royal Flying Corps in early 1917. This was the air force of the British Army before the Royal Air Force (RAF) was created. He became a temporary officer on July 5, 1917. By November 1917, he joined No. 49 Squadron RFC.
His squadron first used Airco DH.4 planes. These were light bombers. In March 1918, he achieved his first two victories. He forced down two German reconnaissance planes. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps became part of the new Royal Air Force. Later that month, his squadron started using the Airco DH.9 aircraft.
On May 15, 1918, Fox Rule became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He was given the temporary rank of captain. In June, he had three more aerial victories. He forced down two Albatros D.V planes and shot another down in flames. In July and August, he forced down two Fokker D.VII planes. This brought his total victories to seven.
Gordon Fox Rule left No. 49 Squadron on August 14, 1918. He then returned to the UK to become an instructor. He taught new pilots how to fly and fight.
Awards for Bravery
On September 20, 1918, Gordon Fox Rule received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is given for bravery in air operations. His award citation said:
- Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Gordon Fox-Rule.
- "This officer showed great courage during a bombing raid. He flew very low to destroy a bridge. He then attacked enemy soldiers, making them scatter. Even when attacked by five enemy planes, he fought them off. His observer was hit twice, but he landed safely. He took part in many bombing raids and reconnaissance missions, always showing a strong fighting spirit."
He also received the Croix de guerre from France in 1918. This is another award for bravery in battle.
His Aerial Victories
Here is a list of the planes Gordon Fox Rule shot down or forced down:
| No. | Date/Time | Aircraft/ Serial No. |
Opponent | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 March 1918 @ 1315 |
DH.4 (A7705) |
Rumpler C | Out of control | Brebières | Observer: Second Lieutenant Philip Holligan. |
| 2 | 10 March 1918 @ 1400 |
DH.4 (A7705) |
LVG C | Out of control | Marquion | Observer: Second Lieutenant Philip Holligan. |
| 3 | 7 June 1918 @ 1045 |
DH.9 (D5576) |
Albatros D.V | Out of control | Flavy-le-Martel | Observer: Lieutenant E. H. Tredcraft. |
| 4 | 10 June 1918 @ 0440 |
DH.9 (D1715) |
Albatros D.V | Destroyed in flames | Assainvillers | Observer: Lieutenant E. H. Tredcraft. |
| 5 | Albatros D.V | Out of control | ||||
| 6 | 25 July 1918 @ 1900 |
DH.9 (D1715) |
Fokker D.VII | Out of control | Fismes | Observer: Lieutenant R. A. V. R. Scherk. |
| 7 | 9 August 1918 @ 1700 |
DH.9 (D1715) |
Fokker D.VII | Out of control | Marchélepot | Observer: Second Lieutenant S. P. Scott. |
After the War
After World War I, Gordon Fox Rule left the RAF in March 1919. However, he rejoined in October 1919 as a flying officer. He served in Ireland during the Irish War of Independence. He flew Bristol F.2 planes with No. 100 and No. 141 Squadrons.
In June 1921, he left the RAF for good. This was due to health problems he developed during his service. He was given the rank of captain when he left.
Life in Brazil
After his military service, Gordon Fox Rule went back to Brazil. He became a leader at the Companhia de Terras Norte Paraná. This company was started in 1925. Its goal was to develop the northern part of Paraná State in southern Brazil. The company helped create many towns and sold land for farming. It was mostly funded by British investors.
Gordon Fox Rule also played a big role in the São Paulo Athletic Club. He helped introduce Rugby Union to Brazil. The first recorded rugby match in Brazil took place in 1926, thanks to his efforts.
In 1984, Gordon Fox Rule gave his collection of military items to the Imperial War Museum in London. This collection included photos and documents from his time as a pilot.
