Gordon Strachey Shephard facts for kids

Gordon Strachey Shephard (born July 9, 1885 – died January 19, 1918) was an important leader in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. He was a Brigadier General, which is a very high rank. Sadly, he was the highest-ranking officer in the flying services to die while serving in the war.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Gordon Shephard was born in Madras, India, on July 9, 1885. His father, Sir Horatio Shephard, was a judge. Gordon went to Eton College, a famous school, from 1898 to 1903. After that, he studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which trains army officers.

He was very good at sailing and was a member of the Royal Cruising Club. This skill would become useful later in his life. On January 28, 1905, he officially joined the British Army as a second lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers.

Flying High in the Royal Flying Corps

In 1912, Gordon Shephard joined the newly formed Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force branch of the British Army at the time.

When the First World War began in August 1914, Shephard was already an experienced pilot. He flew important missions, including gathering information about enemy movements. For example, on August 24, 1914, he and another pilot, Lieutenant Ian Bonham-Carter, reported that a large German force was moving in a way that could trap the British Army. This information helped the British forces retreat safely.

In 1915, Shephard took command of the new No. 10 Squadron. This squadron was first used for training pilots. A couple of months later, he moved to command No. 6 Squadron.

By 1917, Shephard was promoted to lead I Brigade RFC. He also became a brigadier general. This high rank gave him more power to help talented pilots advance in their careers.

His Final Flight

On January 19, 1918, when he was 32 years old, Gordon Shephard decided to visit an airfield in Auchel, France. Three of the squadrons he commanded were based there. He took off in his Nieuport Scout airplane, but something went wrong. His plane, named "B3610", spun out of control and crashed into the ground.

Rescue workers pulled him from the wreckage. However, he sadly died a few hours later in the hospital. He was the highest-ranking officer in the flying services to be killed in action during the First World War. He was buried at the Lapugnoy Military Cemetery in France.

Remembering Gordon Shephard

To honor Gordon Shephard, the "Gordon Shephard Memorial Essay Prize" was created. His father, Sir Horatio, set up a fund to give out yearly awards. These prizes are for essays written by officers and airmen of the Royal Air Force (which the RFC became) about topics like reconnaissance, which is about gathering information.

Other Reading

• The Memoirs of Gordon Shephard (edited by Shane Leslie); privately published (1924)