Guy Wareing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guy Wilbraham Wareing
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|---|---|
| Born | 23 July 1899 Latchford, Warrington, Lancashire |
| Died | 27 October 1918 (aged 19) ☠ East of Tournai, Belgium |
| Buried |
Rumillies, Tournai, Belgium
(50°37′12″N 3°26′14″E / 50.62000°N 3.43722°E) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 29 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Captain Guy Wilbraham Wareing DFC (born July 23, 1899 – died October 27, 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down nine enemy aircraft and observation balloons. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage.
Contents
Guy Wareing: A World War I Flying Ace
Early Life and Joining the Air Force
Guy Wilbraham Wareing was born in Latchford, a town near Warrington, Lancashire. His father, Frederick William Wareing, was an engineer.
In August 1917, Guy joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain before it became the Royal Air Force. He started as a cadet and quickly became a temporary second lieutenant. By February 1918, he was officially a flying officer.
Becoming a Flying Ace
In June 1918, Guy Wareing joined No. 29 Squadron RAF. He flew a special single-seat fighter plane called the S.E.5a. This plane was known for being fast and agile.
He achieved his first victory on August 12, 1918. He destroyed an enemy Pfalz D.III fighter plane over Ploegsteert, Belgium. After this, he continued to show great skill in the air. He destroyed two more enemy planes and forced another one down.
Guy became a "flying ace" on September 7, 1918. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. On this day, he also became a "balloon buster." This means he destroyed an enemy observation balloon over Gheluvelt. These balloons were very important for the enemy to watch troop movements. Destroying them was a dangerous but vital task.
He then shot down a Fokker D.VII plane, which caught fire in the air. He also destroyed three more observation balloons. Two of these balloon victories happened on the same day, September 29. His bravery and skill led to him being promoted to temporary captain on October 7, 1918.
His Final Flight
Sadly, Captain Wareing was killed in action on October 27, 1918. His plane was shot down by a German Fokker D.VII fighter. The German pilot was Leutnant Josef Raesch.
Guy Wareing is buried in the churchyard of Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Rumillies, Belgium. His grave is the only one there for a soldier from the Commonwealth countries.
Awarded for Bravery
Guy Wareing was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after his death. This award is given for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air."
His award was announced on December 3, 1918. The official statement praised him: "Lieutenant Guy Wilbraham Wareing was a bold and courageous airman. He destroyed four enemy aeroplanes and shot down a hostile balloon in flames. He was known for his great effort and dedication to his duty."
