Harold Day (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Day
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| Born | 17 April 1897 Abergavenny, Wales
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| Died | 5 February 1918 (aged 20) Vicinity of Harnes, France
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
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Branch
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Royal Navy |
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Rank
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Flight Sub-Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 10 Squadron RNAS No. 8 Squadron RNAS |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
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Flight Sub-Lieutenant Harold Day DSC (April 17, 1897 – February 5, 1918) was a brave pilot from Wales. He fought in World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he was officially credited with 11 aerial victories. This means he helped shoot down or disable 11 enemy aircraft.
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Harold Day: A World War I Flying Ace
Harold Day was born in Abergavenny, Wales. His parents were William John and Elizabeth Day. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) during World War I. This was a part of the Royal Navy that used airplanes. He became a temporary flight sub-lieutenant on June 30, 1917.
Soaring to Victory: His Aerial Combats
Harold Day first flew with No. 10 Naval Squadron. He piloted a Sopwith Triplane. On August 12, 1917, he scored his first victory. He sent an Albatros D.V enemy plane spinning out of control.
Later, he moved to No. 8 Naval Squadron. Here, he flew the famous Sopwith Camel airplane. He achieved his next ten victories with this plane. In December 1917, he worked with another pilot, Guy William Price. Together, they forced down three German reconnaissance planes. These planes were used for spying.
Harold Day also had solo victories. In January 1918, he destroyed one enemy aircraft by himself. He also forced down three others. On February 2, 1918, he teamed up with Robert J. O. Compston and three other pilots. They destroyed another German reconnaissance aircraft. Later that day, they forced down an Albatros D.V.
His final combat happened on February 5, 1918. He joined three other pilots to destroy a reconnaissance machine. This brought his total victories to 11. He had destroyed one enemy plane alone and shared in destroying two others. He had also forced down eight enemy planes out of control.
A Hero's Award
Harold Day was given the Distinguished Service Cross. This is a special award for bravery in battle. He received it for his skill and determination in air fights. The award recognized how much he helped stop enemy planes. These enemy planes were often used to help their artillery (big guns) aim.
On January 6, 1918, he saw a new type of enemy plane. He immediately attacked it. After a short fight, the enemy plane crashed. He also forced down other enemy planes out of control on different occasions. The award was officially announced on February 22, 1918.
Remembering a Hero
Sadly, Harold Day died on February 5, 1918. After his last victory, he dived to attack another German plane. His Sopwith Camel airplane broke apart during the dive. He fell to his death near Harnes, France. A German pilot, Günther Schuster, was credited with shooting down Day's plane.
Harold Day is buried at St. Mary's ADS Cemetery in Haisnes, France. This cemetery is a place where soldiers who died in the war are laid to rest.
