Harold Whistler facts for kids

Group Captain Harold Alfred Whistler (born December 30, 1896 – died March 1, 1940) was an amazing English fighter pilot and a "flying ace" during the First World War. A flying ace is a military pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. He was known for his bravery and skill in the air.

Growing Up

Harold Alfred Whistler was born in 1896 in a place called Theddlethorpe, in Lincolnshire, England. His father, Alfred James Whistler, was a clergyman. Harold had an older brother and two older sisters.

He went to school at Oundle School and then studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This college is where many British Army officers are trained.

World War I Adventures

After finishing his training at Sandhurst, Harold Whistler became a second lieutenant in the Dorsetshire Regiment in 1916. Soon after, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) to become a pilot. The RFC was the air force of the British Army during World War I.

Flying for the RFC

He started flying missions very quickly. In January 1917, he was injured while flying with 3 Squadron RFC. After he got better, he joined 80 Squadron RFC.

Harold became a flight commander in August 1917. He flew a famous plane called the Sopwith Camel. This plane was well-known for its speed and ability to turn quickly.

Becoming a Flying Ace

In 1918, Harold Whistler returned to France to fly more missions. Between March and October 1918, he became a true hero in the sky. He was officially credited with 23 victories! This means he either shot down or forced 23 enemy aircraft out of the sky. He achieved all these victories while flying his Sopwith Camel.

Life After the War

When World War I ended, Harold decided to stay in the Royal Air Force (RAF), which was the new name for the British air force. He worked as an instructor, teaching other pilots.

Leading Squadrons

Over the years, he was promoted several times. In 1927, he became a squadron leader. In the late 1920s, he even commanded 55 Squadron. This squadron was involved in operations against some tribesmen in the desert.

He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a wing commander in 1934 and a group captain in 1938. By 1940, he was a very important officer, serving as the chief of staff for the RAF in India.

A Mysterious Disappearance

In March 1940, Harold Whistler was flying back to the United Kingdom from India. He was on a passenger plane called a Handley Page H.P.42, operated by Imperial Airways. Sadly, the plane disappeared without a trace over the Gulf of Oman. No one on board was ever found.

His name is remembered on the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore, honoring those who have no known grave.

Honors and Awards

Harold Alfred Whistler received several important awards for his bravery and service:

• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC): He received this award in August 1918. It was given for his courage and skill as a patrol leader. He was known for attacking ground targets very close to the ground.
• Distinguished Service Order (DSO): In November 1918, he was given this high award. It recognized his amazing work in attacking enemy aircraft and ground troops. By this time, he had destroyed ten enemy aircraft and forced five others down.
• Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross: In February 1919, he received a "bar" to his DFC, which means he earned the award a second time. This was for his incredible record of 22 enemy machines and one balloon shot down. He was praised for his leadership and judgment.
• Second Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross: In March 1929, he received a second bar, meaning he earned the DFC for a third time. This was for his brave service during operations in the Southern Desert of Iraq between 1927 and 1928.

See also

• List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea