Harry G. E. Luchford facts for kids

Captain Harry George Ernest Luchford was a brave English pilot. He fought in World War I. He was born on October 28, 1894, and passed away on December 2, 1917. Harry was known for winning 24 air battles against enemy planes. He achieved his first 11 victories very quickly. He did this while flying an older type of plane called an FE.2 pusher aircraft.

Harry's Early Life and Family

Harry's father, George James Luchford, was born in Rochester, Kent, England. He served in the army in India. In 1894, he married Helena Elizabeth Hunnisett in India. She was born in Chatham, Kent.

Harry was born in Lucknow, India. He had two younger brothers, Leonard Eustace and Cyril Gordon. Both of his brothers were born in Plumstead, England. Cyril also served in the military and received an award called the Military Cross.

Joining the Military

When World War I started in August 1914, Harry was living in Bromley, Kent. He worked as a clerk at a bank in London. He quickly joined the Norfolk Regiment, which was part of the British Army.

On September 26, he became a second lieutenant in the Royal Army Service Corps. From December 1914 to January 1917, he served in France. He was part of the 7th (Meerut) Division. He was promoted to lieutenant on August 1, 1915. Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He became a qualified pilot on May 19, 1917.

Flying in Battle

Starting in May 1917, Harry Luchford became a pilot with No. 20 Squadron. He flew a plane called the F.E.2d. He achieved his first victory on June 13. His observer, James Tennant, was with him. An observer helped spot enemy planes and sometimes fired guns.

On June 29, Harry fought against planes from a German squadron called Jasta 8. He managed to set an Albatros D.III plane on fire. Throughout July, he kept winning battles. He shot down seven more enemy fighters that month.

In August, Harry scored two more victories. Then, he started flying a different plane called the two-seater Bristol F.2 Fighter. On September 11, he was promoted to captain and became a flight commander.

Flying with different observers, like Richard Hill and Victor White, Harry won 13 more air battles. These victories happened between September 9 and October 21, 1917.

Harry received his first Military Cross award on October 27. He received a second one on November 26. Sadly, he was killed in action on December 2, 1917. He was shot down by a German pilot named Walter von Bülow-Bothkamp.

Harry Luchford does not have a known grave. He is remembered at the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France. He is also honored at the Private Banks Cricket and Athletic Club in Catford.