Harry King Goode facts for kids

Harry King Goode (born October 22, 1892 – died August 21, 1942) was a brave officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was known as a flying ace during World War I. This means he shot down 15 enemy aircraft or balloons. After the war, he continued to serve in the RAF until he retired in 1941.

Harry King Goode's Early Life and Education

Harry King was born in Handsworth, England. His mother was Florence Annie King. He was later adopted by Thomas and Margaret Goode. They lived in Ryton, Bulkington.

Harry went to a local school. In 1907, he won a special scholarship. This scholarship meant he had to work as a student teacher after finishing his studies. He attended King Edward VI Free Grammar School in Nuneaton. In 1912, he earned a Cambridge local honours degree. After teaching for a while, he decided not to be a teacher. Instead, he got a job at Alfred Herbert's, a company that made machine tools.

Harry Goode's Service in World War I

Harry joined the army when World War I began. He enlisted in the Royal Engineers on September 8, 1914. He served in France for two years. He worked mostly as a motorcycle dispatch rider, delivering messages. He was promoted to corporal during this time.

Joining the Royal Flying Corps

In late 1917, Harry joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before the RAF existed. He started his flight training in Oxford. On November 8, he became a probationary second lieutenant. He continued his training at different airfields. On April 8, 1918, he became a full second lieutenant. This was just after the Royal Air Force was formed.

Becoming a Flying Ace in Italy

On May 27, Harry joined No. 66 Squadron. He flew a Sopwith Camel plane on the Italian Front. His first combat patrol was on May 30. On June 25, he got his first victory. He shot down an Albatros C plane. He continued to shoot down enemy planes and balloons. On August 5, he shot down his first kite balloon. It went down in flames.

Harry earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. This award was given to him on December 3. He destroyed another balloon on October 27. He destroyed two more on October 28. On that same day, he became an acting-captain.

Heroic Actions and Awards

On October 29, Harry took part in many dangerous missions. He bombed an enemy airfield. He destroyed one enemy machine on the ground. He also attacked hangars and workshops with his machine gun. Later that day, he returned alone to attack the same airfield. He flew very low, almost touching the ground. He destroyed another machine and set fire to one more. His actions forced the enemy to retreat.

For his incredible bravery on this day, he received the Distinguished Service Order. This was a very high honor. Harry was slightly wounded on November 1. But he kept fighting. The war between Italy and Austria ended on November 4.

End of World War I Service

No. 66 Squadron stayed in Italy for four more months. They returned to England in February 1919. Harry briefly served as the Officer Commanding. On April 21, he crashed an Avro 504 plane. His observer died, but Harry broke his wrist. This was his last flight with No. 66 Squadron. He had flown 177 missions. He was credited with shooting down eight enemy aircraft and seven balloons. This made him a true flying ace. The squadron was disbanded on October 25.

Harry Goode's Career Between the Wars

Harry stayed in the RAF after World War I. On August 1, 1919, he became a permanent lieutenant. He served in India and Egypt. He was promoted to flight lieutenant on July 1, 1926.

In 1927, while serving in Egypt, he met Ena Marshall Scales. She was a teacher visiting the pyramids. They married on February 2, 1930. They had one child who sadly died shortly after birth.

Harry continued to advance in his career. He was posted to No. 502 (Ulster) Squadron in Northern Ireland. This squadron used Vickers Virginia bombers. He was promoted to squadron leader on December 1, 1935. He then commanded No. 24 (Communications) Squadron. This unit provided air transport for important people. On November 1, 1938, he became a wing commander. He received the Air Force Cross on January 2, 1939. In April 1939, he flew General Viscount Gort on an inspection tour. They visited the Maginot Line.

Harry Goode's Service in World War II and Death

On March 1, 1941, Harry was promoted to group captain. He commanded No. 60 Operational Training Unit. He had extended his service twice. Finally, he retired from the RAF on December 15, 1941. He then joined the Air Ministry's Accidents Investigation Branch.

Harry Goode died on August 21, 1942. He was a passenger on an RAF Consolidated Liberator Mk. III plane. The plane took off from RAF Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland. There was heavy mist. The plane crashed into Big Trosk Mountain near Carnlough. Everyone on board died. Harry is buried at Tamlaght Finlagan churchyard in Ballykelly, County Londonderry.

Harry Goode's Awards and Honors

Harry King Goode received several important awards for his bravery and service:

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

This award was given for his amazing courage. On October 29, he attacked enemy airfields and troops. He flew very low and destroyed enemy planes on the ground. He also attacked hangars and workshops. His actions were so brave that they inspired everyone around him.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

This award recognized him as a brilliant pilot. He was a great example of courage. He destroyed six enemy airplanes and two enemy balloons.