Hartley Pullan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hartley Pullan
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| Born | 9 October 1899 Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 1968 (aged 68–69) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 25 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Hartley Pullan (1899–1968) was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy aircraft. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage.
Contents
Becoming a Pilot in World War I
Hartley Pullan joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1917. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. He was just 18 years old when he became a temporary second lieutenant.
Joining No. 25 Squadron
Early in 1918, Pullan was sent to No. 25 Squadron RFC. Here, he worked as an observer. Observers flew in planes like the Airco DH.4. Their job was to spot enemy positions and help the pilot.
Hartley Pullan's Air Victories
Pullan achieved his first "aerial victory" on March 29, 1918. Flying with pilot S. Jones, they destroyed an enemy two-seater plane over Foucaucourt. An aerial victory means shooting down an enemy aircraft.
The Royal Air Force is Born
On April 1, 1918, something big happened. The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together. They formed a new, stronger air force called the Royal Air Force (RAF).
More Victories in the Sky
Pullan continued to show great skill. On June 8, he and pilot W. H. G. Milnes forced down a Fokker Dr.I plane. "Driving down out of control" meant the enemy plane crashed or had to land.
He had two more victories in July and August. Both times, he flew with pilot L. Young over Lille. They destroyed one Pfalz D.III and forced another down. His fifth and final victory was on August 22. With pilot J. H. Latchford, he forced down another Pfalz D.III over Douai.
Awards and Recognition
For his bravery and success, Hartley Pullan received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This important award was announced in September 1918.
Why He Earned the DFC
The award citation praised Pullan's consistent good work. It mentioned his role in long-distance bombing raids and scouting missions. One time, he was attacked by three enemy planes. He shot one down, and the others flew away. Soon after, five more enemy planes attacked him. He managed to shoot one of them down too!
After the War
Pullan was promoted to lieutenant in November 1918. After World War I ended, he left the RAF on April 10, 1919.
