Henry Moody facts for kids

Flight Lieutenant Henry Michael Moody MC was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down eight enemy aircraft. One of his most notable victories was against a German ace named Alwin Thurm. After the war, he continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until he sadly died in a flying accident in 1931.

Early Life and Family

Henry Michael Moody was born in 1898 in Welshampton, a village in Shropshire, England. He was one of twin boys. His father, Reverend Henry Moody, was a vicar, which is a type of priest.

Henry's twin brother, Charles Angelo Moody, also joined the Royal Flying Corps. Sadly, Charles was killed in action in Belgium in 1917 when he was just 18 years old. He is buried at a place called Tyne Cot.

Military Adventures

Joining the Royal Flying Corps

Henry Moody began his military career in 1917. He joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of the British Army at the time. He quickly became a flying officer, showing his skill in the air.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Henry was sent to No. 45 Squadron, where he flew a single-seat fighter plane called the Sopwith Camel. This plane was famous during World War I. He flew missions over northern France.

He achieved his first aerial victory on September 4, 1917. He forced an enemy reconnaissance plane to go "out of control." This means the enemy pilot lost control of their aircraft. He had more victories in September. On September 20, he helped shoot down another enemy plane with two other pilots.

Later, his squadron moved to the Italian Front. Here, he continued his success. On December 31, 1917, he forced down an Albatros D.III plane. Just 45 minutes later, he and another pilot, Raymond Brownell, forced down an Albatros D.V. The pilot of that plane was German ace Alwin Thurm, who was killed.

Henry achieved his eighth and final victory on January 30, 1918. He destroyed another Albatros D.III over Susegana. Being a "flying ace" meant he had shot down five or more enemy aircraft.

Military Cross Award

For his bravery and skill, Henry Moody was promoted to temporary captain in April 1918. In September 1918, he received a very important award called the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle.

His award citation praised his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It mentioned that he had destroyed four enemy aircraft and forced three others out of control. He also flew many dangerous low-flying missions and reconnaissance flights. The citation highlighted his "very fine spirit of dash and determination."

After the War

Continuing His Service

After World War I ended, Henry Moody decided to stay in the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Royal Flying Corps had become the RAF in 1918. He continued to be promoted, becoming a permanent lieutenant in 1919.

In 1922, he married Austin Robina "Bobbie" Horn in Jersey.

He was later posted to No. 28 Squadron in India in 1923. In 1924, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. After his time in India, he returned to England.

Tragic Accident

On April 23, 1931, Henry Moody was flying a de Havilland DH.60 Moth biplane. He was acting as the pilot for a senior officer, Air Vice-Marshal Felton Vesey Holt. They were on an inspection tour.

After taking off from RAF Tangmere, another aircraft, a Siskin fighter plane, accidentally collided with Moody's plane. The Siskin pilot mistook Moody's plane for his commander's and dived in salute.

Moody's plane went into a spin. He managed to correct it, but then went into a dive. He was too low to recover before crashing into thick woods. Both Henry Moody and Air Vice-Marshal Holt died instantly in the accident. The other pilot was uninjured. An investigation found that it was an accidental death, and no one in the squadron was blamed.

Henry Michael Moody and his brother Charles Angelo Moody are remembered on the war memorial at their local church in Welshampton.