Henry Woollett facts for kids

Henry Winslow Woollett, DSO, MC & Bar (born August 5, 1895 – died October 31, 1969) was a very brave British pilot. He became a famous flying ace during the First World War. He was known for shooting down 35 enemy aircraft and balloons. This made him the top British pilot for destroying enemy observation balloons, which were very dangerous targets! He continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until the 1930s.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Henry Winslow Woollett was born on August 5, 1895. He grew up in Southwold, a town in Suffolk, England. He went to Wellingborough School from 1907 to 1913. Henry was studying to become a doctor when the First World War started.

He decided to join the army. In November 1914, he became a second lieutenant in the infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant in the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment in December. The next year, he fought in the Gallipoli Campaign. This was a major battle during the war.

In 1916, Henry asked to join the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He became a qualified pilot very quickly. He was appointed a flying officer in October 1916.

Flying High: Henry Woollett's Air Combat Career

In November 1916, Woollett joined No. 24 Squadron RFC. He flew the Airco DH.2 aircraft. This plane had its engine at the back. This meant the machine gun at the front had a clear shot. On April 5, 1917, he got his first victory. He destroyed an Albatros D.III enemy plane. In July, he became a flight commander with the rank of captain.

No. 24 Squadron then got new planes, the Airco DH.5. This plane was unusual. Its top wing was set back to give the pilot a good view. It was not very fast, so it was often used for attacking targets on the ground. Even so, Woollett destroyed three more German planes with it. He also forced another plane down. On August 17, 1917, he officially became a flying ace. This means he had five or more victories. Later that year, he became a flight instructor in England. He received the Military Cross award in January 1918. He got a second award, called a Bar, in June.

Henry Woollett flew Sopwith Camels. Plane D6402 was his favorite.

Woollett returned to fighting in France in March 1918. He was with No. 43 Squadron, flying a Sopwith Camel. He achieved ten victories in March alone. By the end of the month, he was a triple ace. This means he had 15 or more victories. Starting March 24, he began using Camel plane number D6402. He scored 22 victories with this one plane. Two of his victories were over observation balloons. These were very dangerous targets because they were heavily protected.

Henry Woollett was known for his unique style. He wore a leopardskin flying helmet and gloves. His plane was also special. The propeller spinner looked like a Native American face. A dragon was painted along the side of the plane. He even tried painting white spots on his plane for camouflage. But his commanders made him remove them.

Woollett was very effective in combat. In April 1918, he shot down six more German planes and five more balloons. On April 12, he shot down six planes in one day! This was a rare achievement in World War I. Only one other pilot, Captain John Lightfoot Trollope, did better.

A famous Belgian pilot, Willy Coppens, described Woollett's amazing skills. He said Woollett would attack enemy planes, climb above them, and dive again. He would keep fighting until the enemy planes crashed or burst into flames. Coppens told a story where Woollett shot down six enemy machines in one day.

In May 1918, Woollett shot down a balloon and two planes. In July, he got an enemy fighter and two more balloons. He finished the war by destroying a Fokker D.VII plane. This brought his total victories to 35. He scored at least 23 of his victories in his favorite Camel, D6402. After the war, he was sent back to England to train new pilots. His final record was 20 enemy aircraft destroyed. He also forced 4 more aircraft down and destroyed 11 balloons.

Life After the War

On August 1, 1919, Henry Woollett officially joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a captain. His hometown of Southwold honored him for his brave service. He also received special awards from France. These were the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre with Palm.

Woollett served in No. 8 Squadron RAF in Iraq. He also worked in Palestine and Egypt. He returned to England in November 1924.

He served in No. 24 Squadron RAF and No. 43 Squadron RAF. In December 1928, he was promoted to squadron leader. In January 1930, Woollett became the leader of No. 23 Squadron RAF. One of the pilots under his command was Douglas Bader, who would become a famous ace in World War II. Woollett left the RAF in February 1932.

During the Second World War, Woollett briefly returned to service. He joined the Training Branch of the Reserve of Air Force Officers in 1941. He resigned his commission in February 1942.

Henry Woollett passed away on October 31, 1969.

Awards and Recognition

Henry Woollett received many awards for his bravery and skill.

• Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur (France) – Awarded November 30, 1918. This is a high honor from France.
• Croix de Guerre with Palm (France) – Awarded July 15, 1919. This French award recognizes acts of heroism during wartime.

Military Cross

The Military Cross is a British award for bravery. Henry Woollett received it on January 9, 1918. It was given for his courage in attacking three enemy aircraft. He destroyed one and forced another down. He was praised for his leadership and bravery in air battles.

Bar to Military Cross

He received a Bar to his Military Cross on June 22, 1918. This means he earned the award a second time. He was recognized for destroying an enemy plane that burst into flames. He also forced another plane down. On a different day, he attacked and destroyed two enemy observation balloons. His bravery and skill inspired everyone in his flight.

Distinguished Service Order

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is another important British military award. Henry Woollett received it on September 16, 1918. This award was for his amazing actions during recent battles. In just two days, he destroyed eight enemy machines. This brought his total victories to 22 at that time. His leadership, daring, and courage were considered outstanding.