Herbert Gould facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert Gould
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 23 December 1891 Sydney, Australia |
| Died | 14 August 1918 (aged 26) (MIA) disappeared near Douai, France |
| Commemorated at |
Arras Flying Services Memorial, Pas de Calais, France
|
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | City of London Yeomanry No. 18 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Military Cross |
| Relations | Nathaniel Gould (father) |
Captain Herbert Ruska Gould (born December 23, 1891 – disappeared August 14, 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy airplanes. Herbert Gould achieved six aerial victories during his time as a pilot.
Contents
Herbert Gould: A World War I Pilot
Early Life and Joining the War
Herbert Gould was born in Sydney, Australia, on December 23, 1891. He was the second son of Nathaniel "Nat" Gould, a famous English journalist and writer. When Herbert was four years old, his family moved back to England. They lived in Bedfont, Middlesex, where Herbert went to school.
Later, Herbert worked as a clerk in an oil company in City of London. When World War I began, he joined the City of London Yeomanry as a private soldier.
Flying for His Country
In the middle of 1917, Herbert Gould decided to become a pilot. He joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) as a cadet. After finishing his training, he became a second lieutenant on October 8, 1917.
Gould was sent to No. 18 Squadron on the Western Front. This was a major battle area in France and Belgium. He flew the Airco DH.4, which was a type of airplane used for bombing during the day.
Herbert Gould achieved his first victory on March 26, 1918. He destroyed an Albatros D.V enemy plane over Bihucourt. On April 12, he helped shoot down two Pfalz D.III planes over Estaires. He also shot down another Pfalz D.III by himself on May 9.
On June 24, he was promoted to a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain. He continued to show great skill. On July 31, he shot down another Pfalz D.III over Douai, France. On August 9, he helped shoot down a Fokker D.VII west of Douai.
Disappearance and Memorial
Captain Gould was reported missing in action near Douai on August 14, 1918. This means he disappeared during a mission and was never found. His gunner and observer, Second Lieutenant Ewart William Frederick Jinman, also went missing with him.
Because Herbert Gould has no known grave, his name is honored on the Flying Services Memorial in Arras, northern France. This memorial remembers airmen who died in the war but have no known burial place.
Awarded for Bravery
Herbert Gould was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. This award was officially announced on September 13, 1918, after his disappearance.
The official announcement praised his courage and dedication. It said he completed 24 successful bombing missions, leading many of them. He also flew 26 low-level reconnaissance and bombing flights. During these flights, he hit many targets and caused serious damage to the enemy. He also destroyed three enemy machines. The award recognized his strong spirit and zeal throughout his service.
See also
- List of people who disappeared
