Herbert Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert James Hamilton
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|---|---|
| Born | 30 April 1895 Hornsey, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 13 June 1918 (aged 23) Tadcaster, Yorkshire, England |
| Buried |
Islington Cemetery, Middlesex, England
(51°36′00″N 0°09′53″W / 51.60000°N 0.16472°W) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1913–1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | The London Regiment (Artists Rifles) Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry No. 20 Squadron RFC No. 1 Squadron RAF No. 29 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain Herbert James Hamilton (born April 30, 1895 – died June 13, 1918) was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace because he shot down seven enemy aircraft. He also received a special award called the Military Cross for his courage.
Contents
Early Life of Herbert Hamilton
Herbert James Hamilton was born in Hornsey, Middlesex, England, on April 30, 1895. He was the second son of Arthur Ernest and Florence Jane Hamilton. He went to the Stationers' Company's School. After school, he worked in the business of selling silk in large amounts.
Serving in World War I
World War I was a very big global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. Herbert Hamilton played an important role in it as a pilot.
Joining the Army
Herbert Hamilton joined the army on September 30, 1913. He was a private in the 28th Battalion of The London Regiment. This group was also known as the Artists Rifles. He served in France and Flanders starting in October 1914. He was part of the British Expeditionary Force. This was a large group of British soldiers sent to fight in Europe.
Becoming a Pilot
On August 29, 1915, Herbert became a second lieutenant in The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. In February 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force at the time. He started as an "observer," which meant he flew in planes to spot enemy positions.
He was assigned to No. 20 Squadron. On July 21, 1916, Herbert and his pilot, Captain Reginald Maxwell, shot down an enemy plane. It was a Rumpler C reconnaissance aircraft, which was used for spying.
Training and More Victories
After six months, Herbert went to Montrose in Scotland to train as a pilot. He became a flying officer on November 27, 1916. He stayed at Montrose for nine months, teaching other pilots how to fly.
In August 1917, he returned to France. He joined No. 1 Squadron and flew a Nieuport 27 plane. On October 1, he was promoted to lieutenant. The very next day, he achieved his second victory. He forced down another enemy plane, a DFW C reconnaissance aircraft, over Comines.
Leading a Flight
On November 23, he was made a "flight commander" with the rank of acting-captain. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He then joined No. 29 Squadron.
Flying his Nieuport 27, he forced down two more enemy aircraft. One was on December 5, 1917, and the other on February 16, 1918.
Final Aerial Battles
In March, Herbert returned to No. 1 Squadron. He flew a different plane, the S.E.5a. On March 9, he destroyed an enemy balloon. He then destroyed two more enemy aircraft on March 11 and March 13.
On March 26, Herbert was forced down by an enemy Fokker Triplane and was injured. He was sent back to England in April to get better. After recovering, he became a flight instructor. He taught new pilots at the 68th Training Squadron at Tadcaster Aerodrome in Yorkshire.
Herbert Hamilton's Death
Sadly, Herbert Hamilton died at the age of 23 in a flying accident. This happened at Tadcaster on June 13, 1918. His plane, a Sopwith Camel, lost a wing during the flight. He is buried in Islington Cemetery in London.
Honours and Awards
Herbert Hamilton was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. This award was officially announced after his death on July 26, 1918.
His award citation said: "Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Herbert James Hamilton, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, attached Royal Air Force. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has on many occasions displayed the utmost dash and fearlessness in engaging enemy aircraft at close range, and has succeeded in destroying a considerable number. He also attacked with machine-gun fire and from low altitudes enemy formations on the ground and dropped bombs on points of importance behind the hostile lines. He has invariably shown great determination and a fine offensive spirit."
This means he was very brave and skilled in fighting enemy planes up close. He also attacked enemy groups on the ground and dropped bombs. He always showed great determination and a strong desire to fight.
