Herbert Larkin facts for kids

Herbert Joseph Larkin, DFC (born October 8, 1894 – died June 10, 1972) was an amazing Australian pilot. He became a "flying ace" during the First World War, which means he shot down 11 enemy planes. After the war, he helped start the aviation industry in Australia. He also served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and later became a writer and fought for human rights.

Early Life and Military Start

Herbert Joseph Larkin was born in Brisbane, Australia, on October 8, 1894. His family later moved to Melbourne. He went to school at St. Thomas' Grammar School and then worked as a clerk for a shipping company.

When the First World War began, Larkin joined the army on August 19, 1914. He was a corporal in the Royal Australian Engineers. He served in Egypt and at Gallipoli, where he worked as a signals clerk for important generals. In September 1915, he was hurt by a sniper at Gallipoli and sent to England for treatment.

Becoming a Pilot in World War I

After recovering, Larkin joined the Royal Flying Corps on April 22, 1916. He quickly became a flying officer.

His first flying job was with No. 5 Squadron in France. He was very good at flying reconnaissance missions, which meant flying over enemy lines to take pictures and gather information. For his excellent work, he received the French Croix de guerre medal in March 1917.

Larkin was promoted to temporary captain and became a flight commander. After a time teaching other pilots in England, he returned to combat with No. 87 Squadron. He led "A" Flight, flying the powerful new Sopwith Dolphin planes. He was known for being brave but also smart, only attacking when his team had an advantage.

Larkin's Air Victories

Larkin scored his first victories on June 3, 1918. He shot down a German Fokker Triplane and an Albatros D.V over Péronne. He continued to be successful throughout the summer of 1918.

• On August 21, he destroyed two Fokker D.VII planes.
• Four days later, he destroyed another D.VII.
• On August 30, he shot down two more Fokker D.VIIs.
• On September 3, he drove down two more Fokker D.VIIs.
• On September 16, he destroyed another D.VII.

In total, he was credited with 11 victories, making him a flying ace!

Distinguished Flying Cross

Larkin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and leadership. The award citation said that he led twelve attack patrols. These patrols destroyed 21 enemy planes and forced four others down out of control. His squadron's success was due to his great leadership and the brave spirit he inspired in his pilots.

After the First World War

After the war, Larkin married Vera Grace Russell Doman in London in March 1919. He left the Royal Air Force in July 1919, and he and his wife moved back to Australia.

Pioneering Australian Aviation

In Australia, Larkin became a pioneer in aviation. He started by doing "educational flights" in a Sopwith Dove plane. He also set up a company called Larkin Sopwith Aviation Co. of Australia Ltd. He even claimed to have made the first night flight in Australia on October 25, 1919!

In 1920, Larkin organized the first air derby (a type of air race) in Victoria, Australia.

Larkin Aircraft Supply Company

When the Sopwith company closed in 1921, Larkin's agency became the Larkin Aircraft Supply Company, or LASCO. This company grew to have over 100 employees. They built gliders and several types of powered light aircraft. They even made Australia's first all-metal airplane, called the Lasco Lascoter, in 1929. LASCO also opened a flying school in 1931.

Pioneering Air Mail Services

Larkin played a big part in starting airmail services in Australia. In December 1921, he won a government contract to deliver airmail on the Sydney-Adelaide route. He partnered with Frank L. Roberts to form Australian Aerial Services. This company flew airmail and passengers on several routes across Australia between 1924 and 1926. They connected cities like Adelaide, Sydney, Broken Hill, and Mildura.

Later Life and Human Rights

Larkin left Australia for Europe in 1937. On July 24, 1939, just before the Second World War began, he rejoined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was promoted to squadron leader in 1941 and left the service in 1943.

After the Second World War, Larkin lived in different countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and France. In 1957, he retired to the Channel Islands. There, he became a strong supporter of human rights. He also loved gardening and published a book called Bonsai Culture for Beginners in 1968.

Herbert Joseph Larkin passed away on June 20, 1972, in Guernsey. He was survived by his two sons and a daughter.