Herbert Richardson (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert Brian Richardson
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| Born | 27 May 1898 Ashford, Kent, England |
| Died | 14 February 1922 (aged 23) Cuatro Vientos, Spain |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 1920–1921 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 24 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Lieutenant Herbert Brian Richardson MC (born May 27, 1898 – died February 14, 1922) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy aircraft. He achieved 15 aerial victories, showing great skill and courage in the sky.
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Herbert Richardson's Military Career
Herbert Richardson joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. This was the air force of Britain before it became the Royal Air Force. He quickly became a pilot, starting as a second lieutenant. By September 1917, he was officially a flying officer.
Flying with No. 24 Squadron
Richardson was sent to No. 24 Squadron in northern France. Here, he flew a special single-seat fighter plane called the SE.5a. Between February and April 1918, he became very successful. He was credited with destroying nine enemy aircraft. He also forced six others to go out of control.
Awarded the Military Cross
For his amazing bravery and skill, Herbert Richardson received the Military Cross. This important award was announced on June 21, 1918. His award citation praised his actions. It said he attacked eight enemy planes by himself and destroyed one. On another flight, he destroyed one of two enemy planes he fought.
Why He Earned the Military Cross
The citation highlighted his courage. It mentioned he had destroyed six enemy planes and forced five others down. He also did important work attacking enemy troops on the ground. He always showed great courage and skill during his missions.
After the War
After World War I ended, Richardson left active service in June 1919. However, he returned to flying for a short time in September 1920. He resigned again in May 1921. Sadly, Herbert Richardson died in a flying accident. This happened in Cuatro Vientos, Spain, on February 14, 1922.
Herbert Richardson's Aerial Victories
Herbert Richardson was a highly skilled pilot. He achieved a total of 15 aerial victories during his time in World War I. These victories included destroying enemy planes and forcing them out of control. Many of his successes happened while flying his SE.5a fighter plane. He often worked with other pilots to achieve these victories.
Notable Victories
- On February 18, 1918, he forced a Pfalz D.III plane out of control near St. Quentin.
- On February 26, 1918, he helped destroy a Fokker Dr.I near Samoussy.
- He destroyed another Fokker Dr.I on March 6, 1918, over Fontaine-Croin.
- On March 15, 1918, he helped destroy a Rumpler C plane north of Premonte.
- He destroyed an Albatros D.V on March 16, 1918, near Barisis.
- On March 21, 1918, he destroyed two Pfalz D.III planes and forced another out of control near Bellicourt.
- He continued his success, destroying a Type C plane on April 4, 1918. This plane caught fire over Warfusée-Abancourt.
His combat record shows his consistent bravery and effectiveness as a fighter pilot.
