Herbert Rowley facts for kids

Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".

Air Commodore Herbert Victor Rowley (born October 24, 1897 – died April 9, 1966) was an important British air officer. He was a brave pilot during World War I, known as a "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Rowley achieved nine victories while flying for the Royal Naval Air Service. Later, he became part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) when it was formed. He continued to serve in the RAF through World War II and retired in 1944.

Early Life

Herbert Victor Rowley was born in a town called Crich in Derbyshire, England. He was the second son of Reverend Arthur Rowley and his wife Agnes. When he was young, his family moved around, living in Clarborough and later in Kneeton.

World War I Hero

Rowley joined the Royal Navy in April 1916 to fly for the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). This was the air branch of the navy. He started as a probationary pilot, learning to fly. By August, he had earned his pilot's certificate. After more training, he was sent to France in February 1917.

He joined No. 1 (Naval) Squadron RNAS, where he flew a single-seat fighter plane called the Sopwith Triplane. This plane had three wings, which was unusual!

Sopwith Triplanes from No. 1 (Naval) Squadron, RNAS, in France, October 1917.

Rowley got his first aerial victory in April 1917. He shot down two more enemy planes in July and another in August. By November, he had achieved his fifth victory, making him a "flying ace." This was a big achievement for pilots in World War I.

His squadron later switched to flying the Sopwith Camel, another famous fighter plane. In March 1918, Rowley shot down an enemy observation balloon and two more aircraft. On April 1, 1918, a very important day, the Royal Naval Air Service joined with the Army's Royal Flying Corps to create the Royal Air Force (RAF). On that same day, Rowley achieved his ninth and final victory. Soon after, he returned to England.

Between the Wars

After World War I, Rowley decided to stay in the newly formed Royal Air Force. In August 1919, he was given a permanent job as a lieutenant (which is like a flying officer).

He worked in different roles and squadrons. In 1922, he was promoted to flight lieutenant. He served in places like Iraq and Egypt. In Egypt, he joined No. 47 Squadron.

Pioneering Flights

In 1925, Rowley was part of an amazing journey. He flew one of three Airco DH.9A aircraft from Egypt all the way to Nigeria. This was a very long and difficult flight for planes at that time. They flew about 500 to 600 miles each day. The trip showed how far aircraft could travel. They flew over 5,600 miles in 23 days!

An RAF Airco DH.9A bomber.

Later, in 1930, Rowley took part in the King's Cup Race, a famous air race in England. He flew a plane called the Blackburn Bluebird IV. He finished 42nd out of 88 pilots, which was a good result.

In November 1930, he was promoted to squadron leader and took command of No. 56 Squadron. His squadron took part in air displays, showing off their flying skills to the public. He continued to serve in various important roles, including at the Air Ministry. In 1937, he became a wing commander.

World War II Service

When World War II began, Rowley continued to rise through the ranks. In 1939, he became an acting-group captain, and then a temporary one in 1940. He worked at the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command, which was in charge of defending Britain from enemy air attacks.

In 1942, he was promoted to group captain. The next year, in November 1942, he became a temporary air commodore. From May 1943 to February 1944, he was the Air Officer Commanding for No. 221 (Tactical) Group. This group was based in India and was part of the RAF Third Tactical Air Force, fighting in the Burma campaign.

Air Commodore Herbert Victor Rowley retired from the RAF in October 1944, keeping his rank. He passed away on April 9, 1966.