Herbert Travers facts for kids

Herbert Gardner Travers (born April 1, 1891 – died April 16, 1958) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during the First World War. This means he shot down five enemy aircraft in air battles. After the war, he worked as a pilot for regular airlines. He also served in the military again during the Second World War. He earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his courage.

Early Life and Joining the Military

Herbert Travers was born in Kensington, a part of London, England. In 1910, when he was 19, he started working for his family's business. But when the First World War began in 1914, he decided to join the British Army.

Flying High in World War I

Travers first served in France with a machine gun unit. But soon, he joined the Royal Navy in December 1915. He became a junior pilot in the Royal Naval Air Service. By January 1916, he had earned his pilot's license.

Becoming a Flying Ace

In May 1916, Travers started flying missions over the Western Front. This was the main battle area in France. He flew planes to gather information about enemy positions. In early 1917, he joined No. 3 (Naval) Squadron. Here, he flew a Sopwith Pup, which was a single-seat fighter plane.

He got his first victory on March 11, 1917. He forced an enemy reconnaissance plane out of the sky. He then shot down three more enemy fighter planes in March and April. On April 24, he worked with two other pilots, John Malone and Francis Casey. Together, they helped capture an enemy reconnaissance plane near Morchies.

Awarded for Bravery

For his amazing flying skills and courage, Herbert Travers received the Distinguished Service Cross. This award was announced on June 22, 1917. The award recognized his bravery in leading his team on patrols. He often faced more enemy planes than his own group.

After this, Travers moved to Dunkirk. He started flying patrols over the North Sea to look for enemy submarines. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Naval Air Service joined with another air force group. They formed the Royal Air Force (RAF). Travers continued to serve in the RAF until August 1919.

Life Between the Wars

After World War I, Travers left the military for a while. He returned to flying in 1926. He became a reserve pilot for the Royal Air Force. He also worked as a test pilot for a company called Blackburn Aeroplane. He helped test new planes and seaplanes.

From 1928 to 1933, he taught others how to fly at different flying clubs. In 1934, he joined a company that put on air shows. He flew planes at these shows for people to watch. Then, from 1935 to 1938, he became a commercial pilot. He flew for airlines like Imperial Airways and British Airways.

Serving Again in World War II

On January 5, 1939, Herbert Travers rejoined the Royal Air Force Reserve. Just before the Second World War officially started in September 1939, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was promoted to squadron leader by December 1941. He continued to serve throughout the war.

After the war ended, he remained on a special list for the RAF. He finally left the service completely on February 10, 1954. He kept his rank of squadron leader. Herbert Travers passed away in 1958.

Family Life

Herbert Travers married Hermia Fraser on August 6, 1919.

He had two brothers who were also pilots and had important careers in aviation:

• James Lindsay Travers (1883–1924) was an engineer and designer. He worked on planes and served as a test pilot during World War I. He later worked for the Air Ministry. Sadly, he died in a plane crash in 1924.
• Charles Tindal Travers (1898–1968) also served in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. He later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He worked as an air engineer and pilot.

In 1990, Herbert Travers' daughter wrote a book about her father and his brothers. It was called Cross Country.