Jack Armand Cunningham facts for kids

Jack Armand Cunningham (born December 4, 1890 – died April 3, 1956) was a brave English soldier and pilot. He became a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he shot down or helped shoot down at least five enemy aircraft. Jack Cunningham achieved 10 aerial victories during the war.

What makes his record special is that he scored these victories over four years. He also used four different types of airplanes! After World War I, he continued his military career. He served until the end of World War II before he retired.

Becoming a Pilot in World War I

Jack Cunningham started his military journey in the Royal Field Artillery. This was a part of the British Army that used cannons. He earned his pilot's license on September 12, 1913. This showed he was ready to fly airplanes.

Soon after World War I began, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the early version of the Royal Air Force. He became a flying officer on September 12, 1914.

First Air Battles

On May 16, 1915, Cunningham became a flight commander. This meant he led a group of planes. He served with 5 Squadron in England for a few months.

Later, he moved to 18 Squadron in France. On November 28, 1915, he and his observer flew a Vickers Gunbus. They forced an enemy plane down over La Bassée. This was his first victory!

He then flew a fast, single-seat Bristol Scout. On December 29, 1915, he forced another enemy plane down over Provin. On February 5, 1916, he used an Airco DH.2 plane. He made an enemy plane land near Carvin.

Leading a Squadron

On July 15, 1916, Cunningham became a squadron commander. This was a big promotion! He was now in charge of an entire squadron of planes.

He didn't score more victories for a while. But on December 18, 1917, he was likely leading 65 Squadron. He flew a Sopwith Camel fighter plane. He destroyed one German Albatros D.V fighter. He also forced another one out of control. This made him a flying ace!

More Victories and Awards

Cunningham kept winning battles in the sky. On February 5, 1918, he destroyed another Albatros D.V. On March 12, he destroyed an Albatros over Westrozebeke, Belgium. Five days later, he destroyed another one. He destroyed yet another on April 3, 1918, in France.

On June 2, 1918, Cunningham was promoted again. He became a temporary lieutenant colonel. The next day, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award was for his bravery and skill in the air.

His final victory came on August 3, 1918. He destroyed a German plane over the English Channel. This was his tenth and last victory. He was flying with 65 Wing at the time.

After World War I

Jack Cunningham received more honors after the war ended. On January 1, 1919, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. This was a very important military award.

He also received awards from other countries. On April 5, 1919, France gave him the Croix de guerre and the Chevalier de Legion d'honneur. In July 1922, Belgium awarded him the Croix de Chevalier of the Order of Leopold and the Croix de Guerre.

After the war, he left the Royal Air Force for a time. He kept an honorary rank. He later rejoined the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

In 1933, Jack Cunningham married Ellaline Lydia Joan Macfie.

World War II and Retirement

As World War II approached, Jack Cunningham returned to service. On August 13, 1939, he became a captain in the British Army Reserve. He helped with planning and operations.

On April 9, 1945, he was released from the Reserves because of his age. He was allowed to keep the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel. This marked the end of his long and distinguished military career.

Jack Armand Cunningham passed away on April 3, 1956, in Hoylake, England.