John Cowell (RAF airman) facts for kids

John J. Cowell, who earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and the Military Medal with a Bar (MM & Bar), was an Irish soldier and airman. Born in 1889, he became a famous "flying ace" during the First World War. A flying ace is a pilot or observer who shoots down many enemy aircraft. John Cowell was credited with sixteen aerial victories. Most of these (fifteen) happened when he was an observer/gunner. He achieved one victory as a pilot before he was killed in action on July 30, 1918.

Early Life

John J. Cowell was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1889. He grew up in a large family, being one of ten children of Michael and Kate Cowell.

Serving in World War I

John Cowell first joined the British Army as a soldier in the 12th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. This group helped build and maintain things for the army. On October 27, 1916, while he was a Sapper (a type of soldier, like a private) and Acting Corporal, he received his first award: the Military Medal. This medal is given for bravery in battle.

Joining the Air Force

Later, Cowell transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He became an observer/gunner in No. 20 Squadron in April 1917. This period was known as "Bloody April" because many planes were lost. As an observer/gunner, he sat in the back of a F.E.2d fighter plane. His job was to spot enemy aircraft and fire the machine guns.

He flew with famous pilots like Richard M. Trevethan and Cecil Roy Richards. Between May 5 and July 28, 1917, Cowell achieved fifteen victories. He helped destroy one German two-seater plane and five German fighter planes. He also forced nine more German fighters to crash or land out of control.

Awards and Promotions

Because of his bravery and skill, John Cowell was promoted to Sergeant. He also received the Distinguished Conduct Medal on July 17, 1917. This medal is given for outstanding bravery in battle. His award citation said he showed "remarkable skill and judgment" in eight air battles. It also mentioned that he had shot down enemy aircraft several times.

On September 14, 1917, Cowell received a Bar to his Military Medal. This means he earned the Military Medal a second time.

Becoming a Pilot

After earning his awards, Cowell went back to England for flight training. He learned how to fly planes himself. In mid-1918, he rejoined No. 20 Squadron, but this time as a pilot.

On July 29, 1918, he was flying a Bristol F.2b plane. He managed to force down a German Fokker D.VII plane. This was his sixteenth victory and his only one as a pilot.

Sadly, John Cowell was killed in action the very next day, on July 30, 1918. His plane was shot down by a German pilot named Friedrich Ritter von Röth. John Cowell is buried in the Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery in Saint-Omer, France.