John Leacroft facts for kids

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John Leacroft was a brave pilot who flew for Britain during World War I. He was born on November 4, 1888, and passed away on August 26, 1971. He became known as a "fighter ace" because he shot down 22 enemy aircraft.

After World War I, he stayed in the Royal Air Force (RAF) until 1937. He even returned to help during World War II.

Early Life and Training

John Leacroft was born in Derby, England. His father was Dr. John William Leacroft. John went to Aldenham School and then studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge.

He first joined the British Armed Forces in 1909. He was a second lieutenant in a training group at Cambridge University. However, he left this role later that same year.

World War I Service

When World War I began in 1914, Leacroft joined the Royal Army Service Corps. He served in France and Egypt. By 1915, he was a captain. He then moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time.

Flying as an Observer

In 1916, Leacroft was sent to Egypt. He started as an observer with No. 14 Squadron RFC. He took part in battles like the Senussi Uprising. He also helped defend the Suez Canal from Turkish attacks.

Becoming a Pilot and Ace

After training, Leacroft became a pilot on March 20, 1917. He joined No. 19 Squadron RAF in May 1917. Here, he flew Spad VII planes. This was when pilots started flying low to attack ground targets.

He got his first victory on June 17, 1917. He shot down one enemy plane in July and another in August. On September 1, he shot down two more, making him an "ace." A fighter ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. By the end of September, he was a "double ace" with ten victories.

He became a Flight Commander on July 22, 1917. In October, he achieved four more victories. Some of these were during the Third Battle of Ypres. He even carried small bombs in his cockpit to drop on enemy troops.

For his bravery, he received the Military Cross on October 27, 1918. The award recognized his courage and skill. He flew very low in bad weather to attack enemy troops. He also destroyed two enemy planes.

T./Capt. John Leacroft, Genl. List and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion he flew at a very low altitude in extremely bad weather and successfully engaged enemy troops with machine-gun fire, and on another occasion carried out a most valuable reconnaissance and engaged enemy troops from a height of 100 feet. He destroyed two hostile machines, and has proved himself a courageous and determined pilot.

New Aircraft and More Victories

Leacroft returned to duty in early 1918. His squadron was the first to use the new Sopwith Dolphin aircraft. They started flying missions with it on February 13, 1918.

Sopwith Dolphin. Leacroft flew this model for his final eight victories. Notice the two machine guns pointing upwards.

The new planes had some early problems. Also, other British pilots sometimes mistook the Dolphin for a German plane. This led to accidental attacks.

On March 15, 1918, Leacroft shot down two Albatros D.V planes. Soon after, the Allies faced a huge German attack called the German spring offensive. On March 23, he shot down a Pfalz D.III. The next day, he got two more victories.

On March 27, he flew a dangerous ground attack mission. He targeted German troops on a road near Albert, Somme. This action was so important it was mentioned in official British history. It also earned him a Bar to his Military Cross. This means he received the award a second time.

T./Capt. John Leacroft, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a period of six months he has destroyed four and has brought down completely out of control six hostile machines. In all he has destroyed eight enemy machines and driven down thirteen out of control. On one occasion, when leading an offensive patrol, his formation destroyed six enemy planes and drove another down out of control without suffering any damage itself. He has displayed exceptional qualities as a leader, and his patrols have always been characterised by vigour and dash.

He achieved his last victories on April 12 and May 2. In total, he destroyed ten enemy aircraft. Two of these wins were shared with other pilots. He also forced twelve enemy planes to crash or land out of control.

Leacroft was the second-highest scoring ace in his squadron. Many of his early fights were against pilots from Richthofen's Flying Circus. This was a famous German flying group. His squadron commander called him "an outstanding pilot."

On September 26, 1918, King George V personally presented Leacroft with his Military Cross and Bar. This happened at Buckingham Palace.

After World War I

When the Royal Air Force was formed in 1918, Leacroft was given a permanent role. He continued his career after the war. He became a flight lieutenant.

His first job after the war was teaching new pilots. He worked at RAF College Cranwell from 1920 to 1922. Then, he was sent to RAF Iraq Command until 1924. On January 1, 1924, he was promoted to squadron leader.

Later in 1924, he took command of No. 17 Squadron RAF at RAF Hawkinge. He led this squadron until 1928. After that, he became a chief flying instructor at No. 3 Flying Training School RAF.

In 1930, he moved to RAF Halton. On January 1, 1932, he was promoted to wing commander. In February 1933, he took charge of administration at a technical training school there.

On June 15, 1937, it was announced that he would lead RAF Thornaby. On July 2, 1937, he was promoted to group captain. He served there until he retired on December 1, 1937.

World War II Service and Retirement

Even after retiring, Leacroft was called back to duty on June 12, 1939. He returned as a squadron leader. On September 1, 1939, he was back on active duty as a wing commander.

In 1942, he became the president of the Air Crew Selection Board. This board helped choose new pilots and aircrew. He retired again on April 19, 1945.

After his final retirement, he lived in Bexhill-on-Sea. He passed away there on August 26, 1971.

Personal Life

In 1926, John Leacroft married Gladys Cuddon. Gladys lived until March 22, 1977. They had one daughter named Diana.

Leacroft was also a talented sportsman when he was younger. Before World War I, he enjoyed fox hunting. Between the wars, he played cricket, polo, and competed in shooting for the RAF.