John Pinder (RAF officer) facts for kids

Captain John William Pinder (born February 14, 1898 – died August 16, 1920) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. He flew for the Royal Navy Air Service and later for the Royal Air Force.

Early Life of a Pilot

John William Pinder was born on February 14, 1898, in a town called Deal, Kent, in England.

World War I Service

Pinder joined the military when he was old enough to fight in World War I. On October 22, 1916, he became a pilot in training for the Royal Naval Air Service. He was sent to their main office on a ship called HMS President. On January 3, 1917, his plane crashed while he was riding in the back seat. The landing gear broke off and the propeller was damaged.

After he finished his pilot training, he joined No. 9 Squadron RNAS. While flying missions along the coast of Belgium, he achieved his first three "aerial victories." This means he successfully shot down three enemy aircraft. He was then promoted to a flight commander and moved to No. 13 Squadron RNAS.

By December 5, 1917, he had achieved six victories. For his bravery, he was given the Distinguished Flying Cross award. In January 1918, he was reported to have been injured in an accident, but the exact date was not shared. By the end of April 1918, he had flown 166 hours in combat.

Around this time, his squadron became part of the new Royal Air Force (RAF). In May 1918, Lieutenant Pinder was made a temporary captain. This was because flight commanders in the RAF were ranked as captains.

Pinder's Distinguished Flying Cross award was officially announced on June 3, 1918. When he left 213 Squadron in August 1918, he had achieved 12 aerial victories. He then joined No. 45 Squadron RAF in October. While with this squadron, he achieved five more victories, bringing his total to 17.

Pinder's Aerial Victories

During his time as a pilot, John William Pinder was credited with 17 aerial victories. He flew different types of planes, including the Sopwith Triplane and the Sopwith Camel. He often flew against German planes like the Albatros D.III and the Rumpler two-seater. Many of his victories were shared with other pilots from his squadron. This means they worked together to bring down an enemy aircraft.

After World War I

After the war ended, Pinder received more honors. On June 3, 1919, he was recognized for his brave actions and received a special medal bar. This bar was like getting a second Distinguished Flying Cross. On June 17, 1919, he became a member of the Royal Aero Club.

He briefly rejoined the RAF as a Flying Officer in October 1919, but this appointment was later canceled. By December 1919, he was no longer serving in the RAF.

After his military service, Pinder became a pioneer in aviation in South America. In August 1920, he was part of a team trying to make the first flight between Brazil and Buenos Aires. Pinder and a Brazilian pilot named Lieutenant Aliatar Martins flew a Macchi M.9 flying boat. Their aircraft disappeared during the flight.

Pinder and Martins were found on August 27. It seemed their plane crashed after losing a propeller. Other reports say they landed in a lagoon to fix a propeller. While trying to restart the engine, Martins was hit by the propeller and broke his arm. Pinder jumped into the water to save him, but sadly, both men drowned. They were first buried in the local cemetery, but their graves were moved later.