John Quested (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Bowley Quested
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| Born | 14 December 1893 Elham, Kent, England |
| Died | 11 March 1948 (aged 54) |
| Buried |
St Martin's Church, Cheriton, Kent
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1920 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Army Service Corps No. 11 Squadron RFC No. 48 Squadron RFC No. 40 Squadron RFC |
| Commands held | No. 1 Aerial Gunnery Range No. 2 Aeroplane Supply Depot No. 79 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross Croix de Guerre (France) |
Major John Bowley Quested (born December 14, 1893 – died March 11, 1948) was a brave pilot from England during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down eight enemy airplanes. One of his most famous victories was against a German pilot named Gustav Leffers.
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John Bowley Quested: A World War I Flying Ace
Starting His Military Career
John Bowley Quested began his military journey on November 11, 1914. He joined the Army Service Corps as a temporary second lieutenant. This was his first step into serving his country.
In April 1915, he started flying as an observer and gunner. He flew with 11 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. By December 1, 1915, he was promoted to lieutenant.
Becoming a Flying Ace
On July 6, 1916, John Quested became a flying officer. He then transferred to become a pilot for 11 Squadron. He flew Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b planes.
His first aerial victory happened on August 16, 1916. He forced a German reconnaissance plane to crash near Fampoux. Just a few weeks later, on September 2, he shot down two more enemy planes over Bapaume.
On September 15, he destroyed another enemy fighter in the same area. On that very day, he was made a flight commander and promoted to captain. A week later, on September 22, he became a "flying ace." This means he had shot down five enemy aircraft. His fifth victory was an Aviatik C plane over Longeast Wood.
A Famous Victory
On December 20, 1916, Quested forced an Albatros D.I plane to crash near Monchy-le-Preux. A week later, on December 27, he destroyed another plane over Wancourt. It was later believed that he had killed the pilot of this plane.
His observer thought the plane was a Nieuport 16. It turned out to be a captured French aircraft being used by the Germans. This seventh plane Quested shot down belonged to a famous German ace, Gustav Leffers. About an hour later, Quested himself was forced to land behind British lines by another German ace, Wilhelm Cymera.
On January 27, 1917, he achieved his eighth and final victory. He forced an enemy fighter plane to crash over Beaurains. In total, he destroyed three enemy planes and forced five others to crash.
Awards and Later Service
John Quested received the Military Cross on February 13, 1917. This award recognized his bravery and skill in battle. The award citation praised his ability to maneuver his plane. It also noted how he helped his observer shoot down an enemy machine.
On May 1, 1917, he also received the Croix de Guerre from France. This was another important award for his courage.
In July 1917, a plane crash ended his flying career. However, he continued to serve in important leadership roles. On October 27, 1917, he became a squadron commander with the rank of major. He commanded No. 1 Aerial Gunnery Range. After being wounded in February 1918, he recovered and commanded No. 2 Aeroplane Supply Depot until the war ended.
After the War
After World War I, John Quested reportedly served in Germany and India. Some reports say he commanded 79 Squadron in 1919. Others say he served in 48 Squadron in Quetta that same year.
He eventually left the Royal Air Force on March 18, 1920. He then retired to East Anglia in England to become a farmer.
John Quested passed away on March 11, 1948. He is buried next to his father, John Egerton Quested, in the churchyard of St Martin's Church in Cheriton, Kent.
