John Stanley Chick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Stanley Chick
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An image of John Chick.jpg
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| Born | 22 December 1897 Pontardawe, Wales |
| Died | 21 January 1960 (aged 62) Colchester, Essex, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1947 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
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| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross Air Force Cross |
Air Commodore John Stanley Chick, MC, AFC, was a brave Welsh officer. He was born on December 22, 1897, and passed away on January 21, 1960. He joined the Royal Air Force and became a famous "flying ace" during World War I. This means he was a pilot who shot down many enemy aircraft. He was officially credited with 16 aerial victories!
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Flying High in World War I
John Stanley Chick started his military career in 1914. He first joined the Royal Engineers. In February 1917, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. He became a pilot and earned his certificate in May 1917.
In November 1917, Chick joined No. 11 Squadron. He flew a two-seater Bristol F.2 Fighter plane. All his victories happened in the first few months of 1918. On March 12, 1918, he had an amazing day. He forced down an enemy observation plane and four Fokker Dr.I fighters. All five victories were achieved in just one flight! He was promoted to lieutenant on April 1, 1918.
On May 15, he continued his success. He set an enemy observation plane on fire. He also destroyed one Fokker Dr.I and forced another down. He even destroyed a Pfalz D.III fighter. On the same day, he was made a flight commander. This gave him the temporary rank of captain.
His Career Between the Wars
After World War I, the Royal Air Force became smaller. On April 13, 1919, Chick gave up his temporary captain rank. He was appointed a flying officer on August 1, 1919. Soon after, he joined No. 100 Squadron RAF as a pilot. He then received a permanent commission as a flying officer.
Chick moved to different squadrons over the years. He was with No. 24 Squadron RAF and then No. 60 Squadron RAF. He also worked as a test pilot. He even flew with an aerobatics team. This team performed amazing stunts with RAF SE.5a planes. On June 30, 1923, he was promoted to flight lieutenant.
He later attended a special course for instructors. He was rated as an excellent instructor. He even led the Central Flying School aerobatics team in 1929. In 1931, he attended the Royal Air Force Staff College. He became a squadron leader in February 1932.
On January 15, 1934, he received his first command. He led the Station Flight at Cambridge University Air Squadron. He was promoted again to wing commander on April 1, 1937. Just before World War II began, in February 1939, Chick became the Officer Commanding No. 49 Squadron RAF.
Leading During World War II
When World War II started, John Stanley Chick continued to serve. On June 1, 1940, he became a temporary group captain. In 1941, he was chosen to be the Officer Commanding RAF Luqa. This was an important role during the war.
On April 23, 1942, he was assigned to Middle East Command. He was promoted to acting air commodore around November 16, 1942. The next year, in February 1943, he was assigned to Special Duty.
Life After the Wars
John Stanley Chick officially retired from the Royal Air Force on December 27, 1947. In his retirement, he continued to serve his community. From 1951 to 1957, he worked as a Civil Defence Officer for Colchester. This role involved helping to protect people in case of emergencies.
Honours and Awards
John Stanley Chick received several important awards for his bravery and service.
- Military Cross (MC)
- This award is given for great bravery and dedication. John Stanley Chick earned it for his amazing actions in the air. While leading his patrol, he attacked an enemy plane. His observer forced it down out of control. Later, his patrol faced 19 enemy planes. He bravely dived and forced down three enemy planes. His observer also forced down another. On another occasion, his group of five planes attacked 25 enemy aircraft. He destroyed one and forced another down. He showed incredible courage and skill.
