John William Aldred facts for kids

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Captain John William Aldred MC & Bar (born August 26, 1884 – died June 7, 1967) was a brave English flying ace during World War I. He was known for shooting down eight enemy aircraft. He started the war as a soldier on the ground. Later, he joined the air force as an observer. After winning two air battles and earning the Military Cross, he became a fighter pilot. He then won six more air battles and received another award, called a Bar to his Military Cross.

Early Life and Career

John William Aldred was born on August 26, 1884. His hometown was Little Hulton in Lancashire, England. He went to Manchester Grammar School for his education. In 1907, he became a chartered accountant, which is a professional who manages money for businesses. In 1910, he moved to the United States. When World War I started, he returned to the United Kingdom in 1915. He joined the military, even though he was a bit older for a foot soldier.

World War I Service

On November 29, 1915, Aldred became a second lieutenant. He was part of the South Lancashire Regiment. Later, he joined the Royal Flying Corps on August 30, 1916. Here, he worked as an aerial observer. This meant he flew in planes and used weapons to spot and fight enemy aircraft.

First Victories and Award

On February 16, 1917, while flying with No. 5 Squadron, he had his first big success. He managed to set a German Albatros D.III plane on fire. He also forced another enemy plane out of control. These two victories earned him the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery in battle. The official announcement praised his courage during air combat. It said he showed "great courage and determination."

Becoming a Pilot

On July 30, 1917, Aldred became a Flying Officer. This meant he had now qualified as a pilot. He returned to France on October 21, 1917, to fly with No. 70 Squadron. While flying with them, he achieved three more victories against enemy planes. He was promoted to lieutenant around this time.

Leading a Flight

On April 3, 1918, Aldred moved to No. 3 Squadron. He became a Flight Commander, which meant he led a group of planes. Because of this new role, he was promoted to temporary captain on April 15, 1918. The next month, he scored three more aerial victories. He received another award, a Bar to his Military Cross. This was like getting the Military Cross a second time. The award recognized his "conspicuous gallantry" during patrols. It noted he destroyed four enemy aircraft and forced three others down. He also did well in bombing ground targets.

Life After the Wars

After World War I, Captain Aldred left the Royal Air Force on April 25, 1919. He went back to being a civilian. He and his wife returned to the United States. He worked as an accountant in Yonkers, New York.

By August 7, 1923, Aldred was back in England. He worked as a chartered accountant in Chester. He continued this work until he retired in 1959. During World War II, he helped his community as an air raid warden in Chester.

John William Aldred married Gladys Whittaker on June 5, 1919. They had two sons, Hugh and John Barry. His wife passed away in 1961. Aldred himself died at the age of 82 on June 7, 1967, in Chester, England.