Keith Muspratt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keith Knox Muspratt
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|---|---|
| Born | 22 December 1897 Bournemouth, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 16 March 1918 (aged 20) Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, England |
| Buried |
Bournemouth Cemetery, Wimborne Road, Hampshire
(50°44′00″N 1°52′25″W / 50.73333°N 1.87361°W) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1916–1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Dorsetshire Regiment No. 56 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain Keith Knox Muspratt was a brave English pilot during the First World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down eight enemy planes. He was part of the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of Britain at the time.
Contents
Biography of a Flying Ace
Early Life and School Days
Keith Muspratt was born in Bournemouth, England, on December 22, 1897. He was the youngest of three sons. His father, Charles Drummond Muspratt, was a doctor.
Keith went to Wychwood School in Bournemouth. Later, in 1911, he went to Sherborne School in Dorset. He was a good student and a leader there. He also played football for his school team.
While still at school, Keith started learning to fly. He took lessons during his holidays in 1915. He earned his pilot's license in April 1916.
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
After finishing school in the summer of 1916, Keith joined the army. On August 8, 1916, he became a temporary second lieutenant. He was assigned to the Royal Flying Corps to become a pilot.
At first, Keith worked as a flying instructor. He also tested new planes. This helped him become a very skilled pilot.
In May 1917, he joined No. 56 Squadron in France. This squadron was known for its brave pilots.
Keith's Aerial Victories
Keith Muspratt became a "flying ace" during his time in France. This means he had at least five aerial victories. He was credited with eight victories in total. These included one enemy plane captured, four destroyed, and three forced "out of control."
His first victory was on May 24, 1917. He helped force an Albatros D.III plane down. He scored more victories in May and July.
In August, he had three more decisive wins. He flew a type of plane called an SE.5.
The Famous Battle with Werner Voss
On September 23, 1917, Keith was part of a very famous air battle. A German flying ace named Werner Voss fought many British planes by himself. Keith's squadron, No. 56 Squadron, was involved.
During this intense fight, Voss damaged Keith's plane. He also hit other planes. Eventually, Voss was shot down by another British pilot, Arthur Rhys Davids.
Awards and Later Service
For his bravery and skill, Keith Muspratt received the Military Cross. This important award was given to him on October 18, 1917. He continued to fight and destroyed two more German planes by the end of that month.
After his final victory, Keith was sent back to England. He became a test pilot at Martlesham Heath. His job was to test new aircraft.
His Final Flight
Keith was promoted to lieutenant in February 1918. Soon after, he became a flight commander with the rank of captain.
Sadly, Captain Keith Muspratt died in a flying accident. This happened in Suffolk, England, on March 16, 1918. He was buried at Bournemouth Cemetery.
