Kenneth Barbour Montgomery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Barbour Montgomery
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| Born | 22 October 1897 Birkenhead, Cheshire, England |
| Died | 27 February 1965 (aged 67) Chester, Cheshire, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1913–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Cheshire Regiment No. 45 Squadron RFC No. 66 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front • Italian Front |
| Awards | Military Cross Croce di Guerra (Italy) |
Captain Kenneth Barbour Montgomery MC (born October 22, 1897 – died February 27, 1965) was an English pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he officially shot down 12 enemy aircraft. He first flew a two-seater plane and took down four German fighters. Later, he switched to a single-seater fighter and achieved his last eight victories.
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World War I Adventures
Kenneth Montgomery started his military journey early. In 1913, he was a sergeant in the Officers' Training Corps at Rugby School. He then joined the army, first serving in the Cheshire Regiment. After that, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of Britain at the time.
Flight Training and First Victories
On February 1, 1917, Kenneth was sent to the Officer Cadet Wing at Denham Aerodrome. He began his flight training on March 2 at the No. 2 School of Military Aeronautics in Oxford. Soon after, he was sent to No. 48 Reserve Squadron. By May 29, he was part of No. 81 Training Squadron and became a flying officer.
He joined No. 45 Squadron as a pilot, flying a plane called the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. On July 13, he achieved his first aerial victory. He forced a German Albatros D.III fighter plane to crash near Polygon Wood. By August 23, he had taken down four enemy aircraft using his 1½ Strutter.
Becoming a Flying Ace
After his fourth victory, Kenneth switched to a single-seat plane called the Sopwith Camel. On September 20, 1917, he forced down his fifth enemy aircraft. This made him a "flying ace." He continued to score victories regularly throughout the rest of that year. On October 26, he even shared a victory with Matthew Frew, who would later become a high-ranking air force officer. Kenneth achieved his tenth victory on November 15, 1917, over Langemarck, Belgium.
Italian Front and Final Wins
Soon after, Kenneth's squadron moved to the Italian Front. On January 2, 1918, he was promoted to a flight commander with the rank of temporary captain. The very next day, he scored his last victory with No. 45 Squadron, taking down another Albatros D.III.
Kenneth then transferred to No. 66 Squadron. He achieved his twelfth and final victory with them on January 12, 1918. He forced down an Albatros D.V plane southeast of Fonzaso, Italy. For his brave actions, Kenneth Montgomery was awarded the Military Cross on February 3, 1918.
Shot Down and Prisoner of War
On February 22, 1918, Kenneth was shot down. His plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire from Austria-Hungary. He crash-landed in a vineyard in the village of Rustignè, Oderzo. He was badly wounded and captured by the enemy.
After getting better from his injuries at a military hospital, he was held as a prisoner of war in Vienna. He remained there until the war ended. He returned to England in late December 1918. On January 21, 1919, he was assigned to No. 4 Training Depot Station.
Awards and Later Life
The Italian government honored Kenneth Montgomery with the Croce di Guerra (War Cross) on February 8, 1919. Shortly after, on February 11, 1919, he left the Royal Air Force.
