Kenneth Leask facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal Kenneth Malise St. Clair Graeme Leask (30 October 1896 – 24 April 1974) was a very important officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started his military journey in the British Army. During the First World War, he flew with the Royal Flying Corps. He became a famous flying ace by shooting down eight enemy aircraft.

Leask flew over 100 missions and survived three emergency landings. He reached the rank of captain and led a flight in No. 84 Squadron. After the war, he stayed in the RAF. He later became the Director-General of Engineering in the Air Ministry, with the high rank of air vice marshal.

Early Life and Beginnings

Kenneth Leask was born in Southsea, England, on 30 October 1896. His father was a doctor.

Military Career Highlights

First World War Service

Leask joined the British Army soon after the First World War began in 1914. He became an officer in the Devonshire Regiment. This unit trained soldiers for the war in France. Later, he moved to the Machine Gun Corps and worked as an instructor.

In May 1916, Leask joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force before the RAF existed. He learned to fly and became a flying officer. He first flew with No. 42 Squadron and then No. 41 Squadron.

By January 1917, he was promoted to captain and became a flight commander. He also worked as a flying instructor in England. In September, he returned to France with No. 84 Squadron.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Flying an S.E.5a plane, Leask achieved his first air victories in October 1917. He and another pilot forced down a German plane. Soon after, Leask shot down an Albatros D.V plane by himself. He continued to gain victories. By January 1918, he had five victories, making him a flying ace. This means he had shot down five or more enemy aircraft. He achieved three more victories in March, bringing his total to eight.

Awards for Bravery

Leask was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. This award is given for acts of courage during battle. His award was announced in March 1918.

The award recognized his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." He led patrols against larger groups of enemy planes. He drove down three enemy planes that were destroyed. He was praised for his determination and leadership.

On 1 April 1918, the RFC joined with the Royal Naval Air Service. Together, they formed the Royal Air Force (RAF). Leask flew his last missions with No. 84 Squadron that day. He completed over 100 missions with the squadron.

He received a second Military Cross in June 1918. This was for attacking five enemy planes and destroying one. He also flew very low to find enemy positions. He attacked a large group of enemy troops, scattering them. This showed his great courage under heavy fire.

Between the World Wars

After the war, Leask stayed in the RAF. In 1919, he became a permanent flight lieutenant. In 1920, he took part in an air show. He flew a Bristol F.2 Fighter in a mock air battle.

From 1921, Leask served in No. 208 Squadron in Egypt. His squadron later moved to Turkey during a tense time. In 1923, he married Lydia Alexandrovna in Turkey.

Leask continued to rise through the ranks. He became a squadron leader in 1925. He commanded No. 24 Squadron for a short time. He also studied engineering and became an Engineering Officer. He served in India and commanded No. 60 (Bomber) Squadron.

In 1933, he was promoted to wing commander. He worked in engineering roles for the RAF in India and later in Britain. By 1938, he was promoted to group captain.

Second World War Service

When the Second World War started, Leask transferred to the RAF's Technical Branch. In 1940, he became an acting air commodore. He led No. 43 (Maintenance) Group, which was part of RAF Maintenance Command. This group was in charge of keeping aircraft in good condition.

He was mentioned in official reports for his good work in 1941. He was promoted to the temporary rank of air commodore. In 1942, he became an acting air vice marshal. In 1944, he became the leader of No. 24 (Technical Training) Group. This group trained RAF personnel.

After the Wars

After the Second World War, Leask's promotion to air vice marshal became permanent. In 1947, he became the Director-General of Servicing and Maintenance at the Air Ministry. In 1948, he became the Director-General of Engineering. He retired from the RAF in December 1949.

After retiring, Leask worked as a manager for a company in Finland. This company exported engineering products from the UK.

Kenneth Leask and his wife, Lydia, sadly died in a car accident in Chalfont St Peter on 24 April 1974.