Leonard Monteagle Barlow facts for kids

Lieutenant Leonard Monteagle Barlow was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. Leonard was born in Islington, London, England, on June 5, 1898. Before he became a pilot, he studied how electricity works.

A World War I Flying Ace

Leonard Barlow joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of Britain at the time. He became a pilot with No. 56 Squadron. This was a very important group of pilots.

Flying High

While flying with his squadron, Leonard was incredibly successful. He shot down 20 enemy aircraft. This made him one of the top pilots of the war. For his amazing skill and bravery, he received the Military Cross three times. This award is given for great courage in battle.

The Gadget King

Leonard was also very clever and inventive. People called him 'The Gadget King'. He found a smart way to make both machine guns on his SE5a airplane fire at the same time. This gave him a big advantage in air battles. On September 25, he attacked three German Albatros fighter planes. He managed to shoot down all three of them. Two of the enemy pilots were killed, and one was hurt.

His Final Flight

Sadly, Leonard Barlow died on February 5, 1918. He was test flying a new plane called a Sopwith Dolphin at Martlesham Heath. The plane broke apart in the air, and he was killed. By the time he died, he had destroyed 12 enemy planes by himself and shared in destroying one more. He also forced 6 enemy planes to crash out of control and shared in one more. He is buried at Bandon Hill Cemetery.

Awards for Bravery

Leonard Monteagle Barlow received the Military Cross and two bars for his amazing courage. A "bar" means he received the award again.

• First Military Cross: On August 25, 1917, he received his first Military Cross. This was for his bravery in air battles. He was very daring in attacking and destroying enemy planes. He also attacked a train, silenced an enemy machine gun, and scattered enemy troops from low in the sky.

• First Bar to Military Cross: On October 16, 1917, he received a bar to his Military Cross. This was for his continued bravery over a long time. He destroyed six enemy planes and forced three others to crash out of control. He flew on over sixty missions and led ten of them. His courage and skill were always outstanding.

• Second Bar to Military Cross: On October 27, 1917, he received a second bar to his Military Cross. This was for his bravery in air battles. In just two weeks, he destroyed several enemy planes. One time, he attacked four enemy scouts by himself. He shot one down in flames and two others crashed. He showed incredible courage, daring, and skill.