Leslie Powell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leslie Powell
|
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Leslie Archibald Powell |
| Born | 27 June 1896 Redland, Bristol, England |
| Died | 6 February 1961 (aged 64) Worthing, Sussex, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Flying Corps |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 11 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross with Bar |
Lieutenant Leslie Archibald Powell (born June 27, 1896 – died February 6, 1961) was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down 19 enemy planes! During the war, Powell served in three different parts of the British military: the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force.
Contents
Early Life of Leslie Powell
Leslie Archibald Powell was born in Redland, a part of Bristol, England. His parents were Archibald George and Rosie Powell. Leslie also had a younger brother named Geoffrey Edward Powell, who was born in 1907. Before he joined the military, Leslie worked as a journalist. In 1913, he started working for a newspaper called the Western Daily Press.
Powell's Military Journey
Leslie Powell began his military career in December 1914. He joined the Royal Navy and was sent to a naval base called HMS Pembroke. From 1915 to 1916, he was stationed at HMS President.
In February 1916, Powell moved from the Royal Naval Air Service to the British Army. He joined the 8th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment as a Petty Officer Mechanic.
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
In April 1917, Powell decided to join the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He went to the No. 1 School of Military Aeronautics (SMA) in Reading to learn how to fly. He also spent time at Brooklands Aerodrome in Kent. By July 1917, he was sent to France to join No. 11 Squadron.
.jpg)
Powell flew as an observer and gunner in a type of plane called the Bristol F.2b. Almost all of his 19 victories happened when he was flying with another pilot named Andrew McKeever.
Amazing Air Battles
Powell's first big day of victories was on July 7, 1917, when he helped shoot down three enemy planes. He did it again on August 5, scoring another three victories. On October 31, he had a third day with three victories. He also had two victories on September 23 and October 16, 1917.
His most impressive day was November 30, 1917, when he achieved four victories. This happened during a long dogfight between his plane and seven German fighter planes. At one point, Powell's machine gun jammed while they were being attacked. McKeever, the pilot, quickly made their plane dive very steeply. This made the German plane fly away. McKeever managed to pull the plane up just 20 feet above the ground, and they escaped the remaining German planes.
Powell had only one victory without McKeever. This happened on September 11, 1917, when he flew with Geoffrey H. Hooper.
On January 25, 1918, both Powell and McKeever were sent back to Britain. They were no longer in combat duty.
