Leslie William Burbidge facts for kids

Captain Leslie William Burbidge was a brave pilot who fought in World War I. He was born in Bexhill-on-Sea, England, on March 10, 1891. He became a "flying ace," which means he helped shoot down at least five enemy aircraft. Leslie Burbidge was an observer and gunner in Bristol F.2 Fighter planes. He flew with 20 Squadron during the war.

Early Life and Joining the War

Leslie William Burbidge was the son of Reverend E. O. Burbidge. Before the war, from 1910 to 1914, he worked at a shipyard. This shipyard was located in St Helens, Lancashire, England. He was very good at languages, speaking both French and Italian. When he joined the Royal Flying Corps, he listed his home as Le Havre, France.

World War I Adventures

Becoming a Flying Ace

Leslie Burbidge was promoted to Lieutenant on August 1, 1915. Later, he became a Temporary Captain. He joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1917. The RFC was the air force of Britain during World War I.

Burbidge became known as a "flying ace" because of his victories in the air. On September 25, 1917, he helped force down an enemy Albatros D.V plane. This was his first aerial victory. A few days later, on October 2, he took down two more Albatros D.V planes. These victories happened over a place called Dadizeele.

On November 13, he worked with pilot ace Lieutenant Robert Kirby Kirkman. Together, they forced down another Albatros D.V. They did this again on December 5, 1917. This fifth victory made Burbidge a "flying ace."

A Daring Rescue in the Sky

In February 1918, Burbidge moved to a different base. But he rejoined 20 Squadron in September. He was flying with pilot Thomas Traill on September 29, 1918. They destroyed a Fokker D.VII plane near Saint Quentin.

Later, while flying with Traill, their plane crashed into another friendly plane. Part of their wing broke off! Their Brisfit plane started to fall out of control. Captain Burbidge showed incredible bravery. He climbed out onto the opposite wing of the damaged plane. This helped to balance the plane. Because of his quick thinking, Traill was able to crash-land the plane safely. Burbidge was slightly hurt, breaking his nose and biting his tongue. His brave action saved his pilot's life.

After the War

After World War I ended, Burbidge continued to serve. He was in 22 Squadron and then 12 Squadron. He was stationed in Cologne, Germany. On October 23, 1919, Leslie Burbidge left the Royal Air Force.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished Flying Cross

Captain Leslie William Burbidge received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This is a very important award given for bravery in air combat. His award was given for his amazing courage on October 23, 1918.

The award citation said that after destroying an enemy plane, his own plane crashed into another. The plane started to fall. Captain Burbidge, with great courage, climbed onto the damaged wing. This allowed his pilot to get some control back. He stayed in this dangerous position until the plane slowly landed. His brave act saved his pilot's life, even though he was thrown from the plane and hurt his face.