Lewis Collins (RAF officer) facts for kids

Captain Lewis Isaac Collins MC (born November 7, 1894 – died June 1, 1971) was a brave Scottish pilot from World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy planes from the sky! He also received a special award called the Military Cross for his courage.

Lewis Collins' Early Life

Lewis Collins was born in a city called Dundee, in Scotland. His parents were Isaac John and Helen Collins. He went to school at the High School of Dundee.

Serving in the War

When World War I started, Lewis joined the army. First, he was a "sapper" (which is like an engineer) in a group called the City of Dundee (Fortress) Engineers. This group was part of the Royal Engineers.

Then, in 1915, he became an officer, starting as a second lieutenant in the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Soon after, he moved to another group called the 10th Battalion of the Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). He kept getting promoted, becoming a lieutenant in 1917 and then a captain in the same year.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Lewis Collins then joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He became an observer and gunner in No. 18 Squadron. Between March and June 1918, he flew with pilot Captain David A. Stewart. They flew a plane called an Airco DH.4.

Together, they achieved five victories by shooting down enemy aircraft. Because of his bravery and success, Lewis Collins was given the Military Cross award in September 1918. He left the military in February 1919 after the war ended.

Life After the War

After the war, Lewis Collins went back to Dundee. In 1927, after his father passed away, Lewis and his brother David took over their family business. It was a tailoring and clothing shop called I. J. Collins, located on Whitehall Street in Dundee.

When World War II began in 1939, Lewis Collins once again joined the military. He became a second lieutenant in the National Defence Company.

Lewis Collins passed away in Dundee on June 1, 1971. He is buried in the Western Cemetery in Dundee.

Honours and Awards

Lewis Isaac Collins received the Military Cross for his amazing bravery and dedication during World War I. This award is given to officers for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

His award citation mentioned that he:

• Completed twelve successful bombing missions.
• Flew fifteen low-level bombing and scouting flights.
• Successfully completed ten photography flights.
• Carried out many important low-flying patrols to harass and bomb the enemy.
• Destroyed two enemy planes, even when he was attacked by three enemy aircraft at once.