Loudoun MacLean facts for kids

Squadron Leader Loudoun James MacLean was a brave British World War I pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down or helped shoot down five enemy aircraft. He was born on February 1, 1893.

Who Was Loudoun James MacLean?

Loudoun James MacLean was a remarkable military officer. He served in three different branches of the British armed forces. These were the British Army, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy. He fought in both World War I and World War II.

Early Life and Family

Loudoun James MacLean was born in Ealing, a part of London, England. His father was Loudoun Francis MacLean. Sadly, his father passed away in India when Loudoun James was young. His father was working there as an engineer for a canal.

A Hero in World War I

Loudoun James MacLean showed great courage during World War I. He started his military career in the British Army.

Joining the Royal Engineers

MacLean began his training at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This was a special school for future army officers. He became a second lieutenant in the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1914. This group builds and maintains things for the army. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1915. He served on the Western Front in France. This was a very important battle area.

He earned his first Military Cross medal for his bravery. This medal is given for acts of courage in battle. He built a bridge over the Yser Canal in 1915. He did this under heavy enemy fire. Even though he lost some of his men, he finished the important job.

Flying High: Royal Flying Corps

Later, MacLean joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He learned to fly and became a flying officer in 1917. He joined No. 41 Squadron RFC. This squadron used different types of fighter planes. At first, they flew the F.E.8 and then the DH.5. These planes were not very good. Later, they got the much better S.E.5a fighter plane.

MacLean became a flight commander in October 1917. This meant he led groups of planes. He achieved his first aerial victory in November. He and other pilots worked together to force an enemy plane down. This plane was an Albatros D.V.

The next day, he helped destroy two more enemy aircraft. One was another Albatros D.V. The other was a Type C reconnaissance plane. He continued to show great skill in the air. He helped bring down more enemy planes in January and February 1918.

Earning His Medals

Because of his bravery and skill, MacLean received a second Military Cross. This is called a "Bar" to his first medal. He earned it for leading patrols and attacking enemy planes. He showed great determination and coolness. He often flew in very difficult weather conditions.

After the War

After World War I, MacLean stayed in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was given a permanent position as a captain in 1919. He served in different places, including Iraq. He worked in air communication there.

He returned to England in 1923. He was stationed at various RAF bases. These included RAF Northolt and RAF Cranwell. He was promoted to squadron leader in 1927. This is a higher rank in the RAF. He continued to work in different roles, including engineering duties.

In 1935, MacLean had to retire from the RAF. This was due to his health. However, when World War II began, he returned to serve his country. He joined the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm in 1939. This part of the navy operates aircraft.