Louis Fleeming Jenkin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Louis Fleeming Jenkin
Born	(1895-08-22)22 August 1895 London, England
Died	11 September 1917(1917-09-11) (aged 22) Western Front
Commemorated at	Arras Flying Service Memorial
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1914–1917
Rank	Captain
Unit	9th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Fusiliers Royal Flying Corps No. 1 Squadron
Battles/wars	World War I
Awards	Military Cross & Bar

Captain Louis Fleeming Jenkin was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace," which means he shot down many enemy planes. He achieved an amazing 22 victories in the air. He was also awarded the Military Cross twice for his courage.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Louis Fleeming Jenkin was born in London, England, on August 22, 1895. When World War I began, he joined the British Army. On September 24, 1914, he became a Second Lieutenant. He served with a unit called the 9th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Fusiliers.

Becoming a Pilot in the Royal Flying Corps

In April 1917, Louis Jenkin decided to join the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He was sent to No. 1 Squadron in May 1917. This squadron had just received new fighter planes called Nieuport 17s. These planes were fast and good for air battles.

Jenkin's First Victories

Just a few days after joining his new squadron, Louis Jenkin scored his first aerial victory. This happened on May 23. He was very skilled and brave. In less than a month, he became a "flying ace." This title is given to pilots who shoot down five or more enemy aircraft. He achieved his fifth victory on June 8.

By the end of June, he had already won 11 air battles. He continued to be very successful in July. By the end of that month, his total victories reached 20. His commanders noticed his amazing skills. On July 31, he was put in charge of a group of planes called a "flight." He was also promoted to the rank of temporary Captain.

Awards for Bravery

Louis Jenkin received the Military Cross on August 16, 1917. This award is given for great bravery in battle. The official message said he showed "the greatest dash and determination." It also mentioned how he attacked enemy planes even when they were outnumbered. He destroyed some and forced others to crash.

He had two more victories in early September. Sadly, on September 11, 1917, after winning an air battle that morning, he was shot down. He was fighting against a German pilot named Otto Schmidt.

A few days after his death, on September 17, he was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross. This meant he received the award a second time. The message praised his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It highlighted his "dash and offensive spirit" in attacking enemy aircraft.

Summary of His Achievements

Captain Louis Fleeming Jenkin was a truly remarkable pilot. He destroyed two enemy planes by setting them on fire. He destroyed six others all by himself. He also helped destroy two more planes with another pilot. In addition, he forced twelve enemy planes to crash out of control.

He is remembered at the Arras Flying Memorial. This memorial honors airmen who died in World War I and have no known grave.