Maurice Benjamin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maurice Arthur Benjamin
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|---|---|
| Born | 10 July 1883 |
| Allegiance | England |
| Service/ |
Royal Flying Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 48 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain Maurice Arthur Benjamin was a brave pilot and observer during World War I. He was born in London but lived in South Africa. He became known as a flying ace, which means he shot down many enemy aircraft. He achieved eight aerial victories while working as an observer and gunner in two-seater planes.
Contents
Early Life and Start of War Service
Maurice Arthur Benjamin was born in London on July 10, 1883. Before World War I began, he was working in South Africa. He managed theaters there.
When the war started, he decided to join the fight. He became part of the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time.
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
Benjamin started his service on March 9, 1917. He worked as an aerial observer with a group called 48 Squadron. An aerial observer's job was to spot enemy planes and targets from the sky. They also operated machine guns.
He quickly showed his skill. He achieved his first aerial victories on April 6 and 9, 1917. He was officially recognized as an observer shortly after. He would go on to achieve six more victories.
Military Cross Award
For his bravery, Maurice Benjamin received the Military Cross. This is a special award for courage in battle. The award was officially announced on July 18, 1917.
The official statement praised his actions:
He showed great courage and dedication. He helped attack two large enemy planes. One of these planes crashed to the ground. Before that, he helped fight three enemy scout planes. One of them was destroyed, and the others flew away. He helped destroy four enemy planes in total.
Later, Benjamin trained to become a pilot himself. He earned his pilot's certificate on February 3, 1918. On August 1, 1918, he was promoted to temporary captain. This was while he was teaching others at a training base.
List of Aerial Victories
Maurice Benjamin achieved eight aerial victories during his time as an observer. These victories were often shared with his pilot and other aircrews. Here is a list of his successful missions:
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | German airplane | Driven down out of control | Douai | Pilot: William Price |
| 2 | Morning of 9 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | German reconnaissance plane | Destroyed | East of Arras | Pilot: William Price |
| 3 | 23 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Vimy | Pilot: William Price. Victory shared with Roger Hay, Fred Holliday, at least three other aviators |
| 4 | 25 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | East of Arras | Pilot: William Price |
| 5 | 27 April 1917 | Bristol F.2a Fighter | German reconnaissance plane | Destroyed | Vitry-en-Artois (Southwest of Douai) | Victory shared with Roger Hay |
| 6 | 26 May 1917 @ 1945 hours | Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7119 | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | Southwest of Douai | Pilot: J. W. Warren |
| 7 | 26 May 1917 @ 1945 hours | Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7119 | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Southwest of Douai | Pilot: J. W. Warren |
| 8 | 15 June 1917 @ 1940 hours | Bristol F.2b Fighter serial number A7117 | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Fampoux | Pilot: H.M Fraser. Victory shared with another air crew |
After World War I
After the war ended, Maurice Benjamin was offered a permanent position as a lieutenant. However, he was placed on the "unemployed list" of the Royal Air Force shortly after. This meant his military career came to an end. His commission as a lieutenant was officially cancelled on September 5, 1919.
