Maurice Freehill facts for kids

Squadron Leader Maurice Michael Freehill was a brave British pilot. He was born on January 21, 1899, and passed away on February 3, 1939. During World War I, he became a "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Maurice Freehill was credited with seven aerial victories. After the war, he continued to serve in the Royal Air Force until his death.

A Brave Pilot in World War I

Maurice Freehill was born in Battersea, a part of London, England. His parents were Eugene and Lilian Freehill. Just before his 18th birthday, on January 20, 1917, he joined the Hampshire Regiment as a private soldier.

Soon after, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He became a cadet and then a temporary second lieutenant in June 1917. By September, he was a flying officer.

Flying with No. 46 Squadron

Maurice Freehill joined No. 46 Squadron RFC. He flew a famous plane called the Sopwith Camel. On March 23, 1918, he got his first victory. He destroyed an enemy aircraft over a place called Bullecourt.

On April 1, 1918, something big happened. The Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service. Together, they formed the Royal Air Force (RAF). So, Freehill's unit became No. 46 Squadron RAF.

He continued to show great skill. On April 3 and 20, he helped shoot down two enemy reconnaissance planes. These were Albatros C aircraft. He shared these victories with another pilot, Captain Cecil Marchant.

On May 30, he forced down a Fokker Dr.I plane. Later, he took down three Fokker D.VII planes. These victories happened on August 7 and 15. His seventh and final victory was on October 3, after he became a temporary captain.

Receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross

For his bravery, Maurice Freehill received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a special award given for courage in air combat. The award was officially announced on February 7, 1919.

His award citation praised him as a "brilliant leader." It said he destroyed five enemy aircraft. He also showed amazing bravery by attacking enemy troops on the ground. For example, on November 4, he saw a machine-gun post stopping his own soldiers. He flew very low and attacked it, making the enemy run away. He also flew a dangerous reconnaissance mission at only 50 feet high. He faced heavy machine-gun fire but brought back very important information.

Serving After the War

Maurice Freehill stayed in the Royal Air Force after World War I ended. On August 1, 1919, he was given a permanent position as a lieutenant. He kept his acting rank of captain for some time.

He continued his training and service. In 1923, he went to the Electrical and Wireless School. After that, he joined No. 25 Squadron RAF in December 1923.

Promotions and Overseas Service

On July 1, 1925, Freehill was promoted to flight lieutenant. Later that year, he was sent to Iraq. He joined No. 5 Armoured Car Company, which was part of the RAF forces there. He served in different squadrons in Iraq, including No. 1 Squadron RAF and No. 55 Squadron RAF.

In 1927, he returned to the UK. He worked as an instructor at flying schools. This included the Central Flying School and No. 2 Flying Training School.

He went back to Iraq in 1930 to serve with No. 55 Squadron again. Then, he joined No. 41 Squadron RAF in 1932. He also worked at the School of Photography in 1936.

On April 1, 1937, he was promoted to squadron leader. This was a significant rank. He then joined No. 58 Squadron RAF for flying duties.

Squadron Leader Maurice Freehill passed away at York Military Hospital on February 3, 1939.