Maurice Leblanc-Smith facts for kids

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Major Maurice Le Blanc-Smith (born February 23, 1896 – died October 29, 1986) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down seven enemy aircraft. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage.

Maurice Le Blanc-Smith's Life

Early Life and Education

Maurice Le Blanc-Smith came from a family with a long history. His great-grandfather, Henry Le Blanc, was a soldier who fought in many places, including India and South Africa. He even saw action during the famous battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Maurice's father, Stanley Le Blanc-Smith, worked as a stockbroker in London. Maurice was born in Leatherhead, England. Like his father, Maurice went to Radley College, a well-known school. He was also a talented rower and was part of the school's top rowing team in 1914.

Becoming a Pilot

When World War I began, Maurice wanted to join the fight. He decided to become a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force of the British Army at the time. To join, he had to pay for his own flying lessons first.

Maurice earned his pilot's license on July 14, 1915. He learned to fly a special type of biplane (an airplane with two main wings) at the Military School in Brooklands Aerodrome. On the very same day, he officially became a second lieutenant in the RFC. After more training, he became a full flying officer in October 1915.

Flying in World War I

Maurice first served with No. 18 Squadron RFC. Here, he flew planes like the Airco DH.2 and the Vickers Gunbus. These planes were used for bombing enemy targets and for looking at what the enemy was doing (reconnaissance). By July 1916, he was promoted to a temporary captain, leading his own group of planes.

In early 1918, Maurice moved to No. 73 Squadron RFC. This squadron flew the Sopwith Camel, a famous fighter plane. Maurice even had a special mascot, a toy dog named "Adolphus," which a French girl gave him. He always took Adolphus with him on his flying missions!

Maurice became a "flying ace" by shooting down seven enemy aircraft. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy planes.

• His first victory was on March 10, 1918, when he destroyed a German Fokker Dr.I plane.
• On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the new Royal Air Force (RAF). Maurice's unit became No. 73 Squadron RAF.
• He continued to achieve victories, destroying other enemy fighters like the Fokker D.VII and Albatros D.V.
• On June 12, he had a very successful day, forcing two enemy planes to land. These planes were then captured.
• His seventh victory was on July 21, when he helped destroy another Fokker Dr.I with other pilots from his squadron.

Awards and Later Service

For his bravery and skill, Maurice Le Blanc-Smith was given the Distinguished Flying Cross. This important award was announced on August 2, 1918. The award citation praised him as a "very efficient officer and successful patrol leader" who was great at attacking ground targets and enemy planes.

On August 9, 1918, he was promoted to the temporary rank of major. He held this rank until April 1919, after the war ended. His name was also mentioned in official reports for his excellent service.

Maurice left the RAF in August 1919. He briefly returned to service in April 1921 as a flight lieutenant but left again in June of that year.

Life After the War

After his military career, Maurice Le Blanc-Smith became a director at a company called Bewlay (Tobacconists) Ltd. He worked there until he retired in 1959.

In 1926, he married Margaret Chance, and they had three children together. Maurice Le Blanc-Smith lived a long life and passed away in 1986 at the age of 90.