Maxmillian Mare-Montembault facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maximillian John Jules Gabriel Mare-Montembault
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Monty |
| Born | 4 March 1895 Croydon, England |
| Died | 1953 (aged 57–58) Paddington, London |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | North Somerset Yeomanry No. 32 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Lieutenant Maximillian John Jules Gabriel Mare-Montembault (born March 4, 1895 – died 1953) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft. He was also awarded the Military Cross for his courage.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Maximillian Mare-Montembault joined the army in 1915. He started as a second lieutenant in a group called the North Somerset Yeomanry. Later, in 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force.
He became a flying officer on August 3, 1916. Soon after, on August 10, he joined No. 32 Squadron RFC. He flew a single-seat fighter plane called the Airco DH.2.
First Victories in the Sky
Mare-Montembault achieved his first aerial victory on September 15, 1916. He shot down a German reconnaissance plane near Bapaume. On October 10, a famous German pilot named Oswald Boelcke shot him down. Luckily, Mare-Montembault crash-landed safely within British lines.
He was back in the air very quickly. On October 22, he forced another German plane down near Irles. On November 16, he worked with other pilots to bring down two more enemy planes. The next day, he shot down another plane by himself near Bucquoy.
Captured in Battle
On March 6, 1917, Mare-Montembault was in a dogfight (an air battle) east of Bapaume. He destroyed another German plane. However, another German pilot, Adolf von Tutschek, then shot him down. Mare-Montembault crash-landed behind German lines and was captured. He became a prisoner of war.
While he was a prisoner, he received the Military Cross on June 4, 1917. This award recognized his bravery. On July 31, he was promoted to lieutenant.
After the War
Mare-Montembault was released after the war ended in November 1918. He returned to England in January 1919. On April 10, he left the Royal Air Force. This was because he had health problems from his time in the war.
He remained part of the army reserves after the war. On November 15, 1919, he was promoted to lieutenant again. On December 16, 1919, he was recognized for his "valuable services" while he was a prisoner.
