Melville Waddington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melville Wells Waddington
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| Born | 21 December 1895 Toronto, York, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 14 August 1945 (aged 49) Ontario, Canada |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 12th Brigade Ammunition Column, Canadian Field Artillery No. 20 Squadron RFC/RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
Lieutenant Melville Wells Waddington was a brave Canadian soldier and pilot during World War I. He was born on December 21, 1895, and passed away on August 14, 1945. He became known as a "flying ace" because he helped shoot down twelve enemy planes. He was also the first observer in his squadron to achieve a victory while flying a special plane called the Bristol Fighter.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Melville Wells Waddington was born in Toronto, Canada. His birthday was December 21, 1895. His father, Herbert Waddington, worked as an accountant. Melville grew up in Toronto with his family.
Joining the Military
Melville Waddington began his military career in March 1916. He joined the Canadian Field Artillery. This was a group that used cannons and other big guns. In April 1916, he was approved to join the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force. This force sent Canadian soldiers to fight overseas.
In April 1917, Melville transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the United Kingdom at the time. By June 1917, he was part of No. 20 Squadron. He served as an observer in the planes. Observers helped the pilot by looking for enemy planes and operating machine guns.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Melville Waddington achieved twelve aerial victories during his time as an observer. This means he helped take down twelve enemy aircraft. His first seven victories were while flying in a F.E.2d aircraft. The last five were in a Bristol F.2b plane. All of his victories were against German Albatros planes.
On June 29, 1917, Melville scored his first victory. He and his pilot, Lieutenant Reginald Makepeace, sent an Albatros D.V out of control over Houthem, Belgium. A few days later, on July 6, he and pilot Malcolm McCall destroyed another Albatros D.V.
Melville continued to be very successful. On July 17 and 21, 1917, he helped take down two more Albatros planes. His pilot for these missions was Harry George Ernest Luchford. On July 27, Melville and Luchford had a double victory. They destroyed one Albatros D.V and sent another out of control.
New Aircraft, More Victories
By August 1917, Melville's squadron started using the newer Bristol F.2b planes. On September 3, 1917, Melville and his pilot, Lieutenant Makepeace, made history. They scored the first victory for No. 20 Squadron using a Bristol plane. They shot down an Albatros D.V. This was Melville's eighth victory.
Melville and Makepeace continued their success. They achieved four more victories together in the Bristol F.2b. On September 5, 1917, they sent an Albatros D.V out of control. On September 11, they destroyed another Albatros D.V. Their last two victories came on October 17, 1917. They sent two Albatros D.Vs out of control on that day. This brought Melville's total victories to twelve.
Life After the War
Melville Waddington returned to Canada in February 1918. He worked as an instructor for a while. On August 14, 1918, he married Marjorie Jean Hill McLeod in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Melville officially left the Royal Air Force and the Canadian Field Artillery in March 1919. After the war, he worked as a real estate and insurance salesman. Later, he was also recorded as an accountant. Melville Wells Waddington passed away on August 14, 1945, after having a heart attack.
Images for kids
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The Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 was one of the planes Melville Waddington flew in.
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The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a newer plane Melville Waddington used for some of his victories.
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The Albatros D.V was a German plane often fought during World War I.
