Noel Keeble facts for kids

Wing Commander (rank) Noel Keeble was a brave British pilot who flew during the First World War. He was born on April 6, 1892, and became known as a "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Noel Keeble achieved six aerial victories during his time as a pilot. He also served in the Second World War.

Noel Keeble's Service in the First World War

Noel Keeble started his flying career in 1915. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). This was the air branch of the British Navy. He quickly became a flight sub-lieutenant.

Early Victories and Awards

Keeble was part of No. 1 Wing, based in Dunkirk, France. He got his first victory on January 25, 1916. He was flying a Nieuport plane. He forced a German seaplane to land in the sea near Nieuwpoort, Belgium.

His second victory happened on October 23, 1916. He was flying a Sopwith Pup plane. He destroyed another German seaplane near Nieuwpoort. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). This award recognized his outstanding courage.

His award notice said:

For amazing bravery on October 23, 1916. He attacked four German seaplanes. He made one of them crash straight down into the sea.

Keeble was promoted to flight lieutenant in October 1916. By December 1917, he became a flight commander.

Joining the Royal Air Force

On April 1, 1918, a big change happened. The Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Army's Royal Flying Corps joined together. They formed the new Royal Air Force (RAF). Noel Keeble became part of No. 202 Squadron RAF. He flew a DH.4 plane. This was a two-seater bomber used for daytime missions.

He flew with Captain Eric Betts as his observer and gunner. Together, they achieved four more victories.

• On June 5, they destroyed a Pfalz D.III plane.
• On August 10, they forced a Fokker D.VII plane out of control.
• On September 16, they destroyed a Pfalz D.III.
• On the same day, they also destroyed another Fokker D.VII.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Noel Keeble was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award recognized his continued bravery and skill.

His award notice said:

This officer and his observer took over 1,000 important photos of enemy areas. These areas were many miles behind the front lines. He also brought back very important new information. He destroyed eight enemy planes in the last month. Captain Keeble is a very skilled and brave Flight Commander.

Noel Keeble's Career Between the Wars

After the First World War, Noel Keeble stayed in the RAF. He was given a permanent position as a flight lieutenant. He worked at different training schools.

Service in Iraq

In February 1923, he was sent to Iraq. He served with No. 30 Squadron RAF. After some time, he returned to England.

He went back to Iraq in October 1930. He served with No. 1 Armoured Car Company RAF. These companies used armored cars for defense and patrols. In May 1932, he was recognized for his service. He received a "mention in despatches." This means his name was specially mentioned in an official report for his good work. This was for his service in Iraqi Kurdistan between October 1930 and May 1931.

Noel Keeble left the RAF on August 4, 1934. He was placed on the retired list.

Noel Keeble's Service in the Second World War

Noel Keeble returned to the RAF during the Second World War. He rejoined with the rank of flight lieutenant.

He was promoted to temporary squadron leader in March 1942. This promotion became permanent in November 1942. He retired again on October 31, 1945. He kept the rank of wing commander.