Norman Cyril Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norman Cyril Jones
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|---|---|
| Born | 8 February 1895 Cheshire, England |
| Died | 23 March 1974 (aged 79) Cockermouth, Cumbria, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1921 1941–1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 2nd East Lancashire Brigade RFA No. 71 Squadron RFC No. 28 Squadron RFC No. 45 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Other work | Interrupted his business career to return to service during World War II |
Captain Norman Cyril Jones (born February 8, 1895 – died March 23, 1974) was a brave English flying ace during World War I. He was known for his amazing skills in the air, achieving nine aerial victories.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Norman Cyril Jones was born in Cheshire, England. When World War I began in 1914, he joined the military. On September 14, 1914, he became a second lieutenant in the 2nd East Lancashire Brigade. Later, on June 1, 1916, he was promoted to lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery.
Flying High in World War I
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
On June 8, 1917, Lieutenant Jones became a flying officer in the Royal Flying Corps. This usually meant he had finished his pilot training. From June to August 1917, he was with No. 71 Squadron in Warwickshire.
Later in 1917, he was sent to No. 28 Squadron in Italy. Here, he achieved his first aerial victory on January 25, 1918. An aerial victory means shooting down an enemy aircraft.
Becoming a Flight Commander
On January 30, 1918, Jones was made a flight commander. This was a temporary rank of captain. He then moved to No. 45 Squadron in the same area. He continued to be very successful, starting with another victory on May 19, 1918. By August 21, 1918, he had achieved a total of nine aerial victories.
Earning a Distinguished Flying Cross
For his brave service, Captain Jones received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This important award was announced on September 21, 1918. The award citation praised him as:
"A gallant and skilful patrol leader who has proved successful on many occasions against numerically superior enemy formations. Capt. Jones has personally destroyed six enemy machines this year."
This award showed how much his courage and skill were valued.
Captain Jones's Aerial Victories
Captain Jones was a very successful pilot. Here is a list of the enemy aircraft he defeated:
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 January 1918 @ 1045 hours |
Sopwith Camel serial number B6344 |
Aviatik reconnaissance aircraft | Destroyed | Sernaglia–San Pietro | |
| 2 | 19 May 1918 @ 0625 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B6372 |
Reconnaissance aircraft | Set afire; destroyed | Mel, Veneto | Shared with 2nd Lt. Charles Gray Catto |
| 3 | 20 May 1918 @ 1040 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B6372 |
Albatros D.III | Destroyed | Northeast of Asiago | |
| 4 | 1 June 1918 @ 0945 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B6372 |
Albatros D.V | Set afire; destroyed | Feltre | |
| 5 | 7 June 1918 @ 1740 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n B6372 |
DFW reconnaissance aircraft | Destroyed | Arsiero | |
| 6 | 28 June 1918 @ 0835 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n D8169 |
Albatros D.III | Destroyed | A mile west of Pedavena | |
| 7 | 29 July 1918 @ approx. 0900 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n D8169 |
Albatros D.III | Destroyed | Brugnera | |
| 8 | 21 August 1918 @ 0815 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n D8234 |
Albatros D.V | Destroyed | Ghiarona | |
| 9 | Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control |
Life After World War I
After World War I ended, Norman Jones left the Royal Air Force on January 23, 1919. He returned to his original unit, the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. He officially left the military on September 30, 1921.
After his military service, Jones started a career in business. He helped reorganize his family's business in March 1920.
World War II Service
When World War II began, Norman Jones rejoined the Royal Air Force. On February 23, 1941, he became an acting probationary pilot officer. He served for the entire duration of the war.
