Phillip Scott Burge facts for kids

Phillip Scott Burge, who was also known by his military awards MC, MM, was born on 29 March 1895. He was a brave World War One fighter pilot. He became a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. Phillip Burge was sadly killed in action over France in 1918. He had earned a special award called the Military Cross for his bravery.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Phillip Burge went to Marlborough College when he was younger. This was before World War One started. When the war began, he joined the British Army. In the middle of 1916, he received the Military Medal for his courage. At that time, he was serving with a group called the Royal Fusiliers. In 1917, he moved to a new part of the military. He became an officer in the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force back then.

Flying in World War One

On 27 February 1917, Phillip Burge officially became a temporary officer. By 24 May 1917, he was a flying officer. This meant he was ready to fly planes in combat. On 14 October, he joined 64 Squadron. He flew a type of plane called a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a.

First Victories in the Air

Phillip Burge got his first aerial victory on 23 March 1918. He destroyed a German Fokker Dr.I triplane fighter. This happened over a place called Bourlon Wood. Just one week later, he worked with another pilot, James Anderson Slater. Together, they destroyed a German two-seater plane over Croisilles, France. On 1 April, he destroyed an Albatros D.V fighter over Méricourt. On 20 April 1918, Phillip Burge was promoted to a temporary captain.

More Successes in the Sky

On 3 May 1918, Phillip Burge helped destroy a Rumpler plane over Mercatel. On 16 May, he had an amazing dogfight. He shot down two more enemy aircraft in that fight. He destroyed one Albatros D.V and forced another one down out of control. On 20 and 21 May 1918, he destroyed two Halberstadt planes. These were his seventh and eighth victories.

His next success was on 19 July 1918. He destroyed another Fokker triplane south of Lille. The very next day, Phillip Burge, Edmund Tempest, and another pilot worked together. They destroyed a Rumpler plane over Drocourt. On 22 July 1918, Phillip Burge shot down an aircraft for the last time. He destroyed an Albatros D.V over Harnes. In total, he had six solo victories. He also shared in three other victories. Plus, he forced two enemy fighters down out of control.

His Final Flight

On 24 July 1918, Phillip Scott Burge was killed during a battle. His plane caught fire. It is believed that a German pilot named Unteroffizier Marat Schumm shot him down. Phillip Burge was buried in Dud Corner Cemetery in Loos, France.

Military Cross Award

On 16 September 1918, Phillip Burge was given the Military Cross award. This happened after he had passed away. The award recognized his amazing bravery. The official statement said:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer is a brilliant fighting pilot, and has destroyed six enemy aeroplanes. His dash and determination when engaged in combat with the enemy, often numerically superior, have set a fine example to the remainder of his formation."

This means he was a very brave pilot. He showed great courage even when facing many enemy planes. His actions were an inspiration to his fellow pilots.