Reginald Charley facts for kids

Reginald Morse Charley (born August 2, 1892, died 1986) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft. He earned special awards for his courage.

Early Life and Training

Reginald Charley was born in Blakeney, Gloucestershire, England. He studied at Bristol University and became an electrical engineer in 1911. Later, he moved to the United States in 1914 to work in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

While in the United States, Reginald learned to fly. He earned his pilot's certificate in May 1916 from the Atlantic Coast Aeronautic School in Virginia. After that, he traveled to England. In June 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of Britain at the time. He started as a "probationary second lieutenant," which means he was a new officer on a trial period.

Becoming a Flying Ace

In December 1916, Reginald was sent to France to join No. 54 Squadron. He flew a type of plane called the Sopwith Pup. This plane was known for being fast and easy to fly.

Reginald achieved his first aerial victory on April 5, 1917. He helped destroy an enemy observation balloon. These balloons were used by the enemy to spot troop movements. He continued to be successful in the air. On April 26, he shot down an Albatros D.III enemy plane.

As he gained more experience, Reginald was promoted to lieutenant in July. He shot down another Albatros D.III plane on July 13. By September 5, he destroyed an Albatros D.V near Slype. On September 11, he shot down another Albatros D.V near Ostend. On the same day, he was promoted again to "flight commander," which meant he was in charge of a group of planes. His sixth and final victory came on November 12, when he shot down an Albatros D near Westende.

After these victories, Reginald returned to England. He spent the rest of the war working at the Armament Experimental Station.

Awards and Later Life

Reginald Charley received two important awards for his bravery.

Military Cross

On January 18, 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle. His award citation mentioned how he attacked an enemy balloon and helped bring it down in flames. It also noted that he often fought against many more enemy planes with his patrol.

Croix de Guerre

In April 1918, he also received the French Croix de Guerre. This is another military award given for bravery.

After the war, in December 1919, Reginald left the military due to health issues from his service. He was allowed to keep his rank of Captain. He then returned to America and worked as a sales manager for an electrical company. He retired in 1960 and passed away in 1986, at 94 years old.

Family Life

Reginald Charley married Mary Elizabeth Slawter in November 1917. They had a son named David James Charley (1918–2008). David became a doctor and served in the Royal Navy during World War II. He later became a well-known specialist in lung diseases. He received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977.