Richard Burnard Munday facts for kids

Richard Burnard Munday was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down nine enemy aircraft. He made history by achieving Britain's first night victory, meaning he shot down an enemy target in the dark! He was also very good at destroying enemy observation balloons, even at night.

Early Life of Richard Munday

Richard Burnard Munday was born in Plymouth, England, on January 31, 1896. He was the oldest son of Major General and Mrs. R. C. Munday.

World War I Service

Richard Munday joined the military, though the exact details are not fully known. On February 16, 1915, he officially became a flight sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Air Service. On the same day, he earned his pilot's certificate. He learned to fly a Maurice Farman biplane at a military flight school.

Early Flying Duties

After finishing his pilot training, Munday began his flying missions. He was slightly injured on December 28, 1915. In 1916, he worked as a flight instructor at RAF Cranwell. One of his students was Leonard Henry Rochford. Munday was promoted to flight lieutenant on April 1, 1916.

He became an acting-flight commander on December 3, 1916. In April 1917, it was reported that he had been accidentally injured while on duty.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Munday achieved his first aerial victory on August 18, 1917. A "flying ace" is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. His next five victories were against observation balloons. These balloons were used by the enemy to watch troop movements. Munday was very skilled at destroying them, even at night. He became known as a "balloon buster."

On September 29, 1917, he destroyed an enemy balloon at night. This was Britain's first-ever night victory! By February 21, 1918, he had achieved nine victories.

Awards and Recognition

Munday's bravery earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. This award was officially announced on March 16, 1918. The award citation praised his courage and leadership. It mentioned how he bravely attacked enemy aircraft and completed special missions alone, both day and night.

For example, on February 21, 1918, he attacked a new type of enemy plane. He fired at it until it fell out of control. He also destroyed enemy balloons and even their sheds by fire, sometimes at night.

On September 20, 1918, he also received the Belgian Croix de guerre (War Cross).

List of Aerial Victories

Life After World War I

After the war, Munday continued his service in the military. On August 1, 1919, he was given a permanent position as a major in the Royal Air Force.

He was moved from Germany, where he was serving with the British Army of the Rhine, back to England on January 16, 1922. He was then assigned to the Headquarters of the RAF Coastal Area on February 1.

Later, on December 11, 1922, Munday was sent to the Seaplane Training School. On April 29, 1923, he moved to RAF Gosport to join No. 422 Flight.

Air Force Cross

On May 27, 1925, Samuel Hoare, who was in charge of the Air Force, suggested that Munday should receive the Air Force Cross. This award is given for bravery in flying.

The recommendation praised Munday for his excellent sea flying skills. He flew from an aircraft carrier during continuous reconnaissance missions with the Fleet at sea. These flights were new and challenging for pilots. Munday's example greatly encouraged other pilots and observers.

On June 3, 1925, Munday was awarded the Air Force Cross by King George V. This was part of the King's sixtieth birthday honors.

On January 1, 1927, he was promoted from flight lieutenant to squadron leader.

Later Life and Retirement

Richard Burnard Munday married Marie Jose de Reul in Brussels, Belgium, on April 26, 1930.

On May 8, 1930, he was again assigned to the Headquarters, Coastal Area.

Squadron Leader Munday retired from the Royal Air Force on May 5, 1932, due to health reasons. He passed away shortly after, on July 11, 1932.