Richard Hill (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Frank Hill
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 28 April 1899 Redcar, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 17 September 1918 (aged 19) |
| Buried |
Holy Trinity Church, High Hurstwood, Buxted, Sussex
(51°01′07″N 0°07′51″E / 51.01861°N 0.13083°E) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Lieutenant Richard Frank Hill (born April 28, 1899 – died September 17, 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down seven enemy airplanes. He was also awarded the Military Cross for his courage.
Contents
A Young Pilot's Story
Richard Hill was born in Redcar, a town in Yorkshire, England. He went to school at Grange School and later at Charterhouse School. When he turned 18 in 1917, he left school. He then joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was a part of the British military that flew airplanes.
Becoming an Observer
Richard started as a cadet. Soon, he became a temporary second lieutenant. This meant he was an officer in training. By August, he was officially a flying officer (observer). An observer in an airplane helped the pilot by looking for enemies and taking notes.
First Victories in the Sky
Richard was sent to No. 20 Squadron. He got his first victory on August 19. He was flying in an F.E.2d plane. His pilot was Second Lieutenant C. B. Simpson. They forced an enemy Albatros D.V plane down over Comines.
For all his next victories, Richard flew in a Bristol F.2b plane. His pilot was Lieutenant Harry Luchford. They shot down six more enemy planes. All these victories happened in just three weeks, between September 9 and October 1. All the planes they shot down were also Albatros D.V types.
Awarded for Bravery
Richard Hill was given the Military Cross on October 27. This award is for great bravery in battle. His award was officially announced in March 1918. The announcement said he did a lot of helpful observation work. It also said he was an excellent fighting observer. On one mission, he and his pilot shot down two enemy planes. He also destroyed three other enemy machines.
Later Life and Passing
After his brave service, Richard returned to England. In May 1918, he became a qualified pilot himself. This meant he could now fly the planes. Sadly, Richard Hill passed away on September 17, 1918. He had two operations for appendicitis, which is an illness. He is buried at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood, Sussex.
See also
- List of World War I aces credited with 7 victories
