Richard Maybery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Aveline Maybery
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|---|---|
| Born | 4 January 1895 Brecon, Brecknockshire, Wales |
| Died | 19 December 1917 (aged 22) Haynecourt, France |
| Buried |
Flesquières Hill British Cemetery, Flesquières, Nord
(50°7′30″N 3°7′30″E / 50.12500°N 3.12500°E) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1913–1917 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers No. 56 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • North West Frontier Province • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross & Bar |
Richard Aveline Maybery was a brave Welsh pilot who became a flying ace during the First World War. Born on January 4, 1895, he was known for his courage and skill in the air. He achieved 21 victories against enemy aircraft before he was sadly killed in action on December 19, 1917.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Richard Aveline Maybery was born in Brecon, Wales. He was the only son of Aveline Maybery, who was a lawyer, and his wife Lucy. Richard went to school locally and then to Wellington College, Berkshire. After that, he attended the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, which is a famous place where army officers are trained.
After finishing his training, Richard became a second lieutenant in the 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers on September 17, 1913. This was his first step into a military career.
From Cavalry to the Skies
When the First World War began, Richard was serving in the North West Frontier Province. He was promoted to lieutenant on October 31, 1914. In September 1915, he was seriously wounded during a battle. While recovering, he couldn't ride a horse, so he started helping a unit of the Royal Flying Corps by observing for them. This sparked his interest in flying.
Richard eventually joined the Royal Flying Corps. He became a flying officer (meaning he was an observer in an airplane) on October 10, 1916. Later, he went to Egypt to train as a pilot. He became a pilot on April 11, 1917, and was sent to France to join No. 56 Squadron. He flew alongside other famous pilots like James McCudden and Arthur Rhys Davids.
A Flying Ace in Action
Richard Maybery was a very determined and bold pilot. He quickly became known for his success in air battles. Between July 7 and December 19, 1917, he shot down 21 enemy aircraft. A "flying ace" is a military pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft in air combat.
For his bravery and success, Richard was awarded the Military Cross on September 26. This is a special award given for acts of bravery during active military operations. On November 18, he was made a flight commander and given the temporary rank of captain. He received a second Military Cross on December 17, showing his continued courage.
Richard Maybery's Final Flight
On December 19, 1917, Richard Maybery achieved his last victory, shooting down an Albatros D.V plane over Bourlon Wood. Moments later, his own plane, a SE5a, was hit. It was either shot down by anti-aircraft guns from the ground or by an enemy pilot. His plane crashed near the village of Haynecourt.
During his time as a pilot, Richard Maybery destroyed 16 enemy planes (two of which he shared with other pilots) and forced five others to land out of control.
Burial and Memorial
Richard Maybery was first buried by the Germans in Haynecourt. After the war ended, his body was moved and re-buried at Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery in Nord, France.
There is a special marble plaque in memory of Richard Aveline Maybery at Brecon Cathedral in Wales. The plaque includes a prayer that asks for people to be worthy of those who have died for them and to willingly do their duty.
Images for kids
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Flesquières Hill British Cemetery, where Richard Maybery is buried.
