Richard Raymond-Barker facts for kids

Richard Raymond-Barker was a brave British pilot during the First World War. He was born on May 6, 1894, and sadly died on April 20, 1918. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy planes. He was also one of the last pilots shot down by the famous German pilot, Manfred von Richthofen, often called the "Red Baron."

Early Life and School

Richard Raymond-Barker was born in Forest Gate, which is now part of London. He was one of nine children. His parents were Edward and Rose Mary Raymond-Barker. The family lived in Bisley, Gloucestershire. Richard went to school at Wimbledon College.

Joining the War Effort

Richard Raymond-Barker became a junior officer in the British Army on November 30, 1914. He served with the Northumberland Fusiliers. In the middle of 1915, he started learning to fly planes. He took lessons at the Hall Flying School in Hendon. He earned his pilot's certificate on July 18, 1915.

Becoming a Pilot

On August 6, 1915, Richard joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He finished his pilot training and became a flying officer on October 19. Soon after, on November 22, he was sent to France to join the war.

Richard was promoted to lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps on April 1, 1916. On June 17, he became a flight commander. This meant he led a group of planes. He was given the temporary rank of captain. During this time, he flew with No. 6 Squadron and No. 16 Squadron.

Air Combat Victories

On May 12, 1917, Richard Raymond-Barker joined No. 48 Squadron. He was a flight commander there. He flew a Bristol F.2b, which was a two-seater fighter plane.

First Successes

Richard got his first victories on May 20. He forced two German Albatros D.III planes to crash out of control near Brebières. On May 26, he destroyed another Albatros D.III. Then, on June 5, he forced an enemy spy plane down near Bullecourt.

On July 1, 1917, he was officially promoted to lieutenant. He achieved his last two victories soon after. On July 8, he won a battle with Sergeant Jack Mason as his observer. On July 17, he won another. This brought his total to six victories. He had destroyed two Albatros D.IIIs and forced four other enemy planes to crash.

Military Cross Award

For his bravery and skill, Richard Raymond-Barker was given the Military Cross. This important award was announced on September 14, 1917.

Leading a Squadron

On September 17, 1917, Richard Raymond-Barker was given a new command. He became a squadron commander and was made a temporary major. He took charge of No. 3 Squadron, which flew Sopwith Camel planes.

Final Battle

On April 20, 1918, Richard's squadron met a group of German Fokker Triplanes. These planes belonged to the famous "Flying Circus" led by Manfred von Richthofen. Richard Raymond-Barker was shot down and killed by Richthofen himself.

Richthofen later described the fight: "I attacked a large enemy squadron. I saw a Triplane being shot at by a Camel. I got behind the Camel and shot it down. It caught fire and crashed near the forest of Hamel."

Just three minutes later, Richthofen shot down another plane. These were Richthofen's 79th and 80th victories. The very next day, Richthofen himself was shot down and killed.

Richard Raymond-Barker's body was never found. He is remembered at the Arras Flying Services Memorial in France.

Awards and Recognition

Richard Raymond-Barker was honored with the Military Cross for his outstanding service.

Military Cross

This award was given to 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Richard Raymond-Barker. It recognized his great courage and dedication. He led a patrol and attacked many enemy planes, destroying two. He also did excellent work leading long-distance photo missions. His leadership allowed important photos to be taken, even when enemy planes attacked repeatedly. He helped destroy seven enemy machines and always showed amazing skill and bravery.