Richard Saul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Ernest Saul
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Air Vice Marshal Richard Saul c.1940
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| Born | 16 April 1891 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 30 November 1965 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army (1914–18) Royal Air Force (1918–44) |
| Years of service | 1914–44 |
| Rank | Air Vice-Marshal |
| Commands held | Air Defences Eastern Mediterranean (1943–44) No. 12 Group (1940–42) No. 13 Group (1939–40) RAF Calshot (1936–37) No. 203 Squadron (1933–36) School of Army Co-operation (1930–33) No. 2 Squadron (1925–27) No. 12 Squadron (1919–21) No. 7 Squadron (1919) No. 4 Squadron (1917–19) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches Knight of the Order of the Crown (Belgium) Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
| Other work | United Nations official |
Air Vice-Marshal Richard Ernest Saul, CB, DFC (born April 16, 1891 – died November 30, 1965) was a skilled pilot during the First World War. He also became a very important leader in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Richard Saul was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1891. Before joining the military, he worked at the Royal Bank of Ireland. When the First World War began, he joined the British Army. Soon, he became a Flying Officer in the Royal Flying Corps, which was an early version of the Royal Air Force.
During the First World War, Richard Saul showed great leadership. He rose through the ranks to command different air squadrons. He led No. 4 Squadron, then No. 7 Squadron, and later No. 12 Squadron. After the war, in 1925, he was put in charge of No. 2 Squadron.
Sports and Flying Adventures
Richard Saul was not just a military leader; he was also a keen sportsman. He played both rugby and hockey for the RAF teams. He was even the RAF tennis champion in both 1928 and 1932!
In 1933, Saul took command of No. 203 Squadron, which was based in Basra, Iraq. In 1935, he led an amazing long-distance journey. He flew a group of flying boats all the way from Plymouth in England to Basra. This was a very impressive flight for its time!
Leadership in the Second World War
When the Second World War started, Richard Saul took on even bigger leadership roles. From 1939, he was the Air Officer Commanding (meaning he was in charge of air operations) for No. 13 Group. Then, from 1940, he led No. 12 Group. Later, in 1943, he became the Air Officer Commanding for Air Defences Eastern Mediterranean, overseeing air protection in that important region.
After the War
Richard Saul retired from the RAF on June 29, 1944. After his military career, he continued to serve the world. He became the Chairman of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration's mission in the Balkans. This organization helped people in war-torn areas.
Later, he worked as the vice-chairman of the International Transport Commission in Rome. After leaving Rome in 1951, he became the manager of the University of Toronto bookshop in Canada. He finally retired in 1959. Richard Saul passed away on November 30, 1965, a few days after being involved in a car accident.
