Robert J. O. Compston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert John Orton Compston
DSC** DFC
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|---|---|
| Born | 9 January 1898 Farnham, Surrey, England |
| Died | 28 January 1962 (aged 64) Worthing, Sussex, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy (RNAS) RAFVR |
| Years of service | 1915 - 1918, 1940 - 1954 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | 8 Naval Squadron |
| Commands held | 40 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross with two Bars, Distinguished Flying Cross |
Robert John Orton Compston (born January 9, 1898 – died January 28, 1962) was a brave English fighter pilot. He was known for his amazing skills during World War I, where he achieved 25 victories against enemy aircraft. He was also one of only seven airmen in that war to receive the Distinguished Service Cross three times. He held the rank of Wing Commander.
Contents
Life as a Pilot
Robert John Orton Compston was born in Farnham, a town in Surrey, England. His father, Herbert Fuller Bright Compston, was a clergyman. Robert joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915 when he was just 17 years old.
At first, he flew missions to protect England from enemy attacks. Later, he was sent to France with 8 Naval Squadron. In France, he became good friends with another famous pilot, Robert Little.
Compston also served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. On August 13, 1940, his airbase, RAF Detling, was attacked by German planes called Luftwaffe. This was a big attack during the Battle of Britain. German Junkers Ju 87 dive-bombers caused a lot of damage. During this attack, Squadron Leader Compston was injured. He retired from the RAFVR in 1954 as a Wing Commander.
Personal Life
In 1919, Robert Compston married Nina Barclay in Chelsea. He passed away in Worthing, Sussex, on January 28, 1962, at the age of 64.
Awards for Bravery
Robert John Orton Compston received several important awards for his courage and skill as a pilot.
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
On May 12, 1917, Flight Lieutenant Robert John Orton Compston was given the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). He earned this award for his great skill and bravery over nine months. He had many fights with enemy planes and definitely destroyed one.
First Bar to the DSC
On August 11, 1917, Flight Commander Robert John Orton Compston received a bar for his DSC. This meant he earned the award a second time. Here are some of the actions that led to this honor:
- On June 12, 1917, he and three other planes attacked six enemy scout planes. He got close to one and shot it down, making it crash out of control.
- On June 16, 1917, he attacked and shot down a two-seater Aviatik plane.
- On July 3, 1917, he attacked two more Aviatik planes, forcing them to land.
Second Bar to the DSC
On March 16, 1918, Flight Commander Robert John Orton Compston received a second bar to his DSC, meaning he earned the award for a third time. This was for his strong leadership and bravery during patrols. He was not afraid of danger.
- On January 1, 1918, he saw a new type of enemy plane. He attacked it, firing many shots very close. The enemy plane dived, but he attacked again. Its wings came off, and it crashed.
- Later that day, he saw two groups of enemy planes. He attacked one of them, sending it spinning out of control.
- He often destroyed or forced down enemy planes, sometimes having more than one successful fight in a single day.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
On June 3, 1918, Captain Robert John Orton Compston was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award was given on the King's Birthday to recognize his outstanding service.
