Ronald Malcolm Fletcher facts for kids

Ronald Malcolm Fletcher DFM (1899–1952) was a brave English soldier and airman. He became a hero during World War I as an "observer/gunner ace." This means he was a skilled gunner in a two-seater plane who shot down many enemy aircraft. Working with his pilot, Lieutenant Samuel F.H. Thompson, they achieved 26 confirmed victories. Most of these victories were against enemy fighter planes.

Early Life and Beginnings

Ronald Malcolm Fletcher was born on February 22, 1899. His hometown was Ranskill, which is in Nottinghamshire, England. His parents were George Harrison Fletcher and Ethel Sleath.

Joining the Air Force

In November 1917, Ronald Fletcher joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force branch of the British Army at the time. He was assigned from the 30th Training Reserve Battalion.

A Powerful Team in the Sky

In May 1918, Sergeant Fletcher was paired with pilot Samuel Frederick Henry Thompson. Thompson was already a successful pilot with three victories. Together, Sergeant Fletcher and Lieutenant Thompson became a very strong team. Fletcher achieved almost all of his 26 victories while flying with Thompson. They flew in a type of plane called the Bristol F.2. Thompson himself became the top pilot for 22 Squadron, with 30 victories.

Their First Victories

The new team quickly found success. On May 16, 1918, they destroyed three German Pfalz D.III fighter planes. They did this in just ten minutes! Five days later, they destroyed another Pfalz and forced one more down "out of control." This made Fletcher an "ace," meaning he had five or more victories.

More Success in the Air

Fletcher gained two more wins in May against German Albatros D.V planes. June was an amazing month for them. They had two victories on the 1st and 2nd of June. They then achieved three victories on the 5th, and two more on the 23rd. By the end of June, Fletcher had a total of 16 victories.

Continuing Their Fight

After a short break, Fletcher shot down a Fokker Dr.I on August 8. He then had three victories on August 13 and two more on August 27. His last four victories came in September, including another two on September 5.

Impressive Combat Record

The team of Thompson and Fletcher had an amazing record of 26 victories over German fighters.

• Three enemy planes were shot down in flames: an Albatros D.V, a Pfalz D.III, and a Fokker D.VII.
• Thirteen other planes were completely destroyed. These included four Pfalz D.IIIs, five Albatros D.Vs, two Fokker Dr.Is, and two Fokker D.VIIs.
• All other victories were listed as "driven down out of control." This means the enemy plane was forced to land or crash, but it wasn't seen to be destroyed.

Their combined victories were like destroying an entire German fighter squadron!

Becoming an Officer

On October 8, 1918, Fletcher was promoted. He became a temporary second lieutenant, serving as an observer officer.

Awarded for Bravery

Ronald Fletcher received the Distinguished Flying Medal. This special award was officially announced on November 2, 1918. His award citation praised him: "Sergeant Ronald Malcolm Fletcher is a very skilled and eager observer. His pilots trust him completely. He has been in many air battles and always shows great courage and skill. He has personally shot down seven enemy planes since May 21."

Fletcher left the Royal Air Force on February 28, 1919.

Life After World War I

On April 23, 1924, Ronald Fletcher married Elsie Annie Newborn. Their wedding took place in Doncaster, England.

He returned to serve his country during World War II. On March 30, 1941, he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He served in the Air Training Corps during the war. Ronald Malcolm Fletcher passed away on January 20, 1952, in Dore, Sheffield, England.