Ronald Mauduit facts for kids

Captain Ronald Frank Strickland Mauduit was a brave British officer. He was a First World War pilot, known as a "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Ronald Mauduit achieved nine aerial victories during the war.

Early Life and Education

Ronald Mauduit was born on October 30, 1895, in Ellichpur, which was part of British India at the time. His father, Frank Rowley Metcalfe de Rittich Mauduit, was also an officer in the Indian Army.

Ronald went to Wellington College from 1908 to 1912. After that, he attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1913. This was a special school for training army officers.

Joining the War Effort

When World War I began in 1914, Ronald Mauduit was still a student at Sandhurst. On August 15, 1914, he officially joined the army. He became a second lieutenant in the 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards, a cavalry regiment. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1915.

In early 1917, he learned to fly planes. On April 25, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He was sent to No. 11 Squadron. There, he flew the Bristol F.2 Fighter, a two-seater plane used for fighting.

A Flying Ace in Action

Ronald Mauduit became a successful pilot. He started getting aerial victories in July 1917. Flying with his observer, Lieutenant E. R. Dibbs, he forced down an enemy plane called an Albatros D.V over Pelves. They did this again a few days later.

He continued to achieve victories with different observers. On October 17, he had a double victory, shooting down two more Albatros D.Vs. Just a few days later, on October 21, he had an amazing day. With Corporal Jack Mason as his observer, he took down three more enemy planes in one fight! One was forced down, one was destroyed, and another was shot down in flames.

By December 1917, because of his skill, he was made a flight commander. This meant he led a group of planes. He was also promoted to temporary captain.

Receiving the Military Cross

For his bravery and skill, Ronald Mauduit was awarded the Military Cross. This is a special award given for acts of courage during battle. He received it on February 4, 1918.

The official statement about his award praised his actions:

• He flew a dangerous mission alone at a very low height (500 feet) to gather important information about enemy roads and railways.
• On another mission, while taking photos, he faced twenty enemy planes. He managed to force two of them down.
• He was recognized for destroying ten enemy machines and showing great determination.

Life After the War

After World War I ended, Captain Mauduit returned to his cavalry regiment, the 7th Dragoon Guards. He was officially promoted to captain in November 1919.

Around 1919, he married Irene Helen Brooksbank in Driffield, England.

Later, his regiment joined with another one to form the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards. Captain Mauduit continued to serve in this new regiment. He also spent some time working at the Cavalry Depot before returning to his regiment.

Sadly, Ronald Mauduit died on March 13, 1928. He passed away in Sialkot, India, after an accident while playing polo, a sport played on horseback.