Ronald Thornely facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald Roscoe Thornely
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 10 June 1889 Cambridge, England |
| Died | 21 August 1984 (aged 95) |
| Buried |
Putney Vale Cemetery, London
|
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Naval Armoured Car Division No. 8 (Naval) Squadron RNAS |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Gallipoli campaign • Western Front |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
Captain Ronald Roscoe Thornely DSC (born July 10, 1889 – died August 21, 1984) was a brave English pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down nine enemy aircraft! He flew for the Royal Naval Air Service, which was part of the British Navy.
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Ronald Roscoe Thornely: A World War I Flying Ace
Ronald Roscoe Thornely was an important pilot during World War I. He showed great skill and bravery in the skies. His actions helped the British forces during the war.
Early Life
Ronald Thornely was born on July 10, 1889, in Cambridge, England. His family lived at Merton Hall. His father, Thomas Thornely, was a historian and a poet. He was also a Fellow at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.
Joining the Military
Ronald joined the military on December 12, 1914. He became a temporary sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. This was a part-time naval force.
He first served in the Royal Naval Armoured Car Division. This unit used armored cars in battle. He fought in the Gallipoli campaign, a big battle in Turkey.
In May 1916, Ronald moved to the Royal Naval Air Service. This was the air force of the Royal Navy. He officially became a flight sub-lieutenant on May 5. He earned his pilot's license on July 29, 1916. He learned to fly a Maurice Farman biplane. This happened at the Royal Naval Air Station in Chingford.
Becoming a Flying Ace
In March 1917, Ronald joined No. 8 Squadron RNAS. This is where he became a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft.
He got his first victory on June 4, 1917. He then got two more victories. On June 30, he was promoted to flight lieutenant. He shot down two more planes in July. Then, he got three more victories in August. His ninth and final victory was on September 11.
Ronald Thornely received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). This is a special award for bravery in battle. The award was announced on October 30, 1917. His award praised his "gallantry and skill in aerial combats."
The award mentioned specific brave actions:
- On June 16, 1917, he attacked an enemy plane. It crashed inside British lines.
- On August 15, 1917, he attacked an Albatross scout plane. He shot it down.
- On August 19, 1917, he attacked another enemy plane. He forced it down.
- On September 11, 1917, he fought three enemy planes. He shot one down.
On May 7, 1918, Ronald was promoted again. He became a temporary captain.
His Amazing Victories
Ronald Thornely had nine confirmed aerial victories. Here is a list of his successful missions:
| No. | Date/Time | Aircraft/ Serial No. |
Opponent | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 June 1917 @ 0945 hours |
Sopwith Triplane (N5465) |
German reconnaissance aircraft | Set afire; destroyed | East of Lens | Shared with Flight Sub-Lieutenants Robert Compston and E. A. Bennetts. |
| 2 | 7 June 1917 @ 1015 hours |
Sopwith Triplane (N5465) |
Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | Henin-Liétard | |
| 3 | 16 June 1917 @ 0830 hours |
Undetermined | German reconnaissance aircraft | Captured | Loos, east of Lens | Shared with Flight Lieutenant Robert Compston. German pilot KIA, observer WIA. |
| 4 | 22 July 1917 @ 0630 hours |
Sopwith Camel (B3845) |
Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Southeast of Gavrelle | |
| 5 | 28 July 1917 @ 0915 hours |
Sopwith Camel (B3845) |
Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Lens–La Bassée | |
| 6 | 9 August 1917 @ 0915 hours |
Sopwith Camel (B3845) |
Albatros D.V | Driven down out of control | East of Henin-Liétard | Shared with Flight Sub-Lieutenant William Jordan. |
| 7 | 15 August 1917 @ 2015 hours |
Sopwith Camel (B3845) |
Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Lens | |
| 8 | 19 August 1917 @ 0850 hours |
Sopwith Camel | German reconnaissance aircraft | Driven down out of control | East of Lens | Shared with Flight Sub-Lieutenants William Jordan, Roderick McDonald, and J. H. Thompson. |
| 9 | 11 September 1917 @ 1150 hours |
Sopwith Camel (B3845) |
German reconnaissance aircraft | Driven down out of control | Pont-a-Vendin |
After the War
After World War I ended, Ronald Thornely was recognized again. He received a "mention in dispatches" on January 1, 1919. This means his brave service was officially noted.
He left the Royal Air Force on March 1, 1919. He was placed on the "unemployed list." This meant he was no longer actively serving.
In 1949, both of Ronald's parents passed away. Ronald Roscoe Thornely was named the "executor" of their estates. This meant he was in charge of managing their property and money.
Ronald Thornely lived a long life. He passed away on August 21, 1984. He is buried at Putney Vale Cemetery in London.
