Rupert Atkinson (RAF officer) facts for kids

Captain Rupert Norman Gould Atkinson MC DFC* (17 July 1896 – 7 March 1919) was a British World War I flying ace. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. Rupert Atkinson was officially credited with five aerial victories during the war.

Rupert Atkinson's Early Life

Rupert Atkinson was born in Shanghai, China, on July 17, 1896. He was the older son of John Brenan Atkinson and Amelie Sophie Gould. He went to school in England at Orley Farm School in Harrow and at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. In June 1914, he started studying at Pembroke College, Cambridge.

Joining the Army

In September 1914, Rupert joined the 16th (Public Schools) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. On December 2, 1914, he became a temporary Second Lieutenant in the 15th Middlesex Regiment.

In July 1915, he was sent to Cameroon in Africa. There, he was part of the West African Frontier Force during the Kamerun campaign. Rupert later became ill and had to return to England. He arrived back in Liverpool in April 1916.

Becoming a Pilot

In August 1916, Rupert Atkinson joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of the British Army at the time. He earned his pilot's license, called an Aviator's Certificate, on September 28 at the military flying school in Brooklands.

In November 1916, he went to the Western Front (World War I), which was the main battle area in France and Belgium. He joined 10 Squadron RFC. In July 1917, he was promoted to captain. Soon after, he became a flight commander, meaning he led a group of planes.

Awards and Achievements

Rupert Atkinson flew many different types of missions. These included scouting for information, bombing at night, and attacking enemy soldiers and machine guns on the ground. He was very brave and determined.

He was awarded the Military Cross on October 18, 1917. The award recognized his courage and dedication. For example, he did a lot of successful work helping artillery (big guns) hit their targets. He also took part in many night bombing raids. He was known for flying very low to attack enemy soldiers and machine guns. One time, he even successfully attacked and brought down an enemy observation balloon.

Between May and October 1918, Rupert flew an Airco DH.9 aircraft. He served with 98 Squadron RAF and later with 206 Squadron RAF. During this time, he achieved his five aerial victories, shooting down enemy aircraft or balloons.

On November 2, 1918, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award was for his excellent work in long-distance and photographic scouting missions. He also led bombing raids. One time, while flying alone on a scouting mission, his plane was attacked by eight enemy planes. He managed to shoot one of them down.

Later Life and Death

After World War I ended, Rupert served with the British forces in Cologne, Germany. He was part of 90 Squadron RAF.

Sadly, Rupert Atkinson died on March 7, 1919, while he was at home on leave. He passed away from pneumonia, which developed after he caught the flu during the 1918 flu pandemic. He is buried in the cemetery of the Church of St Peter, Great Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, England.

He received two more awards after his death:

• A bar (an extra award) to his Distinguished Flying Cross on May 30, 1919.
• The Croix de guerre from Belgium on July 11, 1919.

Aerial Victories

Here is a list of Rupert Atkinson's five aerial victories: