Selden Long facts for kids

Selden Herbert Long (born October 6, 1895 – died December 12, 1952) was a brave English pilot. He became a flying ace during the First World War. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Selden Long was officially credited with nine aerial victories.

He was also known for his daring attacks on enemy trenches. This was an early type of close air support. It involved flying low to help soldiers on the ground. He later served again in the Second World War.

Early Military Service and First Award

Selden Long was the son of Major General Sidney Selden Long. He went to school at the United Services College in Windsor, England. He first joined the Durham Light Infantry as a second lieutenant. Then, in 1914, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the early air force.

He earned his pilot's license on January 25, 1915. He learned to fly a Maurice Farman biplane at the Military School in Brooklands. Soon after, on March 26, he became a flying officer.

Winning the Military Cross

Even before he shot down any enemy planes, Selden Long won the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery in battle. His award was announced on October 29, 1915. The official report described his brave actions:

• On September 10, 1915, he attacked an enemy observation balloon shed. He used a 100-pound bomb.
• Enemy anti-aircraft guns fired heavily at him. He used his bomb to silence these guns.
• He then returned for another bomb to attack the balloon itself. He almost hit it as it was being deflated.

• On September 23, he made two strong attacks on trains from only 500 feet high. He broke the train tracks in two places.
• He returned to attack three times on the first try. He then climbed higher to use his bomb sight better.
• On the second attack, he flew low to check villages and roads.

• On September 25, he attacked a train from 500 feet. He was under heavy rifle fire but still damaged the tracks.
• Later that day, he heard about trains moving 25 miles away. Despite darkness and bad weather, he volunteered to attack them.
• Heavy rain stopped him from reaching the trains. So, he attacked Peronne station instead.
• He flew down to 500 feet and faced heavy anti-aircraft gun fire. This fire stopped him from reaching the station.
• But he climbed to 1,500 feet and attacked a "Rocket" battery. He managed to silence one of its guns.

By December 1915, Long was back in England. He worked as an instructor in Erdington.

First World War Air Battles

On February 1, 1916, Long became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He had the temporary rank of captain. It took almost six months for him to get his first aerial victory.

First Victories

• On August 6, 1916, he flew a DH.2 plane for No. 29 Squadron. He forced a Fokker Eindekker enemy plane down out of control.
• Three months later, on November 16, he flew a DH.2 for No. 24 Squadron. He captured a Roland C.II enemy plane near Beaulencourt.

More Victories in December

December was a very successful month for him:

• On December 11, he teamed up with Eric Pashley, Chester Stairs Duffus, and another pilot. Together, they destroyed an Albatros D.I enemy plane.
• On December 20, he and Kelvin Crawford set an Albatros D.II on fire.
• On December 26 and 27, he scored two more "out of control" victories. This means he forced enemy planes to crash.

Final Victories and DSO Award

• On January 25, 1917, Long shot down an LVG two-seater plane. Its crew, Leutnants Gunter Kallenbach and Ernst Erdmann, died.
• Two days later, he shot down another two-seater plane. The men killed were Vizefeldwebel Willy Lang and Leutnant Kurt Brandt.
• Long scored one more victory on March 6, 1917.

Six days later, on March 12, Long received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This is a very high award for bravery. His award citation said:

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Selden Herbert Long, MC, Durham Light Infantry and Royal Flying Corps.

For great skill and daring in piloting his machine. He shot down an enemy machine, which fell in our lines, and the same day he forced another hostile machine to land in the enemy's lines. Later, he shot down another enemy machine, which fell in our lines.

He was also mentioned in official reports five times for his brave actions.

Long returned to England in early 1917 to be a squadron commander. But he took a lower rank to go back to combat duty. He became a flight commander again on July 5. He later became the acting commander of No. 46 Squadron RFC in August.

On September 15, 1917, Long was made an acting-major. He had a short time with a training squadron, No. 28 Squadron RFC. Then he moved to the Middle East to lead No. 111 Squadron RFC.

After the First World War

After the First World War ended, Selden Long continued to fly Sopwith Pup planes in No. 46 Squadron. He then went on to command No. 111 Squadron in the Middle East.

On July 31, 1919, Long left his job in the Royal Air Force. He was given the rank of major. His book of memories, called In the Blue, was published in 1920. He remained a reserve officer in the Durham Light Infantry until May 10, 1924.

In March 1937, he married Marion Beatrice Smith.

Second World War Service

Long returned to military service during the Second World War. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was promoted from squadron leader to wing commander on September 15, 1942. He left the service on September 10, 1945, when the war ended.

Selden Herbert Long passed away on December 12, 1952.