Solomon Clifford Joseph facts for kids

Captain Solomon Clifford Joseph DFC* (born April 29, 1893 – died March 21, 1966) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was part of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), which was the air force of the British Navy. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down many enemy planes. In total, he was officially credited with thirteen aerial victories.

After the war, Joseph started a career in engineering and making things. He bought parts of a motorcycle company called New Imperial Motors when it closed in 1939. He then used his company to make parts for British airplanes during World War II. After World War II, his company started making machines for farms.

Early Life and Training

Solomon Clifford Joseph was born in Birmingham, England, on April 29, 1893.

He joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) in August 1917. He trained to become a pilot and earned his pilot's license, called the Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 5475. He got this license on October 7, 1917, after flying a Caudron biplane at a British flight school in Vendôme, France. Soon after, on December 2, he became a temporary flight sub-lieutenant.

World War I Service

Joseph first joined No. 12 Squadron RNAS. But in February 1918, he moved to No. 10 Squadron RNAS. Here, he flew a famous airplane called the Sopwith Camel.

First Victories and Promotions

He achieved his first aerial victory on May 7, 1918. He continued to win many more battles in the sky, getting a total of twelve victories by September 3, 1918. He sometimes worked with other skilled pilots, like Alfred Williams Carter and Clement W. Payton, to win battles together.

On August 10, he was promoted to flight commander, which also made him a temporary captain. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes.

Awards and Injuries

On September 21, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for bravery while flying. Just three days later, he was injured in a battle.

He recovered and was able to get one more victory on October 30, 1918. Three days after that, he received a Bar to his DFC. This meant he had earned the award a second time.

In total, Joseph destroyed five enemy aircraft by himself. He helped destroy two others and forced three more planes to go out of control. He also helped force another plane out of the fight. He even helped destroy a German observation balloon, which was a very dangerous target.

On April 4, 1919, after the war ended, Joseph was transferred to the Royal Air Force's unemployed list.

After the War

After World War I, Solomon Joseph went back to Birmingham. He started working in the engineering business.

New Businesses

In early 1939, Joseph bought the parts of a motorcycle company called New Imperial Motors. This company had gone out of business. He made it part of his own company, Clifford Aero & Auto Ltd. During World War II, his company made important parts for famous airplanes like the Avro Lancaster and the Supermarine Spitfire. These planes were very important for the British war effort.

After World War II, his company changed its focus. Under the name Clifford Cultivators Ltd., they made rotary cultivators, which are machines used in farming. They made these from 1946 to 1959. His company also made hand and power pumps, electric washing machines, and fork lift trucks. Another one of his companies, Clifford Covering Ltd., made steering wheels for cars.

Clifford Aero & Auto closed down in 1976.

Awards and Recognition

Solomon Clifford Joseph received two important awards for his bravery and skill in the air:

Distinguished Flying Cross

This award was given to Lieutenant Solomon Clifford Joseph for his bravery. The award citation said he was a "gallant pilot" who had shot down eight enemy aircraft in four months. It also noted that he often succeeded even when the enemy had more planes than his group.

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

This second award was given to Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Solomon Clifford Joseph, DFC. The citation described him as a "very gallant and skilful officer." It mentioned a clever trick he used where he led his planes to make a large group of enemy aircraft chase them. This allowed another group of British planes to surprise the enemy. This plan worked, and they destroyed four enemy planes and forced three more out of control. The citation also noted that since his first DFC award, he had personally destroyed one enemy plane, forced another out of control, and helped destroy a third. Captain Joseph was injured during this combined attack.