Sydney Pope facts for kids

Air Commodore Sydney Leo Gregory Pope (born March 27, 1898 – died November 5, 1980) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" in World War I. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. He served in the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force. He retired in 1946 as an Air Commodore, a very high rank.

A Young Pilot in World War I

Sydney Pope was born in Dublin, Ireland. He joined the army as a cadet in 1916. Soon after, he became a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force.

Becoming a Flying Ace

In April 1917, Sydney joined No. 60 Squadron. He flew a Nieuport 17 fighter plane. He quickly showed his skill by shooting down two enemy planes in June. He then flew a better plane, the Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5. With this plane, he destroyed an Albatros D.III on September 16.

Later, flying an improved Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, he destroyed two more enemy planes on November 8. He shot down another Albatros D.III on November 11. This brought his total to six victories, making him a flying ace! A week later, he was hurt and had to land his plane.

Teaching Other Pilots

After recovering, Sydney became a flying instructor. He taught other pilots how to fly fighter planes. He was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1917. In August 1918, he became a Captain and led a flight (a group of planes) in No. 208 Squadron until the war ended.

Between the World Wars

After World War I, Sydney Pope continued his career in the Royal Air Force. He served as a flight commander in Germany for a short time. In 1919, he became a permanent Flying Officer. He worked as an instructor at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, which trains future RAF officers.

Adventures in Iraq

In 1923, Sydney was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He was sent to Iraq to serve with No. 55 Squadron. While there, he showed great bravery. In 1926, he was given the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This medal is awarded for courage in air operations. He received his DFC from King George V himself at Buckingham Palace!

A Test Pilot and a Lucky Escape

In 1927, Sydney joined No. 22 Squadron. He also worked at a special place that tested new airplanes. He became a test pilot, flying new aircraft to see how well they worked.

In 1929, while testing a new fighter plane called the Parnall Pipit, something went wrong. The tail and rudder of the plane broke off! Sydney had to jump out of the plane using a parachute from 1,000 feet up. He landed safely and became a member of the "Caterpillar Club". This club is for pilots who have saved their lives by parachuting from a disabled aircraft. On the same day, he received another important medal, the Air Force Cross (AFC), for his bravery and skill in flying.

Leading Squadrons

Sydney continued to rise through the ranks. In 1932, he became a Squadron Leader and took command of No. 54 (Fighter) Squadron. He led his squadron in air shows and training exercises. In 1933, he commanded a naval air squadron. By 1937, he was a Wing Commander and in charge of RAF Debden air base. He even helped organize a special flight of British fighter planes to Paris for a demonstration in 1938.

World War II Service

When World War II began, Sydney Pope was still serving in the RAF.

Commanding a Bomber Squadron

In 1939, he became the Officer Commanding No. 226 Squadron. This squadron flew Fairey Battle light bombers. They were sent to France as part of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force. The squadron faced very tough battles during the Battle of France in 1940. They suffered many losses and had to return to England.

Later War Roles

After the Battle of France, Sydney was promoted to Group Captain. He took command of RAF Leuchars air base. In 1941, he went to Canada to inspect flying training schools. He later commanded a training unit there. In 1942, he was honored by the Queen of the Netherlands for his valuable service during the war.

In 1943, he commanded RAF Syerston. He was also made an acting air commodore, a very senior rank. He received another mention for his brave service in 1944. By 1945, he was commanding a base in RAF Bomber Command, which was a very important part of the war effort.

Retirement

After the war ended, Sydney Pope was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1946. This is a high honor for his service. He retired from the Royal Air Force on March 2, 1946, keeping his rank of Air Commodore.

Personal Life

In 1928, Sydney Pope married Pamela Young.