Thomas Hunter (RFC officer) facts for kids

Captain Thomas Vicars Hunter (born April 2, 1897 – died December 5, 1917) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy aircraft. What made him truly special was that he was the first known military pilot to fly in combat even after losing a leg in an accident.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Hunter was born in London, England. He was the younger of two sons. His father was Henry Charles Vicars Hunter. Thomas went to school at Ladycross School and then Eton College.

Joining the War Effort

A Life-Changing Accident

When World War I began in August 1914, Hunter left Eton. He joined the Royal Military College, Sandhurst to train as an officer. By December 1914, he became a second lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own).

In January 1915, Hunter had a bad motorcycle accident. He broke his leg, and it became infected. Doctors had to remove his leg above the knee in July. He was given an artificial leg, also called a prosthesis. This is how he got his nickname, "Sticky." He was known to take off his artificial leg during fun parties to keep it safe!

Returning to Service

Because of his injury, Hunter was put on half-pay in February 1916. He later worked at the War Office. But he was determined to serve again. He was eventually found fit enough for home service. He rejoined his regiment in September as a lieutenant.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Learning to Fly

In February 1917, Hunter joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the early air force. He earned his pilot's license in April. By May, he was officially a flying officer. He was then sent to No. 66 Squadron RFC in France in June. This meant he was ready for front-line combat.

First Victories in the Sky

Hunter flew a Sopwith Pup plane. He achieved his first victory on July 12. He forced an enemy Albatros D.III plane down near Ypres. On July 27 and 28, he shot down two more Albatros D.IIIs. He was promoted to captain in the Rifle Brigade on July 31.

On September 3, he got his fourth victory, forcing down an Albatros D.V. By September 30, he became a flight commander. His squadron then got new planes, the Sopwith Camel. On November 8, he achieved his fifth and final victory, shooting down another D.V. This made him a "flying ace."

Final Mission and Legacy

Moving to Italy

After his victories in France, No. 66 Squadron moved to the Italian Front. They traveled through the French Riviera and Milan. They arrived in Italy ready for new missions.

A Tragic Collision

On December 5, 1917, Captain Hunter led his flight on their first combat patrol in Italy. They were flying at about 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters). Hunter made a sharp left turn. His wingman, Richard W. Ryan, described what happened next. Ryan had to slow down his engine to keep up. But Hunter turned too sharply and went out of sight below him.

Ryan's plane was almost stalling. Suddenly, the two planes crashed into each other. They were stuck together and spun slowly downwards. At about 5,000 feet (about 1,500 meters), they finally separated. Ryan managed to land his plane safely, with only minor injuries. Sadly, Hunter's plane crashed, and he was killed.

Thomas Vicars Hunter is buried in the cemetery in Carmignano di Brenta, Padua, Italy. He is remembered as a brave pilot who overcame a serious injury to serve his country.