Thomas Luke facts for kids

Squadron Leader Thomas Carlyon Luke was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was born on June 21, 1891, and passed away on July 1, 1935. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft.

Thomas Luke's Early Life and Military Start

Thomas Luke was born in Plymouth, England. When World War I began, he joined the Royal Engineers. This was a part of the British Army that built things like bridges and roads. He worked his way up to the rank of corporal. In 1916, he became a second lieutenant.

Soon after, he decided to join the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He learned to fly and became a flying officer in January 1917.

Flying in World War I

After his flight training, Thomas Luke joined No. 66 Squadron RFC. He flew a type of plane called a Sopwith Pup. This was a small, fast plane used for fighting.

He quickly showed his skill in the air. On May 23, 1917, he won his first aerial battle. He forced an enemy plane to crash. A few days later, he did it again.

On June 15, he destroyed an Albatros D.III plane. This was a German fighter plane. On July 28, he shot down another one, which caught fire. However, he was also shot down and got hurt in that battle.

Awards for Bravery

For his courage, Thomas Luke received the Military Cross. This is a special award for bravery in battle. The award was announced on August 24, 1917.

The award said he was very brave in air fights. He often attacked enemy groups even when they had more planes. He was fearless and fought them up close. He flew on 35 dangerous missions, always showing great courage.

He was promoted to lieutenant in October 1917.

Returning to the Sky

After recovering from his injuries, Luke went back to flying. In 1918, he joined No. 209 Squadron RAF. Here, he flew a different plane called a Sopwith Camel.

On August 8, he helped shoot down a German reconnaissance plane. He worked with other pilots like Captain Robert Foster. A few days later, he became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes.

His sixth and final victory happened on August 25. He destroyed a Fokker D.VII over France. This was another famous German fighter plane. In total, he destroyed two enemy planes by burning them, two by crashing them, and two by forcing them down.

After the War

Thomas Luke stayed in the Royal Air Force (RAF) after World War I ended. He continued to serve as a pilot and officer.

In 1921, he became a flight lieutenant. He worked as an adjutant for No. 56 Squadron RAF. An adjutant helps with the daily running of the squadron.

In 1923, he took part in an RAF air show. He competed in a "low bombing" event. Pilots used Sopwith Snipe planes to drop dummy bombs on a target. Luke won this event, showing his excellent flying skills.

Service Around the World

Luke's RAF career took him to different places. In 1924, he was sent to Iraq. He served at the RAF headquarters there. In 1927, he joined No. 45 Squadron RAF, which was also in the Middle East.

He eventually returned to the UK in 1929. He worked at the headquarters of No. 21 Group.

Becoming a Squadron Leader

In 1930, Thomas Luke was promoted to Squadron Leader. This was a big step up in his career. He then joined No. 7 Squadron RAF.

Later, he moved to No. 18 Squadron RAF. In 1932, he took command of this squadron. This meant he was the leader of all the pilots and planes in the squadron.

In 1933, he led his squadron's Hawker Hart planes in a big air exercise. This was like a practice battle. His squadron was part of the "Southland" forces, attacking "Northland."

Luke left command of No. 18 Squadron in January 1935. He then went to a special course to learn more about aircraft weapons.

Final Award and Passing

On June 3, 1935, he received another important award, the Air Force Cross. This award is given for exceptional flying skill or bravery in the air.

Sadly, Squadron Leader Thomas Carlyon Luke passed away on July 1, 1935. He died at Princess Mary's RAF Hospital in RAF Halton, England.