Tom F. Hazell facts for kids

Thomas Falcon Hazell DSO, MC, DFC & Bar (born August 7, 1892 – died September 4, 1946) was a brave fighter pilot. He flew for the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force during World War I. Hazell was an amazing pilot, achieving 43 victories between 1917 and 1918. This made him the fifth most successful British "flying ace" of the war. He was also the third most successful pilot born in Ireland. What's even more incredible is that he was the only one of these top pilots to survive the war.

Early Life and Military Start

Thomas Falcon Hazell was born in Roundstone, County Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. His mother, Cecile Buckley, was the daughter of a very brave soldier named Cecil Buckley. Thomas went to Tonbridge School until 1911.

When World War I began in August 1914, Hazell volunteered to join the army. He started as a private in the South Irish Horse. Soon after, he became a second lieutenant in the 7th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. His regiment moved around Ireland and England before going to France in February 1916.

A Flying Ace in World War I

Soon after arriving in France, Hazell decided to join the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He trained to become a pilot and even survived a serious crash during his training!

First Victories

Hazell joined No. 1 Squadron RFC on the Western Front. He flew Nieuport 17 planes. Between March and August 1917, he shot down 20 enemy aircraft. His bravery and skill quickly earned him a promotion to captain. He was also awarded the Military Cross on July 26, 1917.

His award citation said:

Temporary Lieutenant Thomas Falcon Hazell, General List and Royal Flying Corps.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On several occasions he displayed marked courage and determination in attacking and destroying hostile aircraft.

Facing Famous Foes

After a period as an instructor, Hazell joined No. 24 Squadron RAF, flying the S.E.5a. On August 22, 1918, he showed incredible courage. He attacked an enemy observation balloon even though it was guarded by seven Fokker D.VII planes. The leader of these enemy planes was a famous German ace named Ernst Udet.

Udet attacked Hazell's plane, hitting his fuel tank, propeller, and other parts. Even with his plane badly damaged and petrol in his eyes, Hazell managed to fight his way back and land safely. Udet actually thought he had shot Hazell down!

War's End and Achievements

By the end of the war, Thomas Hazell had achieved 43 confirmed victories. This made him the top British pilot who survived the 1914–18 war.

His victories included:

• One enemy aircraft captured.
• Ten enemy observation balloons destroyed (two shared with other pilots).
• Eighteen enemy aircraft destroyed (one shared).
• Fourteen aircraft forced down 'out of control' (three shared).

Hazell received the Distinguished Flying Cross twice! Both awards were announced on November 2, 1918.

One citation said:

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Tom Falcon Hazell, MC.

This officer is conspicuous for his bravery and skill, having destroyed twenty enemy machines and four kite balloons. On one occasion, while attacking troops on the ground, he observed seven enemy scouts above him; he at once engaged them, shooting down one out of control. Some days later he, with another pilot, attacked a kite balloon, driving it down in flames; they then attacked a second balloon, driving it down in a deflated condition.

Another citation added:

Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Tom Falcon Hazell, MC, DFC.

This officer has accounted for twenty-seven enemy machines and four kite balloons. On the 8th August he shot down two machines out of control, and destroyed a third in the air. In these combats he was so heavily engaged that all his instruments were wrecked, and only one strand of his elevator control cable was intact. Relentless in attack, Capt. Hazell displays disregard of personal danger in a marked degree.

On February 8, 1919, he was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order. This is a very high award for bravery.

His citation for this award read:

Captain (Acting Major) Tom Falcon Hazell, MC, DFC.

A brilliant fighter, distinguished for his bold determination and rare courage, he has accounted for twenty-nine enemy machines, twenty being destroyed and nine driven down out of control; he has also destroyed ten balloons. On 4th September he rendered exceptionally valuable service in leading his flight to attack hostile balloons that were making a certain road impassable. Within an hour three of these balloons were destroyed, Major Hazell accounting for two.

After the War

After World War I, Hazell continued his career in the Royal Air Force. He was promoted to squadron leader on June 30, 1922. He commanded different squadrons, including No. 55 Squadron RAF and No. 111 Squadron RAF. He retired from the Royal Air Force in 1927.

Later Life and Passing

During the later part of World War II, in 1944, Hazell joined the Home Guard. He was 52 years old at the time.

Thomas Hazell passed away in Newport, County Mayo, Ireland, on September 4, 1946. He is buried in the Burrishoole Church of Ireland Cemetery. In 2014, his grave was restored and rededicated in a special ceremony. This ceremony took place on August 4, 2014, exactly 100 years after World War I began.

See also

• List of World War I aces credited with 20 or more victories