Victor Groom facts for kids

Sir Victor Emmanuel Groom was a very important officer in the British Royal Air Force. He was born on August 4, 1898, and passed away on December 6, 1990. During the First World War, he was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down eight enemy planes. Later, in the Second World War, he played a big part in planning air operations for Operation Overlord. This was the huge invasion of France that helped end the war.

Early Life and Joining Up

Victor Emmanuel Groom was born in Peckham, a part of London, England. He went to Alleyn's School in Dulwich. In 1916, when he was 18, he joined the Artists Rifles. This was a special part of the London Regiment.

In April 1917, he became a second lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment. Soon after, in September, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force.

World War I Adventures

Victor Groom became a flying officer in January 1918. By March, he was flying Bristol F.2 Fighter planes with No. 20 Squadron.

A Close Call in the Sky

On his very first combat flight, something scary happened. His leader accidentally fired a signal flare that landed in the back of Groom's plane! The observer in the back had to quickly put out the fire with his bare hands. Luckily, Groom landed the plane safely.

Becoming a Flying Ace

After that close call, Groom started to win battles against enemy planes. From May to July 1918, he shot down eight enemy aircraft. He destroyed three by setting them on fire, four by damaging them badly, and one by forcing it down. His observer and gunner for all these victories was Ernest Hardcastle.

After these successes, Groom went on leave. He got sick with the flu and could not return to fighting in France. Instead, he was sent to No. 111 Squadron in Egypt.

Between the Big Wars

After the First World War, Groom continued his career in the Royal Air Force. In August 1919, he became a permanent lieutenant. He served in the Middle East with No. 14 Squadron in Palestine and later with No. 55 Squadron.

In 1922, he returned to England. For the next ten years, he worked in different staff jobs. He was promoted to flight lieutenant in 1924. In 1932, he took command of No. 28 Squadron.

Climbing the Ranks

He continued to move up in rank and responsibility. In 1934, he became a squadron leader. He then commanded No. 58 Squadron. By 1938, he was promoted to wing commander.

In 1924, Victor Groom married Maisie Monica Maule. They had at least one son.

World War II Leadership

When the Second World War began, Victor Groom's career continued to advance. In September 1940, he was promoted to temporary group captain. He became the commander of RAF Marham, an air force base.

Planning for Victory

In 1941, he started working in the Directorate of Plans. The next year, he became the head of RAF Air Staff planning for Operation Overlord. This was the secret plan for the D-Day landings in France. He even traveled to North Africa to learn from air operations there.

He kept getting promoted during the war. By November 1942, he was a group captain. In 1943, he became a temporary air commodore and then an acting air vice marshal. He was a senior air staff officer for the Second Tactical Air Force. In August 1945, he became the Air Officer Administration for Flying Training Command.

After World War II

After the Second World War, Groom continued to serve the Royal Air Force. In 1947, he became the Director General of Manning. This meant he was in charge of all the people in the RAF.

Top Commander

In 1949, he took command of No. 205 Group. On January 1, 1952, he reached the highest rank of air marshal. He was also made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This meant he was given the title "Sir."

He then commanded the Middle East Air Force in February 1952. Later that year, he took command of Technical Training Command.

Sir Victor Groom retired from the Royal Air Force on September 26, 1955. He passed away in York on December 6, 1990.

Awards and Honours

Sir Victor Emmanuel Groom received many awards for his bravery and service:

• Distinguished Flying Cross – November 2, 1918

  An officer with great courage who always attacked the enemy, even when outnumbered. On one patrol, his group of eight planes fought twenty-five enemy scouts. Lieutenant Groom shot down one, and his observer destroyed another. Later, they were attacked by twelve scouts and shot down two of them.

• Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross – August 19, 1921

  For amazing skill and bravery under fire. During a bombing mission in May 1921, a plane was shot down in enemy territory. Flying Officer Groom immediately landed his plane to pick up the crew, even while under enemy fire. He then took off safely, carrying three extra people, and returned to base. This showed great quick thinking and skill.

• Officer of the Order of the British Empire – July 11, 1940
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire – July 5, 1945
• Mentioned in dispatches – January 1, 1946
• Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire – January 1, 1952
• Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order – July 16, 1953