Victor Huston facts for kids

Major Victor Henry Huston (born October 13, 1890 – died April 10, 1941) was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft. He was the only ace in his squadron, which is a group of military planes.

Victor Huston's Life Story

Early Life and Moving to Canada

Victor Huston was born in Belfast, Ireland. He was one of nine children. His parents had lived in South Africa before moving back to Ireland.

Before the war, Huston served in a cavalry unit called the 11th Hussars. Later, he moved to Canada. In November 1912, he married Sarah Bailie in Vancouver. He worked as a motor engineer.

Joining the War Effort

In September 1914, Victor Huston joined the Canadian Army. He was part of the Canadian Army Service Corps. This group helped supply the soldiers.

In December 1916, he joined the British Army's Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force at the time. He became a flying officer and was sent to No. 18 Squadron RFC. There, he flew a plane called the FE.2b.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Victor Huston achieved his first victory on February 15, 1917. He and his observer, Second Lieutenant P. S. Taylor, destroyed an enemy plane. On April 5, he and observer Second Lieutenant Giles Blennerhasset shot down two more planes.

He then flew with observer Lieutenant E. A. Foord. Together, they destroyed another enemy plane on April 24. On May 13, they took down a fourth plane. Huston's sixth and final victory was on May 27. He shared this win with another pilot, Flight Sub-Lieutenant Harold Spencer Kerby.

Receiving the Military Cross

For his bravery, Huston was given the Military Cross on June 18, 1917. This award recognized his courage.

His award citation said he was very brave and skilled. He helped get important photographs behind enemy lines. He also led attacks on enemy planes.

After His Flying Days

Huston left No. 18 Squadron in July 1917. He was promoted to captain in the Canadian Army. In April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Later in 1918, Huston, now a temporary major, traveled to Chile. He became the Chief Instructor for the Chilean Military Aviation Service. He helped them get modern aircraft from Britain.

While in Chile, Huston helped Lieutenant Dagoberto Godoy make the first flight over the Andes mountains. He also made the first seaplane flight in Chile. Huston also helped create an independent Chilean Air Force. For his work, he received the Chilean Order of Merit.

In September 1919, Huston finished his time with the Royal Air Force. He returned to the Canadian Army as a captain.

Life After the War

Victor Huston returned to England and lived in London. Sadly, he was badly hurt during an air raid on Coventry in World War II. He passed away on April 10, 1941, at Gulson Road Hospital.