Walter Beales facts for kids

Flying Officer Walter Beales (1893–1962) was a brave British pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" because he won nine air battles during World War I. He also served in World War II.

Walter Beales: A Hero in the Skies

Walter Beales was an important British airman. He showed great courage and skill during both World War I and World War II. His actions helped protect his country.

Fighting in World War I

Walter Beales joined the Royal Flying Corps in December 1914. At first, he worked as a messenger. Later, he became an observer and gunner. He flew in Bristol F.2 Fighter planes with 48 Squadron. They fought on the Western Front in Europe.

On March 21, 1918, Walter Beales won his first air battle. He and pilot William Lewis Wells destroyed a German Pfalz D.III plane. Just two days later, they destroyed three more enemy planes. These included two LVG reconnaissance planes and another Pfalz D.III.

On March 28, Walter Beales was hurt in his hand during a dogfight. Even though he was wounded, he kept fighting. He claimed he shot down the German plane, but it could not be confirmed.

Beales scored his fifth victory on April 1, shooting down an Albatros D.V. On April 25, flying with pilot Charles Napier, he destroyed a Rumpler plane. On May 9, Beales and Napier fought for ten minutes. They shot down two Fokker Dr.I triplanes and a Pfalz D.III. They were also shot down but survived the crash.

In total, Walter Beales destroyed five German planes. He also forced four others to crash out of control. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal in April 1918.

After the Wars

After World War I, Walter Beales became a mortician in Grimsby.

When World War II began, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was given the rank of Flying Officer. During this time, he commanded a school that taught people how to fly gliders. Later, he led his local Air Training Corps unit. This group helps young people learn about aviation. He retired from the Royal Air Force in 1951.

His Awards

Walter Beales was given the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his amazing bravery. This award is for soldiers who show great courage in battle.

His award citation said he was attacked by three enemy planes while flying alone. Even with a wounded hand, he fought them off. He shot down one plane and chased away the others. On another day, he helped his pilot shoot down two enemy planes. He also flew very low to attack ground targets, even under heavy fire. His determination inspired everyone in his squadron.