Walter Noble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Noble
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| Born | 15 October 1884 Creeting St. Peter, Suffolk |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance | England |
| Service/ |
Infantry; aviation |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Essex Regiment, No. 20 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Lieutenant Walter Noble DFC was a brave pilot during World War I. He was known as a 'flying ace' because he shot down twelve enemy planes.
Contents
Walter Noble's Early Life
Walter Noble was born in Creeting St. Peter, England, in 1884. He grew up in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Before the war, he worked far away as a tea planter in India. He lived there from 1911 until 1915.
Serving in World War I
When World War I began, Walter Noble returned to England. He joined the army around 1916. First, he served with the Essex Regiment. This was a group of soldiers who fought on the ground.
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
In September 1917, Walter Noble decided to join the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the time. He became an observer, which meant he sat in the back of a plane and operated the machine guns.
Becoming a Flying Ace
Walter Noble quickly became very skilled in the air. He achieved his first two victories on January 25, 1918. A 'victory' meant he helped shoot down or force an enemy plane to land. He was especially successful on June 30, 1918, when he won three victories in one day!
Most of his victories happened while he was the gunner for other pilots. He flew with David John Weston for nine of his wins. He also flew with Paul Iaccaci for some others. On July 2, 1918, he got his twelfth and final victory. In total, he helped destroy five German fighter planes. He also forced seven other enemy planes to land out of control.
Awards and Recognition
Walter Noble was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This is a special award given for bravery while flying.
His award citation said:
2nd Lt. Walter Noble (formerly Essex Regt.). A skilful and determined observer who has been most successful in destroying enemy machines, very often when in superior strength to his own formation.
This means he was a very skilled and brave observer. He often helped defeat enemy planes even when there were more of them.
