Walter Southey facts for kids

Captain Walter Alfred Southey (29 April 1897 – 17 April 1920) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down twenty enemy aircraft and observation balloons. This made him one of the top pilots in his squadron, No. 84 Squadron.

Early Life

Walter Alfred Southey was born in Bermondsey, a part of London, England. His friends and family often called him Peter. Later, his family moved to other areas of London, including Brockley and New Cross. His father, Walter, worked in a warehouse that dealt with lace. His mother's name was Emma Susan. It is believed that Walter might have gone to Christ's Hospital, a famous school known as the Bluecoat school.

Joining the Fight

Around 1915, Walter Southey joined the British Army as a private soldier. He was part of the Royal Fusiliers, a famous British regiment. In November 1915, he went to France to fight in World War I.

In 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He became a temporary second lieutenant. After finishing his flight training, he became a flying officer in February 1917. He flew a two-seater plane called the Bristol F.2 Fighter with No. 48 Squadron. He was injured when his plane was shot down in June 1917.

Flying High

In March 1918, Southey returned to action and joined No. 84 Squadron. Here, he flew a single-seat fighter plane called the S.E.5a. Between May and October 1918, he achieved twenty aerial victories. This means he either destroyed or forced down twenty enemy aircraft or observation balloons. In July 1918, he was promoted to captain and became a flight commander, leading other pilots.

A War Hero's Awards

Walter Southey was recognized for his bravery and skill. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross in November 1918. This award is given for acts of courage while flying.

His award citation mentioned his actions on August 9th. He saw many enemy soldiers and cannons on a road. He flew very low, dropping bombs and firing his machine gun. This caused a lot of damage and made the enemy scatter. The citation said he showed "great courage" and had taken down seven enemy aircraft.

He later received a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross in February 1919. A "Bar" means he received the same award again for more brave actions. This second award recognized his excellent leadership. It also noted that since August 23rd, he had destroyed five enemy observation balloons and three aircraft. He had also forced two other aircraft down out of control.

After the war ended, Southey left the Royal Air Force in March 1919. His total of 20 victories included five observation balloons destroyed. He also destroyed eight enemy aircraft (some with help from other pilots) and forced seven others down out of control (one with help).

Death

Sadly, Walter Southey died young, on April 17, 1920. He was in a motorcycle accident while riding to work and suffered a serious head injury. He is buried at Ladywell Cemetery in London, England.

See also

• List of World War I flying aces