Walter Tyrrell facts for kids

Captain Walter Alexander Tyrrell MC (born August 23, 1898 – died June 9, 1918) was a brave British pilot. He was a First World War "flying ace." This means he shot down many enemy aircraft. Walter Tyrrell achieved seventeen aerial victories during the war.

Who Was Walter Tyrrell?

Walter Tyrrell was born in Belfast, Ireland. He was one of three sons. His father, John Tyrrell, was a successful merchant. He also held important local positions. These included alderman and justice of the peace. In 1914, his father was the High Sheriff of Belfast. Walter grew up in Fairview Buildings on Crumlin Road. He went to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He also studied at the Belfast Municipal Technical Institute.

Walter's Military Journey in World War I

Walter Tyrrell joined the Royal Navy early in the war. He served in the Royal Naval Air Service's Armoured Car Division. He was a petty officer from late 1914 to late 1915. He spent eight months in Belgium and France. His service ended after an accident. An armoured car crushed his foot, and he was discharged.

Joining the Royal Flying Corps

After recovering, Walter returned to Belfast. He joined the Queen's University Belfast Officers' Training Corps. He also worked as an apprentice motor engineer. But he wanted to serve again. On April 4, 1917, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the time. He became an officer cadet. By August 1917, he was a flying officer.

Flying with No. 32 Squadron

Walter was sent to No. 32 Squadron RFC. He flew the Airco DH.5, a single-seat fighter plane. He quickly showed his skill. Between October and December 1917, he scored five victories. Four of these were shared with other pilots.

In early 1918, his squadron got new planes. They started flying the S.E.5a fighter. This was a very good aircraft.

Facing the German Spring Offensive

On March 21, 1918, Germany launched a huge attack. This was called the Spring Offensive. It happened on the Somme Front. Walter was in the thick of the fighting. On April 7, he claimed three enemy fighters shot down. These victories were near Lamotte.

Soon after, No. 32 Squadron moved north. They flew over the Lys Front. Walter gained two more victories there. These happened on April 11 and 12.

Becoming a Flight Commander

No. 32 Squadron then started escorting bombers. On May 3, Walter shot down two Fokker Dr.I planes. He also forced an LVG reconnaissance plane to land. This plane was captured near Poperinghe. On May 8, his squadron fought many Pfalz D.III fighters. Walter claimed one of the six shot down.

On May 18, 1918, Walter was promoted. He became a flight commander. This gave him the temporary rank of captain. He led "B" flight.

Final Victories and Sacrifice

On May 29, No. 32 Squadron moved south. This was to help the French forces. Early on June 6, Walter and another pilot shared a victory. They sent a Pfalz D.III down in flames. Later that day, Walter shot down two Fokker D.VII fighters. This brought his total victories to seventeen. He was the top-scoring ace in his squadron. He was also the fourth highest Irish-born ace.

On June 9, 1918, Germany launched another attack. This was along the Matz River. No. 32 Squadron was attacking ground targets. During one of these missions, Walter Tyrrell was killed. His aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. He is buried in the Communal Cemetery at Beauvais, France.

Family's Sacrifice

Walter's family faced more tragedy. Just 11 days after his death, his older brother was also killed. John Marcus Tyrrell was serving in the Royal Air Force. Both brothers are remembered on war memorials. These are at Queen's University in Belfast and in Bangor, County Down.

Their oldest brother, William Tyrrell (RAF officer), also served. He was an army doctor and a rugby player. He received many awards for his bravery. He later joined the same service as his brothers. He served through the Second World War.

Walter Tyrrell's Aerial Victories

Walter Tyrrell was a highly skilled pilot. He achieved seventeen confirmed aerial victories. Here is a list of his successes: