Wilfred Beaver facts for kids

Wilfred Beaver was a brave pilot who fought in World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down 19 enemy planes! He was born on May 10, 1897, and passed away on August 19, 1986. He served in the armies of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Wilfred grew up in England. When he was about 14, his parents separated. He then moved to Montreal, Canada, to live with his uncle. He was planning to study dentistry there.

However, a big war started in 1914. Wilfred decided to join the army on August 7, 1914. He became a soldier in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He served in the Field Artillery for about two and a half years, even fighting in France.

Becoming a Flying Ace

In 1917, Wilfred decided to become a pilot. He joined the Royal Flying Corps on February 28, 1917. He trained at a special school in Oxford, England.

After his training, he joined No. 20 Squadron RAF. He flew two-seater planes called Bristol Fighters. These planes had a pilot and an observer.

Wilfred got his first aerial victory on November 13, 1917. He became a "flying ace" on January 6, 1918. This means he had shot down five enemy planes. He kept winning battles in the sky. He even shot down three planes in one day on May 27, 1918! His last victory was on June 13, 1918.

In total, Wilfred Beaver and his observers helped destroy 11 enemy airplanes. They also forced eight other planes to crash or land out of control. Some of his observers were also famous flying aces, like M. B. Mather and Ernest Deighton.

Life Between the Wars

After World War I ended, Wilfred left the Royal Flying Corps in April 1919. He went back to Canada for a short time. Then, he moved to the United States on April 23, 1919.

He lived in Greenville, Mississippi, in the 1920s. He became a citizen of the United States on September 21, 1926. By 1930, he was living in Jamestown, New York.

World War II Service

When World War II began, Wilfred Beaver returned to military service. He joined the United States Army Air Forces. He was a major and helped lead the 447th Bombardment Group. This group was part of the 3rd Air Force.

He was given the Bronze Star award for his excellent work. In 1945, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then became the commander of his group from July to August 1945. He stayed on active duty until January 1946.

After that, he continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He retired in 1957 with the rank of colonel.

Awards and Recognition

Wilfred Beaver received several important awards for his bravery and service.

Military Cross

The Military Cross is a special award from the United Kingdom. Wilfred received it for being very brave and dedicated. The award recognized that he had destroyed five enemy planes and forced six others down. He also did amazing work bombing and shooting at enemy troops from low heights. He was known for his courage and leadership.