Wilfred Green (RAF officer) facts for kids

Wilfrid Barratt Green (born April 9, 1898 – died September 13, 1947) was a brave English pilot during World War I. He became known as a 'flying ace' because he shot down seven enemy planes in air battles.

Early Life and Family

Wilfrid Barratt Green was born in Burslem, England. He was the second son of Thomas Seaman and Louisa Green. His father owned a shop that sold groceries and baked goods.

Wilfrid had an older brother named Thomas Seaman Green. Sadly, his brother also served in the war as a pilot and was killed in action in 1917 when he was only 22 years old.

Joining the War Effort

In 1917, Wilfrid joined the army as a private. He was part of a special unit called the London Regiment (Artists' Rifles). This unit was important because it trained many officers for other parts of the army during the war.

Soon after, Wilfrid was chosen to become a pilot. He joined the Royal Flying Corps on August 12, 1917. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. By October 1917, he was officially a flying officer.

A Flying Ace in Action

Wilfrid was assigned to No. 32 Squadron. He flew a single-seat fighter plane called the S.E.5a. This plane was fast and good for air combat.

His first air victory happened on April 2, 1918. On this day, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together to form the Royal Air Force (RAF). Wilfrid forced an enemy plane, a Pfalz D.III, to crash out of control.

A few weeks later, on May 16, he shot down another Pfalz D.III, which caught fire and crashed.

Leading a Flight

By June 9, 1918, Wilfrid had become a lieutenant. He was then made a temporary captain and became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes called "B" Flight.

July 1918 was a very busy month for Wilfrid. He shot down three more enemy planes:

• On July 15, a Pfalz D.III.
• On July 16, a Fokker D.VII.
• On July 22, another Fokker D.VII.
• On July 25, yet another Fokker D.VII.

His seventh and final victory happened on August 23, when he destroyed a Fokker D.VII. Wilfrid left No. 32 Squadron on September 8, 1918.

Awards and Recognition

Wilfrid Barratt Green received several important awards for his bravery and skill:

• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC): This award was given to him on November 29, 1918. The award citation said he was a "bold and very gallant officer." It mentioned that he had destroyed two enemy planes and forced five others to crash out of control. He also attacked targets on the ground with his machine guns, which was very effective.

• Legion of Honour (France): On the same day, he was also allowed to wear the Croix de Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, a high award from France.

• Croix de Guerre (France): He also received the Croix de Guerre avec Palme from France, another military honor. He was officially allowed to wear this award on July 11, 1919.

Legacy

In November 2014, it was announced that a street in Stoke-on-Trent would be named after Wilfrid Barratt Green. This was to honor him and other local heroes who served in World War I.