William Bond (RFC officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Bond
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|---|---|
| Birth name | William Arthur Bond |
| Born | 27 June 1889 Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England |
| Died | 22 July 1917 (aged 28) Sallaumines, France |
| Memorial |
Arras Flying Services Memorial, Pas de Calais, France
|
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Royal Flying Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 40 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross with Bar |
William Arthur Bond was a brave pilot who fought in the First World War. He was born on June 27, 1889, in Chesterfield, England. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down five enemy aircraft during battles in the sky.
Before becoming a pilot, William Bond served as a soldier in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was hurt in a battle in a place called the Dardanelles in 1916. After he recovered, he decided to join the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time.
In early 1917, William Bond started flying Nieuport fighter planes with No. 40 Squadron. He was a very skilled pilot. In just one month, from May 10 to June 9, 1917, he achieved five victories against enemy planes.
In July, he was promoted to flight commander, which meant he led a group of planes. Sadly, on July 22, 1917, he was killed in action over a town called Sallaumines in France. It's not completely clear how he died; some say he was shot down by an enemy observation plane, while others believe anti-aircraft fire from the ground hit his plane.
After his death, his wife, Aimee, wrote a book about him called An Airman's Wife.
Awards and Recognition
William Bond was recognized for his bravery and skill with two special awards.
The Military Cross
On June 24, 1916, William Bond was given the Military Cross. This award is for showing great courage in battle. He earned it when he was on patrol with his unit. They met an enemy group, and bombs were thrown. William Bond and another officer were hurt. Even though he was wounded, William Bond, with the help of another soldier, bravely brought the injured officer to safety while under heavy machine-gun fire.
Bar to the Military Cross
On August 16, 1917, William Bond was awarded a "Bar" to his Military Cross. A bar means he received the award a second time for more acts of bravery. This time, it was for his actions as a pilot:
- He attacked an enemy plane at close range and sent it crashing down.
- Soon after, he attacked another enemy plane, which lost control and fell.
- On another day, he flew very low over enemy lines and attacked a hostile balloon, causing it to burst into flames.
