William Curphey facts for kids

Captain William George Sellar Curphey MC* (1895 – 15 May 1917) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy aircraft.

Early Life and Military Start

William Curphey was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1895. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Salvador Curphey, lived in Hampstead, England. His father worked for the government.

William went to school at Glasgow Academy and University College School. He also studied at King's College London. While at university, he joined the Officers' Training Corps. This group helped train young people to become military officers.

Military Career and Flying

Joining the Army

When World War I began, William Curphey joined the Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berkshire Regiment). This was an infantry regiment, meaning they fought on the ground. In November 1914, he became a temporary second lieutenant. This was his first officer rank. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant in June 1915.

Becoming a Pilot

In July 1916, William moved from the infantry to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He became a pilot! By January 1917, he was promoted again to temporary captain and became a "flight commander." This meant he led a group of planes.

Amazing Air Victories

William Curphey was one of the first pilots in 32 Squadron. His squadron flew Airco DH.2 planes. They were sent to France in May 1916 to fight in the Battle of the Somme.

Between August 1916 and February 1917, William shot down six enemy aircraft. One of his victories was shared with another pilot named James Robb. On February 4, 1917, he was slightly hurt and had to land his plane. This happened after a fight with a German pilot named Leutnant Erwin Böhme.

His Final Flight

On May 14, 1917, William Curphey and two other pilots were flying a patrol. They attacked three German observation balloons. These balloons were used to watch enemy movements. Suddenly, six German Albatros fighter planes attacked them.

During the fight, William was shot down by a German pilot named Leutnant Franz Walz. William's plane caught fire just before it crashed. He was badly burned and died the next day in a German hospital. At the time of his death, William was about to be promoted to major. This new rank would have meant he would no longer fly in combat.

Awards for Bravery

William Curphey received two important awards for his bravery:

• Military Cross: He earned this award for his great skill and courage. He shot down one enemy plane, and two days later, he shot down another. He often attacked groups of enemy planes and forced them down.

• Bar to the Military Cross: This award meant he received the Military Cross a second time. He earned it for leading his patrol of four planes to attack ten enemy planes. Even though he was wounded, he led another attack and shot down another enemy plane. He was known for his excellent work in many battles.