William Frederick James Harvey facts for kids

William Frederick James Harvey was a brave British pilot. He was known as a flying ace during World War I. This means he shot down many enemy aircraft. He achieved an amazing twenty-six victories in the air.

Harvey was the first person to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross with a Bar. This Bar shows he earned the award a second time. He also received the Military Cross. These awards recognized his incredible courage and skill.

William Harvey: A World War I Hero

William Harvey, often called Jim, was born on January 8, 1897. He grew up to become a hero in the skies. His journey in the military began during World War I.

Joining the Air Force

Harvey first served in the Royal Corps of Signals. This group used signals to communicate during battles. In December 1916, he decided to join the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). The RFC was the early version of the Royal Air Force.

By December 1917, Harvey became a pilot. He joined No. 22 Squadron. Here, he flew Bristol F.2B planes. These planes were powerful two-seater fighters.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Harvey achieved his first air victory on March 16, 1918. He shot down a German Pfalz D.III plane. Just two days later, he downed another enemy aircraft, an Albatros D.V.

With three more victories in March, Harvey quickly became a flying ace. This title is given to pilots who achieve five or more air victories. In May 1918, he was promoted to captain. He then led a group of planes called 'B' Flight.

Later in May, Harvey and his observer, Lt. George Thomson, had great success. They shot down two enemy observation balloons. They also destroyed four German airplanes. On June 20, he downed three more enemy planes.

Soon after, Captain Dennis Waight became Harvey's new teammate. They worked together for the rest of the war. During the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, they scored nine more victories.

In total, Harvey was credited with twenty-six victories. This included three balloons and twenty-three enemy aircraft. He achieved eighteen of these victories using his plane's front gun.

Life After the War

After World War I ended, Harvey continued his military service. He worked as an instructor for the British Army of the Rhine. This was a British army group stationed in Germany.

Later, he left the RAF and became a farmer. When World War II began, he rejoined the military. He was awarded the MBE for his service during this time.

After World War II, Harvey retired to Kent. He enjoyed writing articles about aviation. He also wrote a history of his old squadron, No. 22. He titled his book 'Pi in the Sky'.

In 1920, Harvey married Mary Gurdon. She was the sister of his squadron mate, John Everard Gurdon.

Awards and Recognition

William Harvey received several important awards for his bravery. These awards recognized his outstanding service.

• Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) - Awarded on August 3, 1918.

  The award recognized him as a pilot with a strong fighting spirit. He was brave and would fight against many enemy planes. He destroyed several enemy machines even when outnumbered.

• Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross - Awarded on December 3, 1918.

  This award showed he was an excellent pilot and leader. He led many attacks against the enemy. During the August battles, he personally shot down seven enemy planes. He also helped destroy an eighth plane with another pilot. This showed his great courage and determination.

• Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Awarded on April 10, 1945.

  He received this award for his service as a Captain (temporary Major) in the Royal Artillery during World War II.