William Henry Rhodes-Moorhouse facts for kids

William Henry Rhodes-Moorhouse was a brave Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot. He was born on March 4, 1914, and sadly died on September 6, 1940. He was known as a flying ace because he shot down many enemy planes. William fought and died during the Battle of Britain, a very important air battle in the Second World War.

Early Life and Family

William Henry Rhodes-Moorhouse was born in London, England. His father, William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse, was also a pilot. He flew for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War.

Sadly, William's father died in April 1915 when William was just a baby. His father was hurt during a bombing mission and passed away the next day. For his bravery, William's father was given the Victoria Cross. This is a very special medal for courage. He was the first pilot ever to receive it.

The Rhodes-Moorhouse family was quite wealthy. William went to Eton College, a famous school. He learned to fly planes and got his pilot's license when he was only 17 years old.

In 1936, William married Amalia Demetriadi. She was even asked to try out for a role in the famous movie Gone with the Wind, but she said no. William loved sports and was chosen for the British team for the 1936 Winter Olympics. However, an accident while ski jumping stopped him from competing.

Joining the Royal Air Force

In 1937, William joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He flew Bristol Blenheim planes with No. 601 Squadron RAF. When the Second World War began, his squadron moved to Biggin Hill.

In November 1939, William took part in a raid on a German base. Later, in March 1940, his squadron got new planes called Hawker Hurricanes. These were powerful fighter planes.

Fighting in France

In May 1940, Germany attacked France. William's squadron was sent to help. On May 18, he shot down a German Heinkel He-111 bomber near Brussels. The next day, his plane was damaged by enemy fire, and he had to land it safely. He then shot down another enemy plane, a Bf 109, on May 22.

Battle of Britain Hero

After fighting in France, William's squadron moved back to England. In July, they began to fight against the German air force, called the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe was attacking over the English Channel and the south coast of England. This was the start of the Battle of Britain.

William was very successful in these battles. He helped destroy several German planes in July. For his bravery and skill, he was given the Distinguished Flying Cross medal in late July 1940.

On August 11, William shot down two more Bf 109 planes. Sadly, on the same day, his wife's 21-year-old brother, Dick Demetriadi, who was in the same squadron, was shot down and killed. William continued to fight bravely. He shot down more enemy planes in August and September.

Final Battle and Legacy

On September 6, 1940, William's squadron was fighting German Bf 109s above Tunbridge Wells. His Hurricane plane was shot down. He died in the crash.

William Henry Rhodes-Moorhouse is buried in a private cemetery. It is on the grounds of his family's old home, Parnham House in Dorset. He is buried next to his brave father.