William Price (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Thomas Price
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| Born | 15 November 1895 Acocks Green, Yardley, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | 17 January 1982 (aged 86) Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 48 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain William Thomas Price (born November 15, 1895 – died January 17, 1982) was a brave flying ace from Warwickshire, England. He served in World War I and was known for his amazing skills in the air. He achieved seven aerial victories during a very difficult time for British pilots. After the war, he became a teacher, sharing his knowledge of farming until he retired in 1962.
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Early Life and Education
William Thomas Price was born in Acocks Green, a town in Warwickshire, England. This was on November 15, 1895. He went to school at Christ's College in London. He also studied at Reading University.
Joining the War Effort
William started his military journey in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He became a temporary officer, called a second lieutenant, on August 26, 1915.
He soon chose to join the air force. He trained to become a pilot. On November 28, 1916, he officially became a pilot, known as a flying officer. He moved from the army to the Royal Flying Corps, which was the early air force. William was one of the first members of No. 48 Squadron RFC. He flew a two-seater plane called a Bristol F.2 Fighter.
A Brave Pilot in the Skies
William became a "flying ace" during a tough period in April 1917. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy planes. This month was known as Bloody April. It was a time when British pilots faced many dangers and suffered heavy losses.
"Bloody April" and Heroic Actions
On May 9, 1917, William scored two more victories. But then, he was shot down by an enemy pilot named Lothar von Richthofen. Even though he was hurt, William managed to land his plane safely. He landed in an area controlled by his own side, near Fampoux, France. This brave action saved his plane and his passenger.
Awarded for Courage
On July 1, 1917, William was promoted to lieutenant. He was also given the Military Cross for his bravery. This award is given for acts of courage during battle. The official announcement of his award was made on July 18, 1917.
The award citation said: "For outstanding bravery and dedication to duty. His plane was damaged by enemy fire, and his gun stopped working. He skillfully managed to land safely, saving the plane and his passenger from being captured. He had also done excellent work against enemy aircraft before this."
On March 1, 1918, William was promoted again. He became a flight commander, with the temporary rank of captain. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes.
His Amazing Air Victories
William Thomas Price achieved seven aerial victories during World War I. Here is a list of his successful missions:
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 April 1917 | Bristol F.2 Fighter | German fighter | Driven down out of control | Douai, France | Observer/gunner: Maurice Benjamin |
| 2 | 9 April 1917 | Bristol F.2 Fighter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | East of Arras, France | Observer/gunner: Maurice Benjamin |
| 3 | 23 April 1917 | Bristol F.2 Fighter | Albatros D.III | Driven down out of control | Vitry, France | Observer/gunner: Maurice Benjamin; victory shared with Fred Holliday, Roger Hay, and their observers |
| 4 | 25 April 1917 @ 1900 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | East of Arras, France | Observer/gunner: Maurice Benjamin |
| 5 | 27 April 1917 | Bristol F.2 Fighter | German two-seater | Destroyed | Vitry, France | Observer/gunner: Maurice Benjamin; shared with Fred Holliday and observer |
| 6 | 9 May 1917 @ 0820 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter serial number A7110 | German two-seater | Destroyed | Between Vitry and Noyelles, France | Observer/gunner: Ernest Moore; victory shared with Fred Holliday and observer |
| 7 | 9 May 1917 @ 1725 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n A7110 | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | East of Vitry and Fampoux, France | Observer/gunner: G. G. Claye |
Life After the War
On February 4, 1919, William left the Royal Air Force. After his time in the military, he started a new career. He became a teacher of farming techniques. He continued teaching until he retired in 1962. William Thomas Price passed away on January 17, 1982. He died in Leamington Spa, which is in his home county of Warwickshire, England.
