William Sidebottom (RAF officer) facts for kids

Lieutenant William Sidebottom (born October 11, 1893 – died December 8, 1920) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy aircraft. He was officially credited with fourteen aerial victories, which means he destroyed or helped destroy fourteen enemy planes.

William Sidebottom: A World War I Flying Ace

Joining the Royal Air Force

William Sidebottom joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) on his birthday, October 11, 1917. After finishing his flight training, he was sent to No. 3 (Naval) Squadron. Here, he flew the Sopwith Camel, which was a single-seat fighter plane.

On April 1, 1918, a big change happened. The RNAS joined with the Army's Royal Flying Corps to create a new, single air force called the Royal Air Force (RAF). Because of this, Sidebottom's squadron was renamed No. 203 Squadron RAF.

His Victories in the Sky

William Sidebottom achieved his first aerial victory on June 16, 1918. He worked with Lieutenant Edwin Hayne and three other pilots to destroy a German reconnaissance plane. Reconnaissance planes were used to gather information about enemy positions.

After this first success, he continued to achieve more victories. Between June and October 1918, he helped destroy two more reconnaissance aircraft with Captain Leonard Henry Rochford. He also helped shoot down another plane that caught fire in mid-air with Captain Arthur Whealy. By the end of the war, Sidebottom had helped destroy a total of fourteen enemy aircraft. This impressive number earned him the title of a "flying ace."

After the War and His Final Mission

After World War I ended, William Sidebottom was placed on the RAF's "unemployed list" on February 1, 1919. Just a week later, on February 7, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air."

His award citation, which is an official statement, said: "Lieutenant William Sidebottom, 203rd Squadron. This officer has carried out numerous offensive and low bombing patrols with courage, skill and judgment. He has also proved himself a bold and resolute fighter in aerial combats, having nine enemy machines to his credit."

Even though he was on the unemployed list, Sidebottom returned to serve in the RAF. He was given a new role as a flying officer on October 24, 1919. On December 8, 1920, he was serving with No. 30 Squadron, which was part of the North Persia Force.

During a bombing mission over Enzeli, which was then part of the Persian Socialist Soviet Republic, his plane, an Airco DH.9A, had to make an emergency landing. This happened about 15 miles from Rostamabad. Sadly, he was killed during a conflict with Bolsheviks while trying to escape. His observer, who was also in the plane, managed to escape unharmed.

William Sidebottom does not have a known grave. He is remembered and honored at the Tehran Memorial in Gholhak Garden, Iran.