William Thomas Barnes facts for kids

Lieutenant William Thomas Barnes DFC (born March 10, 1892 – died November 28, 1920) was an English flying ace during World War I. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. William Barnes served as an observer and gunner in Bristol F.2 Fighter planes. He helped achieve nine confirmed victories over German Fokker D.VII fighter planes. After the war, he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary. He died during the Kilmichael ambush in Ireland on November 28, 1920.

Early Life and Army Service

William Thomas Barnes was born in Sutton, Surrey, England, on March 10, 1892. He started his military career in the Royal Fusiliers, an army regiment. He worked his way up to the rank of sergeant. In June 1917, he became an officer, a second lieutenant, in the same regiment.

World War I Aviation Service

In August 1918, William Barnes joined the Royal Air Force as an Observer Officer. He was assigned to No. 11 Squadron RAF, where he flew in Bristol F.2 Fighter aircraft. His job was to observe enemy movements and operate the machine gun.

Just a week after joining his squadron, on August 22, 1918, he achieved his first aerial victory. He helped destroy a German Fokker D.VII plane over Bapaume. A week later, he helped force another Fokker plane down, out of control, over Bourlon Wood.

Barnes continued to show great skill in the air. In September, he helped destroy four more Fokker D.VIIs. He even saw one burst into flames in the sky. On October 1, 1918, he helped set another German fighter on fire. He also helped force another one down, out of control, near Le Cateau-Cambrésis. These two victories happened within just five minutes! His last victory came two days later, when he helped force another plane out of control near Cambrai.

In total, William Barnes was part of six victories where enemy planes were destroyed. He also contributed to three victories where enemy planes were forced down "out of control." This means the enemy plane was so damaged or disoriented it could no longer fight.

In December 1918, Barnes was promoted to lieutenant. He left the Royal Air Force in January 1920 due to health reasons.

After the War

After leaving the Royal Air Force, William Barnes joined the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary. This was a police force in Ireland. He was one of 16 officers who died during the Kilmichael Ambush in Ireland on November 28, 1920. This event happened during the Irish War of Independence.

Awards and Recognition

William Thomas Barnes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This is a special award given for bravery during active operations against the enemy in the air.

The award citation described him as a "skilful and gallant observer." It highlighted an event on October 1, 1918, when his plane was attacked by several enemy fighters. After scattering them, he saw an enemy plane attacking one of his own side's machines. He immediately engaged it and shot it down in flames. Soon after, he shot down another enemy machine out of control.