William Victor Trevor Rooper facts for kids

Captain William Victor Trevor Rooper (born May 10, 1897 – died October 9, 1917) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down eight enemy aircraft. Sadly, he was later shot down himself by a German pilot named Franz Xaver Danhuber.

William Victor Trevor Rooper: A World War I Flying Ace

Early Life and Joining the War

William Rooper was born in Chester, England. He was the youngest of three sons. His family later moved to Gresford in Wales. He went to Bilton Grange and Charterhouse School for his education.

When World War I began in August 1914, William was only 17 years old. Even though he was so young, he joined the Yeomanry, a type of volunteer cavalry. For five months, he worked as a motorcycle despatch rider, delivering important messages. In December 1914, he became a junior officer, called a second lieutenant, in the Denbighshire Hussars.

Becoming a Pilot

In September 1916, William joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. After finishing his pilot training, he was sent to No. 1 Squadron RFC in April 1917. There, he flew a single-seat fighter plane called the Nieuport 17.

William was promoted to lieutenant in July. He achieved his first aerial victory on July 28, when he forced an Albatros D.V enemy plane to go "out of control" over Becelaere. He gained two more victories in early August. On August 24, he became a flight commander, leading a group of planes, and was given the temporary rank of captain.

He then started flying a newer plane, the Nieuport 27. With this plane, he achieved three more victories in September and his last two in early October. In total, he destroyed three enemy aircraft, forced four others down (two of these were shared with other pilots), and helped capture one enemy plane.

His Final Flight

On October 9, 1917, Captain Rooper was flying over Polygon Wood when he was shot down by Franz Xaver Danhuber, a German pilot. William's plane crashed near the British front lines, and he was badly hurt. He died from his injuries.

William Victor Trevor Rooper is buried at the Communal Cemetery Extension in Bailleul, France.

Remembering William Rooper

William had two older brothers. His brother, Ralph Bonfoy Rooper, also died in France in May 1918 while working for the French Red Cross. Both William and Ralph are remembered on the war memorial at All Saints Church in Gresford. Their oldest brother, Captain John Royden Rooper, served in the Denbighshire Hussars but had to leave due to illness.

Did you know? The actress Jemima Rooper is William Victor Trevor Rooper's great-granddaughter!

William Rooper's Air Victories

Here is a list of Captain William Rooper's aerial victories: