William Wright (Indian civil servant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Alan Wright
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| Born | 27 November 1895 Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire, England |
| Died | 26 April 1990 (aged 94) Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1919 1945–1946 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 45 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Order of the Indian Empire Air Force Cross Order of the Crown (Belgium) Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
Captain William Alan Wright (27 November 1895 – 26 April 1990) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a flying ace, which means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. William Wright achieved eight aerial victories. After the war, he worked for the Indian Civil Service.
Contents
Early Life and School Days
William Alan Wright was born in a small village called Frisby on the Wreake in Leicestershire, England. His father, Thomas Wright, was a vicar, a type of priest. William went to a school called Oundle School to get his education.
Flying High in World War I
William Wright joined the army on 4 January 1915 as a temporary second lieutenant. He was part of the Leicestershire Regiment. Later, he decided to become a pilot. On 16 March 1917, he became a flying officer in the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force before the Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed.
He joined No. 45 Squadron RFC and flew a two-seater plane called the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. On 30 April 1917, his plane was shot down, but luckily, he survived!
Becoming a Flying Ace
William Wright achieved his first aerial victory on 9 May 1917. He worked with another plane from his squadron to destroy an Albatros D.III fighter. This was just the beginning!
- On 24 May, he destroyed two more Albatros D.IIIs.
- On 28 May, he sent a fourth enemy plane down in flames.
- On 1 July 1917, he was promoted to lieutenant.
His squadron then got new, faster planes called the Sopwith Camel. These were single-seat fighters. On 1 September 1917, William Wright became a flight commander and was given the temporary rank of captain.
He became a 'flying ace' on 5 September 1917. This was when he got his fifth victory by forcing a DFW reconnaissance plane down. He then took down two more reconnaissance planes on 11 and 20 September. His eighth and final victory happened on 1 October. He helped capture an Albatros D.V plane with another crew.
Awards for Bravery
William Wright received several important awards for his courage and skill:
- He was made a Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre de la Couronne (Order of the Crown) by the King of the Belgians.
- He also received the Croix de guerre (War Cross) from Belgium.
- In 1919, he was awarded the Air Force Cross for his service.
He left the Royal Air Force on 27 February 1919.
William Wright's Victories
Here is a list of the aerial victories William Wright achieved during World War I:
| No. | Date/Time | Aircraft | Opponent | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 May 1917 @ 1700 |
Sopwith 1½ Strutter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | North-west of Seclin | Shared with Lieutenant Geoffrey Cock & Second Lieutenant John Murison. |
| 2 | 24 May 1917 @ 1945 |
Sopwith 1½ Strutter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed in flames | Zonnebeke | |
| 3 | Albatros D.III | Destroyed | ||||
| 4 | 28 May 1917 @ 1345 |
Sopwith 1½ Strutter | Albatros D.III | Destroyed in flames | Comines | |
| 5 | 5 September 1917 @ 0800 |
Sopwith Camel | DFW C | Out of control | Comines | |
| 6 | 11 September 1917 @ 1830 |
Sopwith Camel | C | Out of control | South-east of Moorslede | |
| 7 | 20 September 1917 @ 1145 |
Sopwith Camel | C | Destroyed | Westroosebeke | |
| 8 | 1 October 1917 @ 1600 |
Sopwith Camel | Albatros D.V | Captured | East of Polygon Wood | Shared with Lieutenant R. Reeder & Corporal G. Holmes of No. 53 Squadron RFC. |
Life After the War
After his time as a pilot, William Wright joined the Indian Civil Service on 5 September 1921. This was a group of people who helped run the government in British India. In 1945, he was given another award, becoming a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire.
He also served briefly in the Army in Burma Reserve of Officers during World War II. He was granted the honorary rank of lieutenant-colonel before he left the service on 20 January 1946.
William Alan Wright passed away in Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia, on 26 April 1990.
