sparty
02-18-2010, 19:48
Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor
http://www.84squadron.co.uk/assets/images/beauchamp.jpg
Beauchamp-Proctor
Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor was South Africa's top ace during World War 1. His military career began fighting the Germans in Southwest Africa until 1915 when he was discharged. Beauchamp-Proctor finished his education and joined the Royal Air Corps in 1917 and was sent with his unit, the 84 Squadron, to France in September of that year.
Beauchamp-Proctor's greatest claim to fame was as a balloon buster who claimed 16 balloons which was 2 more than leading US balloon buster ace Frank Luke. The notation in his Distinguished Service Order medal reads:
A fighting pilot of great skill, and a splendid leader. He rendered brilliant service on the 22nd August, when his Flight was detailed to neutralise hostile balloons. Having shot down one balloon in flames, he attacked the occupants of five others in succession with machine-gun fire, compelling the occupants in each case to take to parachutes. He then drove down another balloon to within fifty feet of the ground, when it burst into flames. In all he has accounted for thirty-three enemy machines and seven balloons.
Beauchamp-Proctor flew an S.E.5a, but due to his diminutive height of 5'2" he had to specially modify his flight controls to fit his size. But, in the air the physical disadvantage that may have cost him his life in the trenches was eliminated by his brash confidence in flight. On February 19th 1918, he shot down an Albatros D.V southeast of La Fere to claim his 4th victory.
In Beauchamp-Proctor's career he earned the Military Cross with Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and the Victoria Cross. Sadly, during a flying demonstration in a Sopwith Snipe Andrew's plane fell into a spin from which he could not recover and died in the crash. While some observers noted that it may have been due to his physical stature, it seems unlikely given his combat success and experience.
http://www.84squadron.co.uk/assets/images/beauchamp.jpg
Beauchamp-Proctor
Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor was South Africa's top ace during World War 1. His military career began fighting the Germans in Southwest Africa until 1915 when he was discharged. Beauchamp-Proctor finished his education and joined the Royal Air Corps in 1917 and was sent with his unit, the 84 Squadron, to France in September of that year.
Beauchamp-Proctor's greatest claim to fame was as a balloon buster who claimed 16 balloons which was 2 more than leading US balloon buster ace Frank Luke. The notation in his Distinguished Service Order medal reads:
A fighting pilot of great skill, and a splendid leader. He rendered brilliant service on the 22nd August, when his Flight was detailed to neutralise hostile balloons. Having shot down one balloon in flames, he attacked the occupants of five others in succession with machine-gun fire, compelling the occupants in each case to take to parachutes. He then drove down another balloon to within fifty feet of the ground, when it burst into flames. In all he has accounted for thirty-three enemy machines and seven balloons.
Beauchamp-Proctor flew an S.E.5a, but due to his diminutive height of 5'2" he had to specially modify his flight controls to fit his size. But, in the air the physical disadvantage that may have cost him his life in the trenches was eliminated by his brash confidence in flight. On February 19th 1918, he shot down an Albatros D.V southeast of La Fere to claim his 4th victory.
In Beauchamp-Proctor's career he earned the Military Cross with Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and the Victoria Cross. Sadly, during a flying demonstration in a Sopwith Snipe Andrew's plane fell into a spin from which he could not recover and died in the crash. While some observers noted that it may have been due to his physical stature, it seems unlikely given his combat success and experience.