When did albert Ball die?

May 7, 1917
Albert Ball/Date of death

Who shot down Albert Ball?

In April 1917, Ball returned to France at the head of his own squadron – No 56. Albert Ball was killed in combat on May 7th 1917. There is a degree of doubt as to why Ball crashed behind German lines but Lothar von Richthofen claimed the kill. He was buried with full military honours.

What happened to albert Ball?

The famous German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, remarked upon hearing of Ball’s death that he was “by far the best English flying man”….

Albert Ball
Died 7 May 1917 (aged 20) Annœullin, France
Buried Grave 643, Annœullin Communal Cemetery, German Extension
Allegiance United Kingdom

How many kills Did Albert Ball have?

44
Though his kill count of 44 fell short of many of his countrymen, flying ace Albert Ball was arguably the British Empire’s most beloved fighter pilot during World War I.

Who was the first ace of ww1?

Adolphe Pégoud
The term “ace” (now commonly flying ace) was first used by French newspapers during World War I, describing Adolphe Pégoud as l’as (the ace), after he downed five German aircraft….Aces.

Name William Gordon Claxton
Country Canada
Air service(s) Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force
Victories 37
Note DSO, DFC*

Who was the first ace in the history of warfare?

Manfred von Richthofen (1892-1918), also known as the ‘Red Baron’, is perhaps the most famous air ace of the First World War.

Who was Albert Ball in the First World War?

Albert Ball. Albert Ball, VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC (14 August 1896 – 7 May 1917) was an English fighter pilot during the First World War. At the time of his death he was the United Kingdom’s leading flying ace, with 44 victories, and remained its fourth-highest scorer behind Edward Mannock, James McCudden, and George McElroy.

When did Albert Ball join the Royal Flying Corps?

Albert Ball. Born and raised in Nottingham, Ball joined the Sherwood Foresters at the outbreak of the First World War and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October 1914. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) the following year, and gained his pilot’s wings on 26 January 1916.

When did Albert Ball get the Victoria Cross?

After a period on home establishment, Ball was posted to No. 56 Squadron, which deployed to the Western Front in April 1917. He crashed to his death in a field in France on 7 May, sparking a wave of national mourning and posthumous recognition, which included the award of the Victoria Cross for his actions during his final tour of duty.

When did Albert Ball get his flying wings?

The instructor relented, and Ball then soloed again and landed successfully in five consecutive flights. His rough landing was not the last Ball was involved in; he survived two others. He completed his training at Central Flying School, Upavon, and was awarded his wings on 22 January 1916.