Andrew Kiddie
Encyclopedia
Captain Andrew Cameron Kiddie (1889 - ?) was a World War I flying ace
credited with 15 aerial victories.
As the last British Army veterans of World War I died in 2009 he must now be deceased.
.
Kiddie was appointed second lieutenant on probation as of 1 August 1916. He was confirmed as second lieutenant on 31 October 1916. He was assigned to No. 32 Squadron RFC in early 1917; while flying an Airco DH.5
, he scored his first victory on 20 July 1917. Later that year, he was transferred to Home Establishment as an instructor. One of the students he trained was Ira Jones
.
in early 1918; the squadron moved its Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5as to France in March 1918. His squadron mates included Ira Jones and "Mick" Mannock
; the three of them started their careers as aces at roughly the same time. Kiddie scored his second victory on 3 May 1918, sharing it with Mannock, Henry Dolan, and Harris Clements. Five days later, he was the only survivor from his flight of six when they engaged ten Fokker Dr.I
triplanes. Kiddie then became a balloon buster
on 19 May 1918. Thereafter, he reeled off an even dozen triumphs over enemy planes; all but one were over enemy fighters. His final tally was a balloon and ten airplanes destroyed, four of which were shared, and four enemy airplanes driven down out of control.
Lieut. (A. Capt.) Andrew Cameron Kiddie. (France.)—A gallant officer,
who has proved himself resolute and courageous in aerial combats. He
has to his credit six enemy machines and one balloon shot down in flames.
Belgian Croix de Guerre awarded 15 July 1919.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with 15 aerial victories.
As the last British Army veterans of World War I died in 2009 he must now be deceased.
Early service
After serving with the 18th South African Mounted Rifles, Kiddie betook himself to England to join the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
.
Kiddie was appointed second lieutenant on probation as of 1 August 1916. He was confirmed as second lieutenant on 31 October 1916. He was assigned to No. 32 Squadron RFC in early 1917; while flying an Airco DH.5
Airco DH.5
-Bibliography:* Bruce, J.M. Warplanes of the First World War, Vol. 1. London: MacDonald, 1965, pp. 128–132.* Jackson, A.J. De Havilland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam, 1962....
, he scored his first victory on 20 July 1917. Later that year, he was transferred to Home Establishment as an instructor. One of the students he trained was Ira Jones
Ira Jones
Ira Jones was an author, best known as the first sergeant in charge of Elvis Presley for a portion of the time Elvis served in the army. Elvis drove Jones' jeep for nine months while the two were stationed together in Germany...
.
Service as a fighter pilot
Kiddie was transferred back to combat duty with No. 74 Squadron RAFNo. 74 Squadron RAF
No. 74 Squadron RAF, also known as a "Tiger Squadron" from its tiger head motif, is a squadron of the Royal Air Force. It operated fighter aircraft from 1917 to the 1990s.-First World War:...
in early 1918; the squadron moved its Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5as to France in March 1918. His squadron mates included Ira Jones and "Mick" Mannock
Edward Mannock
Major Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock VC, DSO and Two Bars, MC & Bar was a British First World War flying ace. Mannock was probably born in Ireland, though of English and Scottish parentage....
; the three of them started their careers as aces at roughly the same time. Kiddie scored his second victory on 3 May 1918, sharing it with Mannock, Henry Dolan, and Harris Clements. Five days later, he was the only survivor from his flight of six when they engaged ten Fokker Dr.I
Fokker Dr.I
The Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker was a World War I fighter aircraft built by Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. The Dr.I saw widespread service in the spring of 1918...
triplanes. Kiddie then became a balloon buster
Balloon buster
Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness. Seventy-six fighter pilots in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces....
on 19 May 1918. Thereafter, he reeled off an even dozen triumphs over enemy planes; all but one were over enemy fighters. His final tally was a balloon and ten airplanes destroyed, four of which were shared, and four enemy airplanes driven down out of control.
Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying CrossLieut. (A. Capt.) Andrew Cameron Kiddie. (France.)—A gallant officer,
who has proved himself resolute and courageous in aerial combats. He
has to his credit six enemy machines and one balloon shot down in flames.
Belgian Croix de Guerre awarded 15 July 1919.