Cecil Roy Richards
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant Cecil Roy Richards was an Australian flying ace
of World War I. He was credited with twelve aerial victories.
Cecil Roy Richards' father was named Alf. The younger Richards enlisted on 16 March 1915. He served on ground duty in both Gallipolli and France before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps
in late 1916. He was assigned to 20 Squadron as a pilot flying the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2d. He drove down an Albatros D.V
on 14 June 1917 for his first win. He continued to score for the next two months, through 16 August 1917, including four victories on 17 July. His observer/gunner for nine of these victories was John Cowell
. Richards' final tally was four enemy airplanes destroyed, eight driven down out of control.
On 19 August 1917, he was shot down and wounded by Ernst Hess
of Jasta 28, and then captured.
On 26 July 1919, Richards was transferred to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force.
As of 2 April 1948, Richards is referred to in Australian government papers as living at 26 Weewanda Street, Glenelg. He subsequently died in Glenelg on 28 March 1973.
2nd Lt. Cecil Roy Richards, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when on offensive patrols in attacking and shooting down hostile machines. On one occasion he shot down four in one day, displaying great dash and a fine offensive spirit.
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...
of World War I. He was credited with twelve aerial victories.
Cecil Roy Richards' father was named Alf. The younger Richards enlisted on 16 March 1915. He served on ground duty in both Gallipolli and France before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps
Royal 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...
in late 1916. He was assigned to 20 Squadron as a pilot flying the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2d. He drove down an Albatros D.V
Albatros D.V
|-See also:-Bibliography:*Bennett, Leon. Gunning for the Red Baron. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, 2006. ISBN 1-58544-507-X....
on 14 June 1917 for his first win. He continued to score for the next two months, through 16 August 1917, including four victories on 17 July. His observer/gunner for nine of these victories was John Cowell
John Cowell (aviator)
Sergeant John J. Cowell was an Irish World War I flying ace credited with 16 aerial victories. Although he scored 15 of his victories as a gunner, he did move on to score once more as a pilot.-Success as an observer:...
. Richards' final tally was four enemy airplanes destroyed, eight driven down out of control.
On 19 August 1917, he was shot down and wounded by Ernst Hess
Ernst Hess
Leutnant Ernst Hess was a World War I flying ace credited with 17 confirmed and four unconfirmed aerial victories.He scored a victory for KEK Douai on 5 January 1916 in conjunction with Oswald Boelcke, and another for Fokkerstaffel C on 22 June 1916, but did not hit his stride until assigned to...
of Jasta 28, and then captured.
On 26 July 1919, Richards was transferred to the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force.
As of 2 April 1948, Richards is referred to in Australian government papers as living at 26 Weewanda Street, Glenelg. He subsequently died in Glenelg on 28 March 1973.
Honors and awards
Military Cross (MC)2nd Lt. Cecil Roy Richards, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when on offensive patrols in attacking and shooting down hostile machines. On one occasion he shot down four in one day, displaying great dash and a fine offensive spirit.
Reference
- Pusher Aces of World War 1" Jon Guttman, Harry Dempsey. Osprey Pub Co, 2009. ISBN 1846034175, 9781846034176.