John Victor Sorsoleil
Encyclopedia
Captain John Victor Sorsoleil MC
(2 June 1898 –1946) was a Canadian
First World War
flying ace
, officially credited with 14 victories.
The final summary of his victories would be three German fighter planes set on fire, six others otherwise destroyed, and five German planes sent down out of control; one of the latter was shared with Carl Frederick Falkenberg
.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on patrol with three other scouts he engaged a hostile formation of ten scouts, driving one of these down. While climbing to rejoin his patrol he was attacked by an enemy scout, upon which he opened fire at close range, bringing it down spinning, with the result that it crashed to earth. He has also driven down one enemy machine in flames, and sent another crashing to earth, where it was destroyed. His gallantry and skill have been most conspicuous."
Military Cross
The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
(2 June 1898 –1946) was a Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
First World War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
flying ace
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...
, officially credited with 14 victories.
World War I
Effective 13 October 1917, probationary Temporary Second Lieutenant J. V. Solsoleil was confirmed in his rank. From November 1917 to July 1918, he flew a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a for 84 Squadron. He did not score his first victory until 13 January 1918, when he shot down the only two-seater reconnaissance plane that would ever fall before his guns. Over the next five months, he would accumulate triumphs over 13 German fighters, with his last win on 27 June 1918. He would then be withdrawn to England to instructor duty until war's end.The final summary of his victories would be three German fighter planes set on fire, six others otherwise destroyed, and five German planes sent down out of control; one of the latter was shared with Carl Frederick Falkenberg
Carl Frederick Falkenberg
Carl Frederick Falkenberg DFC, AFC was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 17 victories.-References:...
.
Post World War I
After Sorsoleil's return to Canada, he was successful in business. During World War II, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He died in 1946.Military Cross
"T./2nd Lt. Jack Victor Sorsoleil, Gen. List, and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on patrol with three other scouts he engaged a hostile formation of ten scouts, driving one of these down. While climbing to rejoin his patrol he was attacked by an enemy scout, upon which he opened fire at close range, bringing it down spinning, with the result that it crashed to earth. He has also driven down one enemy machine in flames, and sent another crashing to earth, where it was destroyed. His gallantry and skill have been most conspicuous."