Joseph Callaghan
Encyclopedia
Major Joseph Creuss Callaghan was a World War I flying ace
credited with five aerial victories.
The Irish-born Callaghan was living in Texas when World War I began; he returned home to join the Royal Munster Fusiliers
. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps
on 1 September 1915. He was assigned to No. 18 Squadron in April 1916; he promptly piloted an FE.2b to victory on the 26th, getting credit for destroying a Fokker Eindekker (though the Germans recorded no casualties). He crashlanded near Château de la Haie because of damaged controls, to discover his observer dead, shot through the head.
His next posting was to No. 2 School of Aerial Gunnery. His final posting was command of No. 87 Squadron in January 1918. He scored four more victories in a month, between 29 May and 28 June 1918, flying Sopwith Dolphin No. D3671. On 2 July, he launched a solo attack on a large formation of German fighters, estimated to number as many as 25. He was shot down in flames by German ace Leutnant Franz Büchner
.
(MC)
2nd Lt. (temp. Capt.) Joseph Cruess Callaghan, R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed marked courage and skill on several occasions in carrying out night bombing operations. On one occasion he extinguished a hostile searchlight.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 13 February 1917 (29940/1540)
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 five aerial victories.
The Irish-born Callaghan was living in Texas when World War I began; he returned home to join the Royal Munster Fusiliers
Royal Munster Fusiliers
The Royal Munster Fusiliers was a regular infantry regiment of the British Army. One of eight Irish regiments raised largely in Ireland, it had its home depot in Tralee. It was originally formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of two regiments of the former East India Company. It served in India and...
. He transferred 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...
on 1 September 1915. He was assigned to No. 18 Squadron in April 1916; he promptly piloted an FE.2b to victory on the 26th, getting credit for destroying a Fokker Eindekker (though the Germans recorded no casualties). He crashlanded near Château de la Haie because of damaged controls, to discover his observer dead, shot through the head.
His next posting was to No. 2 School of Aerial Gunnery. His final posting was command of No. 87 Squadron in January 1918. He scored four more victories in a month, between 29 May and 28 June 1918, flying Sopwith Dolphin No. D3671. On 2 July, he launched a solo attack on a large formation of German fighters, estimated to number as many as 25. He was shot down in flames by German ace Leutnant Franz Büchner
Franz Buchner
Franz Büchner was one of the most successful German fighter aces of the First World War, shooting down 40 enemy aircraft.-Early career:...
.
Honors and awards
Military CrossMilitary 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....
(MC)
2nd Lt. (temp. Capt.) Joseph Cruess Callaghan, R. Muns. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry in action. He displayed marked courage and skill on several occasions in carrying out night bombing operations. On one occasion he extinguished a hostile searchlight.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 13 February 1917 (29940/1540)