Michael Gonne

Michael Gonne
Michael Edward Gonne
Born 1899
Died 8 August 1918
MIA in vicinity of Brie, France
Heath Cemetery Harbonnières, France
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Infantry, then flying service
Rank Captain
Unit 3rd Royal Fusiliers, No. 54 Squadron RAF
Awards Military Cross

Captain Michael Edward Gonne was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1]

He was living in Ringwood, Hampshire when he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. In May 1917, when he had reached the rank of captain, he was sent to the Royal Flying Corps. He was assigned to 54 Squadron, and flew Sopwith Pup no. A6215 to victory on 25 September and 18 October 1917, destroying Albatros D.IIIs on both occasions. He upgraded to a Sopwith Camel for his last three wins in January 1918. His final tally was three enemy airplanes destroyed, two driven down out of control.[2][3]

Gonne went missing on 8 August 1918; he was last seen near Brie at 1315 hours. Although the cause of his death is unknown, he is buried in Heath Cemetery in Harbonnières, France.[4][5][6]

Honours and awards

Military Cross (MC)

2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Michael Edward Gonne, R. Fus. and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He is a daring and skilful leader of patrols, and has led his flight throughout a large amount of fighting, often against superior numbers, far over the enemy's lines. He has destroyed five enemy machines. Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 August 1918 (30845/9564)[7]

Sources of information

  1. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/gonne.php Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  2. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/gonne.php Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  3. ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 171. 
  4. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/gonne.php Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  5. ^ Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. p. 171. 
  6. ^ CWGC entry
  7. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/gonne.php Retrieved 6 February 2010.

References

Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, 9780948817199.


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