- Owen Baldwin
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Owen Morgan Baldwin Born 21 February 1893
Twyford, Berkshire, EnglandDied 12 January 1942
Berkshire, EnglandAllegiance 
United KingdomService/branch Aviation Rank Captain Unit No. 73 Squadron RAF Battles/wars World War I Awards Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) with Bar
French Legion d'Honneur
Croix de GuerreCaptain Owen Morgan Baldwin was a World War I flying ace credited with 16 aerial victories.[1]
Baldwin was a mechanical engineer in civilian life. He joined No. 73 Squadron RAF, which was tasked with ground support missions, and became a flight leader as well as the squadron's leading ace.[2] His most notable day in action was 15 September 1918, when he scored five victories by destroying two German Fokker D.VIIs and an observation plane, and driving down two more D.VIIs out of control. His victory roll is notable for having only three "soft" victories scored by driving an enemy down instead of destroying him.[3]
Baldwin was confirmed in rank as a Flying Officer, effective 7 March 1925.[4] He was also in service during World War II; he was commissioned a Flying Officer on 12 December 1939.[5]
Contents
Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Lieut. Owen Morgan Baldwin.
A gallant and skilful pilot who has on many occasions attacked troops and transport at low altitudes. Recently he encountered twelve enemy aeroplanes, two of which he crashed. He has, in addition, accounted for five other machines, showing at all times fearlessness and resource.[6]
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (A./Capt.) Owen Morgan Baldwin, D.F.C. (FRANCE)
A gallant and determined officer, conspicuous for his skill and daring in attack. Since he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed six enemy aircraft and driven down two out of control, accounting for four in one day. In all he has to his credit thirteen machines destroyed and three driven down out of control.[7]
Sources of information
- ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/baldwin.php Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=7Ke_Z2Dpea0C&pg=PA66&lpg=PA66&dq=%22Owen+Morgan+Baldwin%22&source=bl&ots=axjfmB4GZW&sig=D-d9Um8nCm9U6LnSLTa3UYoGjmA&hl=en&ei=0jVFS6OvC4S0Nrqz2IID&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22Owen%20Morgan%20Baldwin%22&f=false
- ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/baldwin.php Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- ^ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33034/pages/2204/page.pdf Retrieved 6 january 2010.
- ^ http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34752/pages/8254/page.pdf
- ^ http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%201077.html Retrieved 6 January 2010.
- ^ Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 December 1918 (31046/14315)
References
Sopwith Camel Aces of World War 1. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1841765341, 9781841765341.
External links
Categories:- 1893 births
- 1942 deaths
- Royal Flying Corps officers
- British World War I flying aces
- People from Twyford, Berkshire
- Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (United Kingdom)
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