Ernest Hardcastle
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant Ernest Hardcastle was a World War I flying ace
observer/gunner credited with twelve aerial victories. He would return to his nation's service during World War II.
but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps
in August 1917. He was assigned to 20 Squadron as an observer/gunner on 18 April 1918.
and Victor Groom
, as well as Captains Douglas Graham Cooke
, and Horace Percy Lale.
On 20 December 1918 he relinquished his commission for reasons of ill health resulting from military service. Hardcastle was transferred to the unemployed list by the Royal Air Force on 13 February 1919.
and was confirmed in his appointment as a Flying Officer
. On 1 January 1943, was promoted from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant
. On 9 June 1945, he again relinquished his commission on account of medical unfitness.
Lieut. Ernest Hardcastle.
This officer displayed great courage and skill on two occasions when he was observer in company with Lieut. Groom. While on patrol their formation of eight attacked twenty-five hostile scouts; he and Lieut. Groom accounted for two. On another occasion, when with the same officer, they were attacked by twelve scouts, two of these they shot down.
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...
observer/gunner credited with twelve aerial victories. He would return to his nation's service during World War II.
Early life and service
Hardcastle worked for the Bradford Chamber of Commerce until World War I began. He enlisted in the Yorkshire RegimentYorkshire Regiment
The Yorkshire Regiment is one of the largest infantry regiments of the British Army. The regiment is currently the only line infantry or rifles unit to represent a single geographical county in the new infantry structure, serving as the county regiment of Yorkshire covering the historical areas...
but 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...
in August 1917. He was assigned to 20 Squadron as an observer/gunner on 18 April 1918.
World War I aerial service
Hardcastle's win streak started on 8 May 1918 and finished on 30 July 1918, with all but one victory being over an enemy fighter plane. His final claim tally was nine destroyed and three 'driven down out of control'. The pilots aiding him included fellow aces Lieutenants August IaccaciAugust Iaccaci
Captain August Thayer Iaccaci was a US-born World War I flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories. He was born to Auguste Florian and Mabel Thayer Iaccaci on June 6, 1893. He worked for H. K. McCann Co. until he went to Canada and joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. His brother Paul...
and Victor Groom
Victor Groom
Air Marshal Sir Victor Emmanuel Groom KCVO, KBE, CB, DFC & Bar was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force and a flying ace of the First World War credited with eight aerial victories...
, as well as Captains Douglas Graham Cooke
Douglas Graham Cooke
Captain Douglas Graham Cooke was a World War I flying ace credited with thirteen aerial victories....
, and Horace Percy Lale.
On 20 December 1918 he relinquished his commission for reasons of ill health resulting from military service. Hardcastle was transferred to the unemployed list by the Royal Air Force on 13 February 1919.
World War II
On 30 September 1941 he was serving as a Probationary Pilot OfficerPilot Officer
Pilot officer is the lowest commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks immediately below flying officer...
and was confirmed in his appointment as a Flying Officer
Flying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
. On 1 January 1943, was promoted from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
. On 9 June 1945, he again relinquished his commission on account of medical unfitness.
Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)Lieut. Ernest Hardcastle.
This officer displayed great courage and skill on two occasions when he was observer in company with Lieut. Groom. While on patrol their formation of eight attacked twenty-five hostile scouts; he and Lieut. Groom accounted for two. On another occasion, when with the same officer, they were attacked by twelve scouts, two of these they shot down.