Ernest Norton (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Air Commodore Ernest William Norton DSC
(14 May 1893 - 23 May 1966) began his military career as a World War I flying ace
credited with nine aerial victories.
On 20 October 1916, while still a Flight Lieutenant
, Norton won a Distinguished Service Cross for destroying an enemy kite balloon on observation duty. Norton flew for 1 Wing and used a Nieuport armed with Le Prieur rocket
s. He later switched to 6 Naval Squadron as a Flight Commander. On 8 February 1917, he drove down an enemy reconnaissance plane out of control. The remainder of his victories, all against Albatros fighters, followed in April 1917; doubles on the 5th and 9th, a triple on the 29th. His final tally was a balloon and three enemy fighter planes destroyed and five enemy planes driven down out of control. He survived a crash landing on 9 April that burnt out his plane.
Flight Lieut. Ernest William Norton, R.N.A.S.
In recognition of his skill and gallantry in destroying a German kite balloon on the 20th October, 1916, under severe anti-aircraft fire.
Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the third level military decoration awarded to officers, and other ranks, of the British Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.The DSC, which may be awarded posthumously, is...
(14 May 1893 - 23 May 1966) began his military career as a World War I 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...
credited with nine aerial victories.
On 20 October 1916, while still a 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"...
, Norton won a Distinguished Service Cross for destroying an enemy kite balloon on observation duty. Norton flew for 1 Wing and used a Nieuport armed with Le Prieur rocket
Le Prieur rocket
Le Prieur rockets were a type of incendiary air-to-air rockets used in World War I against observation balloons and airships. They were invented by the French Lieutenant Yves Le Prieur and were first used in the Battle of Verdun on 1916...
s. He later switched to 6 Naval Squadron as a Flight Commander. On 8 February 1917, he drove down an enemy reconnaissance plane out of control. The remainder of his victories, all against Albatros fighters, followed in April 1917; doubles on the 5th and 9th, a triple on the 29th. His final tally was a balloon and three enemy fighter planes destroyed and five enemy planes driven down out of control. He survived a crash landing on 9 April that burnt out his plane.
Honors and awards
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)Flight Lieut. Ernest William Norton, R.N.A.S.
In recognition of his skill and gallantry in destroying a German kite balloon on the 20th October, 1916, under severe anti-aircraft fire.