George McElroy
Encyclopedia
Captain
George Edward Henry McElroy MC and Two Bars
, DFC and Bar
(b. 14 May 1893 — d. 31 July 1918) was a leading ace fighter pilot of the Royal Flying Corps
and Royal Air Force
during World War I
. He was credited with 47 aerial victories.
to Samuel and Ellen McElroy. He joined the Royal Irish Regiment
promptly at the start of World War I, in August, 1914, and was shipped out to France
two months later. For a time, he was a motorcycle courier. He was commissioned in May 1915 but was severely wounded by mustard gas while serving in France, and sent home to recuperate.
He was in Dublin in April 1916, when the Easter Uprising erupted. Because he was still in the military, he was drafted to help quell the insurrection. McElroy refused to fire upon his fellow Irishmen and was transferred to a southerly garrison away from home until that autumn.
. He originally flew a Nieuport 17
, but with no success in battle. By year's end McElroy was flying SE-5s
and claimed his first victory on December 28.
An extremely aggressive dog-fighter who ignored often overwhelming odds, McElroy's score soon grew rapidly. He shot down two German planes in January, and by the 18th of February had run his string up to 11.
At that point, he was transferred to command a flight
in No. 24 Squadron RAF. He continued to steadily accrue victories by ones and twos. By March 26, 1918, when he was awarded the Military Cross
, he was up to 18 "kills". He was injured in a landing accident on April 7; he brushed a treetop while landing. By then he had run his score to 27. While he was sidelined with his injury, on April 22, he was awarded a bar to his Military Cross.
Following convalescence
, McElroy returned to 40 Squadron in June, scoring three times, on the 26th, 28th, and 30th. The latter two triumphs were observation balloons. That ran his tally to 30.
In July, he added to his score almost daily, a third balloon busting on the 1st, followed by one of the most triumphant months in the history of fighter aviation, adding 17 victims during the month. His run of success was threatened on the 20th by a vibrating engine that entailed breaking off an attack on a German two seater and a rough emergency landing that left him with scratches and bruises. There was a farewell luncheon that day for his friend "Noisy" Lewis
; their mutual friend "Mick" Mannock pulled McElroy aside to warn him about the hazards of following a German victim down within range of ground fire.
On July 26, his mentor and friend, Edward "Mick" Mannock
, was killed by ground fire. Ironically, on that same day, "McIrish" McElroy received the second Bar to his Military Cross. He was one of only ten airmen to receive the second Bar.
. He was 25 years old.
McElroy would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross
posthumously on August 3, citing his shooting down 35 aeroplanes and three observation balloons. The Bar would arrive still later, on September 21, and would laud his low-level attacks. In summary, McElroy shot down four enemy planes in flames and destroyed 23 others, one of which he shared destroyed with other pilots. He drove down 16 enemy craft "out of control" and out of the fight; in one of those cases, it was a shared success. He also destroyed three balloons.
in northern France, as was Mick Mannock.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown a splendid offensive spirit in dealing with enemy aircraft. He has destroyed at least two enemy machines, and has always set a magnificent example of courage and initiative.
(M.C. gazetted 26 March 1918.)
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on an offensive patrol, observing a hostile scout diving on one of our aeroplanes, he opened fire, and sent down the enemy machine in an irregular spin out of control, when it finally crashed completely. Later in the same day, he sent down another enemy machine in flames. On another occasion, when on offensive patrol, he singled one out of four enemy machines, and sent it down crashing to earth. On the same day he attacked another enemy machine, and, after firing 200 rounds, it burst into flames. On a later occasion, he opened fire on an enemy scout at 400 yards range, and finally sent it down in a slow spin out of control. In addition, this officer has brought down two other enemy machines completely out of control, his skill and determination being most praiseworthy.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 April 1918 (30643/4822)
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While flying at a height of 2,000 feet, he observed a patrol of five enemy aircraft patrolling behind the lines. After climbing into the clouds, he dived to the attack, shot down and crashed one of them. Later, observing a two-seater, he engaged and shot it down out of control. On another occasion he shot down an enemy scout which was attacking our positions with machine-gun fire. He has carried out most enterprising work in attacking enemy troops and transport and in the course of a month has shot down six enemy aircraft, which were seen to crash, and five others out of control.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 July 1918 (30813/8753)
A brilliant fighting pilot who has destroyed thirty-five machines and three kite balloons to date. He has led many offensive patrols with marked success, never hesitating to engage the enemy regardless of their being, on many occasions, in superior numbers. Under his dashing and skilful leadership his flight has largely contributed to the excellent record obtained by the squadron.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/920)
In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has carried out numerous patrols, and flying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy casualties on massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams, etc., both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite balloons and forty-three machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness and dash have at all times set a fine example and inspired all who came in contact with him.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11248)
Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)
Captain is a junior officer rank of the British Army and Royal Marines. It ranks above Lieutenant and below Major and has a NATO ranking code of OF-2. The rank is equivalent to a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and to a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force...
George Edward Henry McElroy MC and Two Bars
Military 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....
, DFC and Bar
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
(b. 14 May 1893 — d. 31 July 1918) was a leading ace fighter pilot of 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...
and Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. He was credited with 47 aerial victories.
Life before aerial service
McElroy was born at Donnybrook, County Dublin, IrelandDonnybrook, Dublin
Donnybrook is a district of Dublin, Ireland. It is situated on the southside of the city, in the Dublin 4 postal district, and is home to the Irish state broadcaster RTÉ. It was once part of the Pembroke Township...
to Samuel and Ellen McElroy. He joined the Royal Irish Regiment
Royal Irish Regiment (1684-1922)
The Royal Irish Regiment, until 1881 the 18th Regiment of Foot, was an infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, first raised in 1684. Also known as the 18th Regiment of Foot and the 18th Regiment of Foot, it was one of eight Irish regiments raised largely in Ireland, its home depot in...
promptly at the start of World War I, in August, 1914, and was shipped out to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
two months later. For a time, he was a motorcycle courier. He was commissioned in May 1915 but was severely wounded by mustard gas while serving in France, and sent home to recuperate.
He was in Dublin in April 1916, when the Easter Uprising erupted. Because he was still in the military, he was drafted to help quell the insurrection. McElroy refused to fire upon his fellow Irishmen and was transferred to a southerly garrison away from home until that autumn.
Aerial service
He became intrigued by the air war. He transferred to the RFC in late 1916. He trained as a pilot at Upavon in February, 1917. From there, he joined 40 Squadron, where he benefitted from mentoring by Edward MannockEdward Mannock
Major Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock VC, DSO and Two Bars, MC & Bar was a British First World War flying ace. Mannock was probably born in Ireland, though of English and Scottish parentage....
. He originally flew a Nieuport 17
Nieuport 17
|-Specifications :-See also:-Bibliography:* Bruce, Jack. "Those Classic Nieuports". Air Enthusiast Quarterly. Number Two, 1976. Bromley, UK:Pilot Press. pp. 137–153....
, but with no success in battle. By year's end McElroy was flying SE-5s
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
The Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 was a British biplane fighter aircraft of the First World War. Although the first examples reached the Western Front before the Sopwith Camel and it had a much better overall performance, problems with its Hispano-Suiza engine, particularly the geared-output H-S...
and claimed his first victory on December 28.
An extremely aggressive dog-fighter who ignored often overwhelming odds, McElroy's score soon grew rapidly. He shot down two German planes in January, and by the 18th of February had run his string up to 11.
At that point, he was transferred to command a flight
Flight (military unit)
A flight is a military unit in an air force, naval air service, or army air corps. It usually comprises three to six aircraft, with their aircrews and ground staff; or, in the case of a non-flying ground flight, no aircraft and a roughly equivalent number of support personnel. In most usages,...
in No. 24 Squadron RAF. He continued to steadily accrue victories by ones and twos. By March 26, 1918, when he was awarded the Military Cross
Military 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....
, he was up to 18 "kills". He was injured in a landing accident on April 7; he brushed a treetop while landing. By then he had run his score to 27. While he was sidelined with his injury, on April 22, he was awarded a bar to his Military Cross.
Following convalescence
Convalescence
Convalescence is the gradual recovery and of health and strength after illness. It refers to the later stage of an infectious disease or illness when the patient recovers and returns to normal, but may continue to be a source of infection even if feeling better...
, McElroy returned to 40 Squadron in June, scoring three times, on the 26th, 28th, and 30th. The latter two triumphs were observation balloons. That ran his tally to 30.
In July, he added to his score almost daily, a third balloon busting on the 1st, followed by one of the most triumphant months in the history of fighter aviation, adding 17 victims during the month. His run of success was threatened on the 20th by a vibrating engine that entailed breaking off an attack on a German two seater and a rough emergency landing that left him with scratches and bruises. There was a farewell luncheon that day for his friend "Noisy" Lewis
Gwilym Hugh Lewis
Captain Gwilym Hugh Lewis was a British flying ace during World War I. He was credited with 12 confirmed aerial victories. He went on to a very successful career as an insurance broker. Lewis was the next to last surviving British ace from the war, as well as the longest lived, dying eight months...
; their mutual friend "Mick" Mannock pulled McElroy aside to warn him about the hazards of following a German victim down within range of ground fire.
On July 26, his mentor and friend, Edward "Mick" Mannock
Edward Mannock
Major Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock VC, DSO and Two Bars, MC & Bar was a British First World War flying ace. Mannock was probably born in Ireland, though of English and Scottish parentage....
, was killed by ground fire. Ironically, on that same day, "McIrish" McElroy received the second Bar to his Military Cross. He was one of only ten airmen to receive the second Bar.
Death in action
McElroy's continued apparent disregard for his own safety when flying and fighting could have only one end. On the 31st, he reported destroying a Hannover C for his 47th victory. He then set out again. He failed to return from this flight and was posted missing. Later it was learned that McElroy had been killed by ground fireAnti-aircraft warfare
NATO defines air defence as "all measures designed to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action." They include ground and air based weapon systems, associated sensor systems, command and control arrangements and passive measures. It may be to protect naval, ground and air forces...
. He was 25 years old.
McElroy would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
posthumously on August 3, citing his shooting down 35 aeroplanes and three observation balloons. The Bar would arrive still later, on September 21, and would laud his low-level attacks. In summary, McElroy shot down four enemy planes in flames and destroyed 23 others, one of which he shared destroyed with other pilots. He drove down 16 enemy craft "out of control" and out of the fight; in one of those cases, it was a shared success. He also destroyed three balloons.
Burial
McElroy was interred at the Laventie Military CemeteryLaventie
Laventie is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.-Geography:A small farming and light industrial town, situated some northeast of Béthune and west of Lille, at the junction of the D166, D173 and D174 roads. Famous for its...
in northern France, as was Mick Mannock.
Military Cross
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, R.G.A. and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has shown a splendid offensive spirit in dealing with enemy aircraft. He has destroyed at least two enemy machines, and has always set a magnificent example of courage and initiative.
(M.C. gazetted 26 March 1918.)
Military Cross First Bar
2nd Lt. George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When on an offensive patrol, observing a hostile scout diving on one of our aeroplanes, he opened fire, and sent down the enemy machine in an irregular spin out of control, when it finally crashed completely. Later in the same day, he sent down another enemy machine in flames. On another occasion, when on offensive patrol, he singled one out of four enemy machines, and sent it down crashing to earth. On the same day he attacked another enemy machine, and, after firing 200 rounds, it burst into flames. On a later occasion, he opened fire on an enemy scout at 400 yards range, and finally sent it down in a slow spin out of control. In addition, this officer has brought down two other enemy machines completely out of control, his skill and determination being most praiseworthy.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 April 1918 (30643/4822)
Military Cross Second Bar
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., R.G.A., and R.F.C.For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While flying at a height of 2,000 feet, he observed a patrol of five enemy aircraft patrolling behind the lines. After climbing into the clouds, he dived to the attack, shot down and crashed one of them. Later, observing a two-seater, he engaged and shot it down out of control. On another occasion he shot down an enemy scout which was attacking our positions with machine-gun fire. He has carried out most enterprising work in attacking enemy troops and transport and in the course of a month has shot down six enemy aircraft, which were seen to crash, and five others out of control.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 July 1918 (30813/8753)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Lt. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C.A brilliant fighting pilot who has destroyed thirty-five machines and three kite balloons to date. He has led many offensive patrols with marked success, never hesitating to engage the enemy regardless of their being, on many occasions, in superior numbers. Under his dashing and skilful leadership his flight has largely contributed to the excellent record obtained by the squadron.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/920)
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
Lieut. (T./Capt.) George Edward Henry McElroy, M.C., D.F.C. (Royal G. Artillery).In the recent battles on various army fronts this officer has carried out numerous patrols, and flying at low altitudes, has inflicted heavy casualties on massed enemy troops, transport, artillery teams, etc., both with machine-gun fire and bombs. He has destroyed three enemy kite balloons and forty-three machines, accounting for eight of the latter in eight consecutive days. His brilliant achievements, keenness and dash have at all times set a fine example and inspired all who came in contact with him.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 21 September 1918 (30913/11248)
External links
- McElroy biodata at firstworldwar.com Accessed September 13, 2008.
- Profile of "McIrish McElroy" Accessed September 13, 2008. Translated from French to English via babelfish.
Sources
- SE 5/5a Aces of World War I. Norman Franks. Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 184603180X, 9781846031809.
- British and Empire aces of World War I. Christopher Shores, Mark Rolfe. Osprey Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1841763772, 9781841763774.