John Theobald Milne
Encyclopedia
Captain John Theobald Milne MC
(20 August 1895 – 24 October 1917) was an English
fighter pilot
and flying ace
in the Royal Flying Corps
during the First World War. He was credited (with his gunners) with nine aerial victories ( 4 destroyed and 5 'out of control').
Milne was born in 1895 in Kensington, London, the son of John and Isabel Milne.
By 1917 he was a fighter pilot with 48 Squadron
flying the Bristol Fighter
, between 6 July 1917 and 28 September 1917 he shot down nine German aircraft. On the 24 October 1917 Milne and his observer, Lt. J. Wright, were shot down near Merken by Fritz Kieckhafer of Jasta 29.
Milne is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial for airmen lost on the Western Front with no known grave.
- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst leading offensive patrols. He has shown great determination and courage in attacking hostile formations, although in superior numbers, at close range. He has also done long and arduous reconnaissances and secured good photographs under very adverse conditions and heavy fire, displaying throughout an admirable spirit of fearlessness and energy.
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....
(20 August 1895 – 24 October 1917) was an English
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
fighter pilot
Fighter pilot
A fighter pilot is a military aviator trained in air-to-air combat while piloting a fighter aircraft . Fighter pilots undergo specialized training in aerial warfare and dogfighting...
and 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...
in 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...
during the First World War. He was credited (with his gunners) with nine aerial victories ( 4 destroyed and 5 'out of control').
Milne was born in 1895 in Kensington, London, the son of John and Isabel Milne.
By 1917 he was a fighter pilot with 48 Squadron
No. 48 Squadron RAF
No. 48 Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron that saw service in both World War I and World War II.-First World War:No. 48 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps was formed at Netheravon, Wiltshire, on 15 April 1916. The squadron was posted to France in March 1917 and became the first fighter...
flying the Bristol Fighter
Bristol F.2 Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...
, between 6 July 1917 and 28 September 1917 he shot down nine German aircraft. On the 24 October 1917 Milne and his observer, Lt. J. Wright, were shot down near Merken by Fritz Kieckhafer of Jasta 29.
Milne is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial for airmen lost on the Western Front with no known grave.
Honours and awards
17 September 1917 - T./Lt. (T./Capt.) John Theobald Milne, Gen. List, and RFC is awarded the Military CrossMilitary 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....
- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst leading offensive patrols. He has shown great determination and courage in attacking hostile formations, although in superior numbers, at close range. He has also done long and arduous reconnaissances and secured good photographs under very adverse conditions and heavy fire, displaying throughout an admirable spirit of fearlessness and energy.