Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne was a pioneering Irish World War I flying ace
credited with ten aerial victories.
Langan-Bryne began his victories on 31 August 1916, when he used Airco DH.2
No. 6011 to force an enemy plane to land. Three days later, he drove a German fighter plane down out of control for his second win. On 15 September, he switched to DH.2 No. 7911 and shot down another German fighter, in flames. The next day, Langan-Bryne destroyed a Fokker D.II. Then, between 21 September and 1030 hours 16 October 1916, he ran off a string of half a dozen "forced to land" victories". He was appointed Flight Commander just prior to that last win. At 1700 hours 16 October, he was airborne for his second sortie of the day. He led B Flight right for Oswald Boelcke
, who promptly killed him for his 34th victory. Langan-Bryne's grave site is unknown, though it is known he was buried. His Officer Commanding, Major Lanoe Hawker
, lament
ed, "He was such a nice lad, as well as the best officer I have ever met."
2nd Lt. Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne, R.A. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry. He has shown great pluck in attacking hostile machines, often against large odds. He has accounted for several. On one occasion, with two other machines, he attacked seventeen enemy machines, shot down one in flames and forced another to land.
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 ten aerial victories.
Langan-Bryne began his victories on 31 August 1916, when he used Airco DH.2
Airco DH.2
|-DH.2 aces:Distinguished pilots of the DH.2 included Victoria Cross winner Lanoe Hawker , who was the first commander of No 24 Squadron and ace Alan Wilkinson. The commander of No. 32 Squadron, Lionel Rees won the Victoria Cross flying the D.H.2 for single handedly attacking a formation of 10...
No. 6011 to force an enemy plane to land. Three days later, he drove a German fighter plane down out of control for his second win. On 15 September, he switched to DH.2 No. 7911 and shot down another German fighter, in flames. The next day, Langan-Bryne destroyed a Fokker D.II. Then, between 21 September and 1030 hours 16 October 1916, he ran off a string of half a dozen "forced to land" victories". He was appointed Flight Commander just prior to that last win. At 1700 hours 16 October, he was airborne for his second sortie of the day. He led B Flight right for Oswald Boelcke
Oswald Boelcke
Oswald Boelcke was a German flying ace of the First World War and one of the most influential patrol leaders and tacticians of the early years of air combat. Boelcke is considered the father of the German fighter air force, as well as the "Father of Air Fighting Tactics"; he was the first to...
, who promptly killed him for his 34th victory. Langan-Bryne's grave site is unknown, though it is known he was buried. His Officer Commanding, Major Lanoe Hawker
Lanoe Hawker
Lanoe George Hawker VC, DSO was a British flying ace, with seven credited victories, during the First World War. He was the first British flying ace, and the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded...
, lament
Lament
A lament or lamentation is a song, poem, or piece of music expressing grief, regret, or mourning.-History:Many of the oldest and most lasting poems in human history have been laments. Laments are present in both the Iliad and the Odyssey, and laments continued to be sung in elegiacs accompanied by...
ed, "He was such a nice lad, as well as the best officer I have ever met."
Honors and awards
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)2nd Lt. Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne, R.A. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry. He has shown great pluck in attacking hostile machines, often against large odds. He has accounted for several. On one occasion, with two other machines, he attacked seventeen enemy machines, shot down one in flames and forced another to land.