Background
Charles Chaplin Banks was the son of Helen Agnes and Charles P. Banks. The latter owned and taught at the Arnold House Preparatory School in Llanddulas, Wales.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Charles Chaplin
Edit ProfileCareer
He scored a pioneering night fighter victory on 31 May 1918, when he shot down a German Friedrichshafen G bomber. Banks was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 5th (Flintshire) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, on 10 December 1914, having been a Cadet in the Oxford University Contingent, Senior Division, Officers" Training Corps. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in October 1916.
After pilot training, he was assigned to 44 Squadron.
On 28 January 1918, while flying his Sopwith Camel on Home Defence duties with 44 Squadron, he teamed with Captain George Hackwill in driving down and capturing a German Gotha G.V bomber, serial northern 936/16, raiding England.
The feat was worth a Military Cross. He was then sent to France to serve with 43 Squadron.
Between 6 April and 31 May 1918, he reeled off five more wins.
Foreign the last of these, he drove down and captured a Friedrichshafen G bomber at ten minutes before midnight for the first victory over this type. He would destroy three more enemy fighters by 29 August, bringing his total to nine. He then switched to the new Sopwith Snipe for his last three wins, ending his string on 30 October 1918.
His Distinguished Flying Cross was gazetted to him postwar.
Achievements
-
Military Cross (Military Cross) Lieutenant Charles Chaplin Banks, Royal Welsh Fusilers and Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Temporary Captain George Henry Hackwill, General List and Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Foreign conspicuous gallantry displayed when they engaged and shot down a Gotha raiding London. During the engagement, which lasted a considerable time, they were continually under fire from the enemy machine. Distinguished Flying Cross (Distinguished Flying Cross) Lieutenant (Acting-Captain) Charles Chaplin Banks, Medical Corps A brilliant and skilful airman who has been conspicuous for his success in aerial combats. On 30 October he, single handed, engaged five enemy aeroplanes and drove one down out of control. In the fight his aileron controls were shot away, but by skilful handling and with cool presence of mind he brought his machine back and made a successful landing. In addition to the above Captain Banks has accounted for nine other enemy machines.
Connections
-
Born
-
Died
December 21, 1971 (aged 78) -
Nationality
United Kingdom