Lanoe Hawker
Lanoe George Hawker | |
|---|---|
Lanoe Hawker c. 1915 | |
| Born | 30 December 1890 Longparish, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | 23 November 1916 (aged 25) near Bapaume, France during a dogfight with Manfred von Richthofen |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Service years | 1910–1916 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Royal Engineers Royal Flying Corps |
| Commands | No. 24 Squadron RFC |
| Conflicts | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Despatches |
Lanoe George Hawker, VC, DSO (30 December 1890 – 23 November 1916) was a British flying ace of the First World War. Having seven credited victories, he was the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry awarded to British and Commonwealth servicemen.
Hawker was an excellent tactician, who instituted many important changes in the Royal Flying Corps in 1915 and 1916. His brilliance was soon recognized and he was given command of the first British single-seat fighter outfit, 24 Squadron. An aerobatic flyer and leader, he was killed in a dogfight with the German pilot Manfred von Richthofen on November 23, 1916. The dogfight was one of the most celebrated air duels of the war, and made Richthofen a household name.