Howard, Richard Watson
Person: id 3227
LINKED MEDIA
University connections
USyd
Event flag
World War I
Family name
Howard
Given name(s)
Richard Watson
Initials
R.W.
Gender
Male
Early education
Tertiary education
Military service
Military awards
Survived
Died during WWI
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MC., Eng. II : Captain, A.F.C., and 4th Field Coy., Engineers, A.I.F., France. Enlisting 13th September, 1915, when 18, in Engineers and sailing 30th November, arrived in France in March, 1916, and served with coy. till 5th December, when selected for A.F.C. Posted to 68th Squadron as second lieutenant and pilot 7th April, and to 57th Squadron, 26th May, serving there till 2nd July, when returned to England. Recrossing to France in August, served at St. Quentin, Marcoing, Fontaine, Douai, Lens, Lille, Bullecourt and Cambrai till shot down, mortally wounded, near Epehy, 22nd March, 1918. Promoted lieutenant, 7th July, 1917; captain and temporary commander when 21, 22nd February, 1918. Awarded M.C.* for work during Cambrai attacks and Mentioned nine times in Official History of Australia in the War. He had a wonderful record as an Ace. Died of Wounds, near Epehy, 22nd March, 1918. Commemorated in Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Early education at Newcastle High School (Captain). * While separated from his patrol owing to a thick mist, he drove down an enemy aeroplane out of control. He then engaged a hostile two-seater which he forced to land in our lines. On another occasion though, attacked at a height of 400 feet by an enemy two-seater, he manoeuvred, shot the observer, and caused the hostile machine to land, apparently in difficulties, but intact. He has consistently done excellent work at very low altitudes.
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