Image: 2106-21LastFlightof CaptainBall

Description: The Last Fight of Captain Ball, VC, DSO and 2 Bars, MC, 7th May 1917. Citation text: 'For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during which period Captain Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Captain Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Captain Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill.' London Gazette, 8 June 1917. He was also awarded the Legion d'Honneur (France) and Order of St George, 4th Class (Russia). He is buried in Annoeullin Communal Cemetery (Departement du Nord) France, Grave 643. Capt. Ball was formerly of Notts & Derby Regt 7 Bn (Robin Hood Bn, Sherwood Foresters). Son of Sir Albert Ball, JP, Nottingham.
Title: 2106-21LastFlightof CaptainBall
Credit: This is photograph Art.IWM ART 1488 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums.
Author: Arnold, Norman G
Permission: This work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain. This is because it is one of the following: It is a photograph taken prior to 1 June 1957; or It was published prior to 1971; or It is an artistic work other than a photograph or engraving (e.g. a painting) which was created prior to 1971. HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide (ref: HMSO Email Reply) More information. See also Copyright and Crown copyright artistic works.
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License: Public domain
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