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List of World War II aces from the United Kingdom facts for kids

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This is a list of fighter aces in World War II from the United Kingdom and the British Empire (Country names as per name at the time of World War II). For other countries see List of World War II aces by country.

For "turret fighters" such as the Boulton Paul Defiant, the pilot put the aircraft into position with the enemy and it was the gunner who controlled the armament, air victories are credited to both.

List

Abbreviations

  • "KIA": Killed in action (dates are included where possible).
  • "KIFA": Killed in Flying Accident.
  • "MIA": Missing in action.
  • "WIA": Wounded in action leading to death which, in some cases, may have occurred months later.
  • "POW": taken Prisoner of war.
  • "RTC": Road traffic collision.
  • "FAA"denotes that the person served with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, rather than with the Royal Air Force.
  • N/RO; Navigator/Radio operator

Awards

Awards
Award Title Notes
AE Air Efficiency Award Awarded for ten years' efficient service in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force
AFC Air Force Cross At this time, awarded "for acts of courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy" to commissioned officers and warrant officers. Extended to all ranks in 1993.
CdeG Croix de Guerre A military decoration of both France and Belgium, also commonly bestowed to foreign military forces allied to France and Belgium.
DFC Distinguished Flying Cross At this time, awarded "for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy" to commissioned officers and warrant officers. Extended to all ranks in 1993.
DFC* Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar A bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DFC who receive a second award.
DFC** Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bars A second bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DFC and Bar who receive a third award.
DFM Distinguished Flying Medal At this time, awarded "for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy" to non-commissioned officers and men. Discontinued in 1993.
DSO Distinguished Service Order Awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.
DSO* Distinguished Service Order and Bar A bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DSO who receive a second award.
DSO** Distinguished Service Order and two Bars A second bar is added to the ribbon for holders of the DSO and Bar who receive a third award.
MC Military Cross At this time, awarded for "distinguished and meritorious services" to officers of the rank of Captain or below, and warrant officers. Extended to all ranks in 1993.
MiD Mentioned in despatches Awarded for gallantry or otherwise commendable service.
VC Victoria Cross Highest British military decoration, awarded for valour in the face of the enemy.
VM Virtuti Militari Highest Polish military award for courage in the face of the enemy

See also

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List of World War II aces from the United Kingdom Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.