Basil Blackett (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant Basil John Blackett was a World War I
flying ace
credited as an observer and rear gunner with five aerial victories while being piloted by fellow aces Albert Gregory Waller
and Conrad Lally
.
After service with the British Army Blackett joined the Australian defence forces. After service as a soldier he was trained as an observer and air gunner and was commissioned. After spending most of his time seconded to British Royal Flying Corps
and Royal Air Force
units. Due to the lack of opportunity to use his aircrew skills in an Australian unit he resigned his Australian commission in October 1918 on joining the Royal Air Force.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
flying ace
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited as an observer and rear gunner with five aerial victories while being piloted by fellow aces Albert Gregory Waller
Albert Gregory Waller
Captain Albert Gregory Waller MC was an Irish-born World War I flying ace credited with 11 confirmed victories. He would return to Britain's military service during World War II.- Personal life :...
and Conrad Lally
Conrad Lally
Captain Conrad Tolendal Lally was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. His valorous military service was matched by his devotion to serving his home town and community in-Early life:...
.
After service with the British Army Blackett joined the Australian defence forces. After service as a soldier he was trained as an observer and air gunner and was commissioned. After spending most of his time seconded to British Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
and Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
units. Due to the lack of opportunity to use his aircrew skills in an Australian unit he resigned his Australian commission in October 1918 on joining the Royal Air Force.