Michael Gonne
Encyclopedia
Captain Michael Edward Gonne was a World War I
flying ace
credited with five aerial victories.
He was living in Ringwood
, Hampshire when he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. In May 1917, when he had reached the rank of captain, he was sent to the Royal Flying Corps
. He was assigned to 54 Squadron, and flew Sopwith Pup
no. A6215 to victory on 25 September and 18 October 1917, destroying Albatros D.III
s on both occasions. He upgraded to a Sopwith Camel
for his last three wins in January 1918. His final tally was three enemy airplanes destroyed, two driven down out of control.
Gonne went missing on 8 August 1918; he was last seen near Brie at 1315 hours. Although the cause of his death is unknown, he is buried in Heath Cemetery in Harbonnières
, France.
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Michael Edward Gonne, R. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He is a daring and skilful leader of patrols, and has led his flight throughout a large amount of fighting, often against superior numbers, far over the enemy's lines. He has destroyed five enemy machines. Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 August 1918 (30845/9564)
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 with five aerial victories.
He was living in Ringwood
Ringwood
Ringwood is a historic market town and civil parish in Hampshire, England, located on the River Avon, close to the New Forest and north of Bournemouth. It has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, and has held a weekly market since the Middle Ages....
, Hampshire when he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers. In May 1917, when he had reached the rank of captain, he was sent to the 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...
. He was assigned to 54 Squadron, and flew Sopwith Pup
Sopwith Pup
The Sopwith Pup was a British single seater biplane fighter aircraft built by the Sopwith Aviation Company. It entered service with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service in the autumn of 1916. With pleasant flying characteristics and good maneuverability, the aircraft proved very...
no. A6215 to victory on 25 September and 18 October 1917, destroying Albatros D.III
Albatros D.III
The Albatros D.III was a biplane fighter aircraft used by the Imperial German Army Air Service and the Austro-Hungarian Air Service during World War I. The D.III was flown by many top German aces, including Manfred von Richthofen, Ernst Udet, Erich Löwenhardt, Kurt Wolff, and Karl Emil Schäfer...
s on both occasions. He upgraded to a Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter introduced on the Western Front in 1917. Manufactured by Sopwith Aviation Company, it had a short-coupled fuselage, heavy, powerful rotary engine, and concentrated fire from twin synchronized machine guns. Though difficult...
for his last three wins in January 1918. His final tally was three enemy airplanes destroyed, two driven down out of control.
Gonne went missing on 8 August 1918; he was last seen near Brie at 1315 hours. Although the cause of his death is unknown, he is buried in Heath Cemetery in Harbonnières
Harbonnières
Harbonnières is a commune in the Somme department in Picardie in northern France.-Geography:The commune is situated on the D337 road, some east of Amiens.-Population:-Places of interest:...
, France.
Honours and awards
Military Cross (MC)2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Michael Edward Gonne, R. Fus. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He is a daring and skilful leader of patrols, and has led his flight throughout a large amount of fighting, often against superior numbers, far over the enemy's lines. He has destroyed five enemy machines. Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 August 1918 (30845/9564)