Noel Webb (aviator)
Encyclopedia
Captain Noel William Ward Webb was an early World War I flying ace
credited with 14 aerial victories. He was the first pilot to use the Sopwith Camel
to claim an enemy plane. He also claimed the life of German ace Leutnant Otto Brauneck
for his ninth victory.
Private Noel William Webb (the form of name he used) was commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps
as a Second Lieutenant on March 1916. After completing pilot's training in June, he was assigned to 25 Squadron in France on 4 July. Piloting a Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b, he shot down one of the first fighters with a synchronized gun
when he destroyed a Fokker Eindekker on 19 July 1916. During the next two months, he became one of the few FE.2 aces, winning four more times, with his fifth win on 15 September being another destruction of an Eindekker. Leslie Court
was one of his observer gunners during these missions. His performance in an FE.2B was worth a Military Cross for Webb, accompanied by a promotion to Captain and withdrawal to Home Establishment to serve as an instructor.
Webb was then reassigned to 70 Squadron as a Sopwith Camel
pilot on 21 June 1917 for his return to combat. While test flying a new Camel on 12 July, he became the first pilot to score a victory in type by wounding the crew of a German two-seater and forcing it down onto a British airfield into captivity. On 17 July, he sent down two Albatros D.V
s out of control in separate actions; in one of these dogfights, he wounded German ace Leutnant Karl Meyer
. On 26 July, he killed Leutnant Otto Brauneck
while destroying his Albatros D.V. Webb scored twice more on the 28th, and wrapped up his victory list with a triple win on 13 August 1917. Three days later, near Polygon Wood, he dove off away from his patrol after two German aircraft. He fell under the guns of Werner Voss
.
Text to award for the Military Cross (MC) Bar (in lieu of a second award)
T./Capt. Noel William Webb, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial combats. He has destroyed three hostile machines and driven down four others completely out of control. By his spirit and gallantry he has set a fine example which has inspired the pilots of his flight to successfully attack enemy formations many times more numerous than their own.
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 14 aerial victories. He was the first pilot to use the 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...
to claim an enemy plane. He also claimed the life of German ace Leutnant Otto Brauneck
Otto Brauneck
Otto Brauneck was a World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories.Brauneck joined the air service and was posted to FFA 69 in Macedonia. He scored first in September 1916. His second victory, over an observation balloon on 14 December, earned him the First Class Iron Cross. After an...
for his ninth victory.
Private Noel William Webb (the form of name he used) was commissioned into 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...
as a Second Lieutenant on March 1916. After completing pilot's training in June, he was assigned to 25 Squadron in France on 4 July. Piloting a Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b, he shot down one of the first fighters with a synchronized gun
Interrupter gear
An interrupter gear is a device used on military aircraft and warships in order to allow them to target opponents without damaging themselves....
when he destroyed a Fokker Eindekker on 19 July 1916. During the next two months, he became one of the few FE.2 aces, winning four more times, with his fifth win on 15 September being another destruction of an Eindekker. Leslie Court
Leslie Court
Sergeant Leslie Simpson Court was a World World aerial observer who was credited with eight aerial victories while serving as an observer/gunner in the Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2bs of 25 Squadron....
was one of his observer gunners during these missions. His performance in an FE.2B was worth a Military Cross for Webb, accompanied by a promotion to Captain and withdrawal to Home Establishment to serve as an instructor.
Webb was then reassigned to 70 Squadron as 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...
pilot on 21 June 1917 for his return to combat. While test flying a new Camel on 12 July, he became the first pilot to score a victory in type by wounding the crew of a German two-seater and forcing it down onto a British airfield into captivity. On 17 July, he sent down two Albatros D.V
Albatros D.V
|-See also:-Bibliography:*Bennett, Leon. Gunning for the Red Baron. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press, 2006. ISBN 1-58544-507-X....
s out of control in separate actions; in one of these dogfights, he wounded German ace Leutnant Karl Meyer
Karl Meyer (aviator)
Oberflugmeister Karl Meyer was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.-Reference:...
. On 26 July, he killed Leutnant Otto Brauneck
Otto Brauneck
Otto Brauneck was a World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories.Brauneck joined the air service and was posted to FFA 69 in Macedonia. He scored first in September 1916. His second victory, over an observation balloon on 14 December, earned him the First Class Iron Cross. After an...
while destroying his Albatros D.V. Webb scored twice more on the 28th, and wrapped up his victory list with a triple win on 13 August 1917. Three days later, near Polygon Wood, he dove off away from his patrol after two German aircraft. He fell under the guns of Werner Voss
Werner Voss
Werner Voss was a World War I German flying ace, a friend and rival of the famous Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen....
.
Honors and awards
Captain Webb's Military Cross was gazetted 1 January 1917, without a copy of the award citation.Text to award for the Military Cross (MC) Bar (in lieu of a second award)
T./Capt. Noel William Webb, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial combats. He has destroyed three hostile machines and driven down four others completely out of control. By his spirit and gallantry he has set a fine example which has inspired the pilots of his flight to successfully attack enemy formations many times more numerous than their own.