Robert A. Birkbeck
Encyclopedia
Captain Robert Alexander Birkbeck, DFC, was a World War I flying ace
credited with 10 aerial victories.
certificate No. 3157 on 23 June 1916 to become a pilot. He was appointed a temporary probationary second lieutenant on 4 March 1917. He joined No. 1 Squadron RFC on 10 June 1917. He flew Nieuport
fighter No. B1582 to his first victory on 22 July 1917. He used the same plane for two more wins in August; he then switched to Nieuport No. B6753 for his next six triumphs, all scored in October 1917. He wrapped up his score with his tenth win in Nieuport No. B6826, making him a double ace. His final tally was three enemy airplanes destroyed, and seven driven down out of control; one of the out of control victories was shared with Captain William Victor Trevor Rooper
and two other pilots. Birkbeck left the front for England in February 1918. He had been promoted to captain by the time he departed combat duty. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross on 3 June 1918.
to Flight Lieutenant
on 12 May 1920. He ended his service on 12 May 1931 to become a shipbroker.
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 10 aerial victories.
World War I service
Birkbeck received Royal Aero ClubRoyal Aero Club
The Royal Aero Club is the national co-ordinating body for Air Sport in the United Kingdom.The Aero Club was founded in 1901 by Frank Hedges Butler, his daughter Vera and the Hon Charles Rolls , partly inspired by the Aero Club of France...
certificate No. 3157 on 23 June 1916 to become a pilot. He was appointed a temporary probationary second lieutenant on 4 March 1917. He joined No. 1 Squadron RFC on 10 June 1917. He flew Nieuport
Nieuport
Nieuport, later Nieuport-Delage, was a French aeroplane company that primarily built racing aircraft before World War I and fighter aircraft during World War I and between the wars.-Beginnings:...
fighter No. B1582 to his first victory on 22 July 1917. He used the same plane for two more wins in August; he then switched to Nieuport No. B6753 for his next six triumphs, all scored in October 1917. He wrapped up his score with his tenth win in Nieuport No. B6826, making him a double ace. His final tally was three enemy airplanes destroyed, and seven driven down out of control; one of the out of control victories was shared with Captain William Victor Trevor Rooper
William Victor Trevor Rooper
Captain William Victor Trevor Rooper was a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories. He became Xavier Dannhuber's seventh victim.Rooper joined 1 Squadron in the summer of 1917. He became a Flight Commander in mid-September.-Reference:...
and two other pilots. Birkbeck left the front for England in February 1918. He had been promoted to captain by the time he departed combat duty. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross on 3 June 1918.
Post World War I
Birkbeck remained in the service and was granted a short service commission when promoted from Flying OfficerFlying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
to Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
on 12 May 1920. He ended his service on 12 May 1931 to become a shipbroker.