Albert Earl Godfrey
| Albert Earl Godfrey | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Steve |
| Born | 27 July 1890 Killarney, Manitoba |
| Died | 1 January 1982 (aged 91) Kingston, Ontario |
| Allegiance | George V |
| Service/branch | Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Rank | Air Vice-Marshal |
| Unit | No. 10 Squadron RFC, No. 25 Squadron RFC, No. 40 Squadron RFC, No. 44 (Home Defence) Squadron RFC, No. 78 (Home Defence) Squadron RFC, Canadian Training Brigade |
| Awards | Military Cross, Air Force Cross |
Air Vice-Marshal Albert Earl Godfrey MC (27 July 1890 –1 January 1982) was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 14 victories while flying for the Royal Flying Corps. He spent the remainder of his career in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
"Steve" Godfrey was the son of Nellie and Christopher Godfrey. He was building his own airplane when World War I began. He jumped at the chance to volunteer for the Royal Flying Corps. He was told he would be accepted if he could pay for his own flight training. As he was unable to do this, he enlisted, originally in the 11th Mounted Rifles CEF in January 1915, then in the 1st Pioneer Battalion CEF of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He arrived in England in November 1915. While there, he tried to take flying lessons, but his commanding officer would not allow him the time off from his duties. He shipped off to France, and served in the trenches until mid-1916. He finally arranged a transfer to the RFC as an aerial observer.
Godfrey served as an observer/gunner in both 10 and 25 Squadrons, and tallied his first win by driving a Roland fighter down out of control on 16 October 1916. He then finally got his chance at pilot's training. Once he received his wings, he was assigned to 40 Squadron to fly a Nieuport. On 28 May 1917, he shared another "out of control" victory over an Albatros D.III while teaming with William Arthur Bond. Then, still using Nieuport 17 serial number B1684, between 1 June and 14 August 1917, he ran off a string of eleven wins—nine versus Albatros D.III fighters and two against two-seater reconnaissance machines. He then switched to Nieuport 24 serial number B3601 for his final win on 22 August 1917. A summary of his victories shows he destroyed four enemy planes and drove down ten out of control. This sufficed for a MC.
He was then withdrawn to Home Establishment to serve in 44 and 78 Squadrons until April 1918. He then returned home to serve with the Canadian Training Brigade, which he did through war's end.
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