Donald Cunnell
| Donald Charles Cunnell | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 1893 Norwich, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 12 July 1917 (aged 23–24) near Wervicq, Belgium |
| Buried at | Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension North, Bailleul, France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1915–1917 |
| Unit |
Hampshire Regiment No. 20 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
Donald Charles Cunnell (December 1893 – 12 July 1917) was a British First World War flying ace who was killed in action over Belgium. He is known for having shot down and wounded the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen.
Cunnell was born in December 1893 at Norwich, Norfolk, England, the son of Charles Donald Cunnell and educated at Gresham's School, Holt.
Cunnell was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Hampshire Regiment on 2 November 1915, and saw active service on the Western Front. On 24 November 1916 he was seconded for duty with the Royal Flying Corps, and appointed a temporary flying officer.
On 1 March 1917 he was promoted to lieutenant. On 14 May 1917 Cunnell was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain. Between 2 May and 11 July, Cunnell claimed nine victories (five claimed destroyed, four "out of control") flying a FE2d with No 20 Squadron.
On 6 July 1917, Cunnell, flying with Second Lieutenant Albert Edward Woodbridge was part of a patrol of six aircraft attacked by a flight of German Albatros D.Vs including one flown by Manfred von Richthofen. During the clash Richthofen was wounded in the head and forced to land near Wervicq. The victory was credited to the crew of Cunnell's A6412.
It is often falsely stated that this was the only time Richthofen was shot down in air-to-air combat, overlooking Edwin Benbow's victory over the Red Baron on 6 March 1917. However, this was the only time the Red Baron was wounded in action.
Woodbridge later described the action:
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