Frederick McCall
| Frederick McCall | |
|---|---|
Frederick Robert Gordon McCall
|
|
| Born |
4 December 1896 Vernon, British Columbia, Canada |
| Died | 22 January 1949 (aged 52) Calgary, Alberta |
| Allegiance | George V |
| Service/branch | Royal Flying Corps, Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit |
No. XIII Squadron RAF No. 41 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Military Cross & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Other work | Aviation pioneer |
Frederick Robert Gordon McCall DSO, MC & Bar, DFC (4 December 1896 – 22 January 1949) was a Canadian air ace during World War I, with 35 confirmed and two unconfirmed victories. After a career in civil aviation, he returned to service in World War II.
Born in Vernon, British Columbia, McCall came to Calgary with his family in 1906. In February 1916 McCall enlisted with the 175th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). Eight months later, he was in France with this battalion as a sergeant.
McCall received a commission as a lieutenant pilot trainee in March 1917, and in December was assigned to No. XIII Squadron RAF on the Western Front, flying the two seater Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 reconnaissance aircraft with F.C. Farrington.
McCall's first aerial victory occurred while flying the R.E.8, shooting down a German aircraft. McCall was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty", and two weeks later the accompanying Bar for downing an enemy scout aircraft while on a mission to take photographs.
After his third victory while flying the R.E.8, McCall was next transferred to No. 41 Squadron RAF and began flying the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after scoring four "kills" in May 1918. On 28 June 1918 McCall downed four enemy aircraft, including one shared with Eric John Stephens. On 30 June 1918 now Captain McCall downed five more Germans, four in the morning and the fifth that evening. For this McCall was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
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