Henry Woollett
| Henry Winslow Woollett | |
|---|---|
| Born |
5 August 1895 Suffolk, England |
| Died | 31 October 1969 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1932 1941–1942 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | |
| Commands held | No. 23 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars |
World War I • Gallipoli Campaign • Western Front |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Military Cross & Bar Legion d'Honneur Croix de Guerre with Palm |
Henry Winslow Woollett DSO, MC & Bar (5 August 1895 – 31 October 1969) was a British World War I flying ace credited with thirty-five aerial victories, and who continued to serve in the Royal Air Force during the 1930s.
Henry W. Woollett grew up in Southwold, Suffolk, and was educated at Wellingborough School (1907–1913). A doctor's son, he was pursuing medical studies when World War I began. He immediately enlisted, and on 18 November 1914 was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant in the 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment on 10 December 1914. The following year he served in the Gallipoli Campaign, taking part in the landing at Suvla Bay in August 1915. In 1916, he requested and received a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps. He qualified as a pilot after only three and a half hours flight time, and was appointed a flying officer on 27 October 1916.
In November 1916, he was assigned to No. 24 Squadron RFC to fly the Airco DH.2. These early fighter aircraft had a rear "pusher" engine format and a forward firing machine gun with a clear field of fire making synchronisation unnecessary. It was flying one of these that Woollett claimed his first victory, on 5 April 1917, destroying an Albatros D.III. He was appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain on 13 July 1917.
No. 24 Squadron was then re-equipped with the Airco DH.5. The DH.5 was unusual in design with the top wing having a 'back stagger', behind the lower wing, to give the pilot good visibility, especially overhead. Given its lack of power (top speed was 102 miles per hour) and poor performance at higher altitudes, it was used more for ground attack than air combat. Nevertheless, it was while flying the DH.5 that Woollett destroyed three more German aircraft and drove another down 'out of control'. On 17 August 1917, he became an ace. He was posted back to England as a flight instructor at Eastbourne in August 1917. On 9 January 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross; a Bar in lieu of a second award would follow on 22 June.
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