Francis James Ralph

Second Lieutenant Francis James Ralph was a World War I ace credited with 13 confirmed aerial victories over German fighter aircraft while flying as an aerial observer.

Early life
Francis James Ralph was born in Cheltenham on 9 December 1892. After completion of his education, he worked as a draftsman for the Co-op Gas Company in Thurlaston, Leicestershire before his enlistment in 1915.

Military career
Ralph served as a gunner/observer in the rear seat of a Bristol F.2 Fighter in 20 Squadron. On an afternoon patrol on 9 May 1918, he set afire a German Fokker Dr.I triplane west of Lille for his first triumph. On the last day of May, he destroyed an Albatros D.V. He flew with pilot William McKenzie Thomson to destroy a Pfalz D.III on 9 June; they teamed again on 16 June to help Tom Cecil Noel and Dennis Latimer drive a Fokker D.VII down out of control. Ralph became an ace while flying with Paul Iaccaci; they drove down a Pfalz D.III out of control on 26 June.

Ralph then manned the rear cockpit for Horace Percy Lale. This crew would score eight victories together, including one shared with Harold Leslie Edwards and Arthur Ernest Newland. Its success ended with one final victory on 3 September 1918, followed by Ralph's death in action on 3 September 1918.

Francis James Ralph is credited with the destruction of eight enemy fighters, including two shared victories. He also drove down five enemy fighters out of control; one of these wins was also shared. He was awarded a posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross on 2 November 1918.

Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross

2nd Lt. Francis James Ralph.

A brave and skilful observer who has taken part in many combats with enemy aircraft, invariably displaying cool courage and presence of mind. On a recent occasion our patrol of eleven machines, after bombing a railway junction, was attacked by fifteen enemy scouts. One of these, which was engaged by this officer's pilot, crumpled and fell. The formation was then attacked by seven Fokkers from above, one of which was shot down by 2nd Lt. Ralph.