Ernest Hardcastle

Lieutenant Ernest Hardcastle was a World War I flying ace observer/gunner credited with twelve aerial victories. He would return to his nation's service during World War II.

Early life and service
Hardcastle worked for the Bradford Chamber of Commerce until World War I began. He enlisted in the Yorkshire Regiment but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in August 1917. He was assigned to 20 Squadron as an observer/gunner on 18 April 1918.

World War I aerial service
Hardcastle's win streak started on 8 May 1918 and finished on 30 July 1918, with all but one victory being over an enemy fighter plane. His final claim tally was nine destroyed and three 'driven down out of control'. The pilots aiding him included fellow aces Lieutenants August Iaccaci and Victor Groom, as well as Captains Douglas Graham Cooke, and Horace Percy Lale.

On 20 December 1918 he relinquished his commission for reasons of ill health resulting from military service. Hardcastle was transferred to the unemployed list by the Royal Air Force on 13 February 1919.

World War II
On 30 September 1941 he was serving as a Probationary Pilot Officer and was confirmed in his appointment as a Flying Officer. On 1 January 1943, was promoted from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant. On 9 June 1945, he again relinquished his commission on account of medical unfitness.

Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lieut. Ernest Hardcastle.

This officer displayed great courage and skill on two occasions when he was observer in company with Lieut. Groom. While on patrol their formation of eight attacked twenty-five hostile scouts; he and Lieut. Groom accounted for two. On another occasion, when with the same officer, they were attacked by twelve scouts, two of these they shot down.