| Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1895 |
| Died | October 16, 1916 |
| Place of birth | Clogherhead, County Louth, Ireland |
| Arras Flying Services Memorial | Pas de Calais, France |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 24 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order |
Lieutenant Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne was a pioneering Irish World War I flying ace credited with ten aerial victories. [1]
Langan-Bryne began his victories on 31 August 1916, when he used Airco DH.2 No. 6011 to force an enemy plane to land. Three days later, he drove a German fighter plane down out of control for his second win. On 15 September, he switched to DH.2 No. 7911 and shot down another German fighter, in flames. The next day, Langan-Bryne destroyed a Fokker D.II. Then, between 21 September and 1030 hours 16 October 1916, he ran off a string of half a dozen "forced to land" victories". He was appointed Flight Commander just prior to that last win. At 1700 hours 16 October, he was airborne for his second sortie of the day. He led B Flight right for Oswald Boelcke, who promptly killed him for his 34th victory. Langan-Bryne's grave site is unknown, though it is known he was buried.[2][3] His Officer Commanding, Major Lanoe Hawker, lamented, "He was such a nice lad, as well as the best officer I have ever met."[4]
Honours and awards[]
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
2nd Lt. Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne, R.A. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous skill and gallantry. He has shown great pluck in attacking hostile machines, often against large odds. He has accounted for several. On one occasion, with two other machines, he attacked seventeen enemy machines, shot down one in flames and forced another to land.[5]
Sources of information[]
- ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/ireland/langan-byrne.php Retrieved on 27 May 2010.
- ↑ Pusher Aces of World War 1. pp. 40–44.
- ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/ireland/langan-byrne.php Retrieved on 27 May 2010.
- ↑ Pusher Aces of World War 1. p. 45.
- ↑ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 14 November 1916) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29824/supplements/11041 Retrieved on 27 May 2010.
References[]
Pusher Aces of World War 1. Jon Guttman, Harry Dempsey. Osprey Pub Co, 2009. ISBN 1-84603-417-5, ISBN 978-1-84603-417-6.
The original article can be found at Patrick Anthony Langan-Byrne and the edit history here.