Donald Cunnell
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Donald Charles Cunnell (1893-1917) was a British World War I fighter ace who was killed in action over Belgium. Cunnell was born in December 1893 at Norwich, Norfolk, England, the son of Charles Donald Cunnell of Norwich and educated at Gresham's School, Holt.
[edit] Career
Cunnell was commissioned into the Hampshire Regiment in 1914, learnt to fly, and transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. He saw active service on the Western Front, including his service as a fighter pilot, from the early weeks of World War I until his death.
As a flight commander with No 20 Squadron in 1917, Cunnell scored nine victories flying Royal Aircraft Factory FE2ds.
On 6 July 1917, Cunnell, flying with Second Lieutenant Albert Edward Woodbridge in an FE2d of 20 Squadron was part of a six aircraft patrol when attacked by a flight of German Albatros DVs including one flown by Manfred von Richthofen. During the clash Richthofen was wounded in the head and forced to land near Wervicq. The victory was credited to the crew of Cunnell's A6412. This was the only time Manfred von Richthofen was shot down in air to air combat.
Cunnell was killed in action a few days later on 12 July 1917 near Wervicq, Belgium, when his observer successfully flew his fighter back to base. At the time of his death he held the rank of Captain, RFC.
He was buried at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension at Bailleul, France close to the Belgian border.
[edit] Air victories
- 2 May 1917 1115, flying a 20 Squadron FE2d serial number A6431, shot down an Albatros D.III (DESF) at Comines
- 26 May 1917 1035, flying FE2d serial number A6431, shot down an Albatros D.III (DES) at Comines-Quesnoy
- 31 May 1917 1920, flying FE2d serial number A6430, shot down an Albatros D.III (DES) at Comines
- 5 June 1917 0810, flying FE2d serial number A6414, shot down an Albatros D.V (DESF) at Coucou
- 6 Jul 1917 1030, flying FE2d serial number A6412, shot down an Albatros D.V (OOC) at Wervicq
- 6 Jul 1917 1030, flying FE2d serial number A6412, shot down an Albatros D.V (OOC) at Wervicq
- 6 Jul 1917 1030, flying FE2d serial number A6412, shot down an Albatros D.V (OOC) at Wervicq
- 6 Jul 1917 1030, flying FE2d serial number A6412, shot down an Albatros D.V (OOC) at Wervicq
- 11 Jul 1917 1400, flying FE2d serial number A6412, shot down an Albatros D.V (DESF) at Wervicq-Menin
