| Bernard Henri Barny de Romanet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 January 1894 Saint-Maurice-de-Satonnay, France |
| Died | 23 September 1921 |
| Allegiance | France |
| Service/branch | Cavalry; infantry; aviation |
| Years of service | 1913 - 1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Escadrille 51, Escadrille 37 |
| Commands held | Escadrille 167 |
| Awards | Legion d'Honneur, Medaille Militaire, Croix de Guerre |
Lieutenant Bernard Henri Barny de Romanet was a World War I flying ace credited with 18 aerial victories.
Barny de Romanet joined the French army in October 1913. When World War I began, he went into combat with both cavalry and infantry regiments. He transferred into the French air service in July 1915. Six months later, in January 1916, Barny de Romanet received his brevet (permit) as a pilot. His first assignment to Escadrille 51 was as a Caudron reconnaissance pilot. He trained as a fighter pilot in February 1917 and made the transition to flying single-seated Nieuport fighters for Escadrille 37. His first victory was scored on 3 May 1917. He waited almost a year before continuing, with his second triumph coming on 31 March 1918. He became an ace on 30 June 1918, and a double ace on 22 August.[1] That would be his last victory and last day with Escadrille 37. He was then charged with forming Escadrille 167, a Spad squadron, assumed its command, and scored eight more victories while leading it.[2]
Post war, de Romanet became a successful sporting pilot, breaking the World Air Speed record on two occasions in 1920.[3][4][5] Barny de Romanet died in a flying accident on 23 September 1921, while practicing for the 1921 Coupe Deutsch de la Meurthe race.[2][6]
Médaille Militaire citation, 23 May 1917
Elite pilot, as brilliant in pursuit aviation as he was in reconnaissance. Has had numerous combats giving proof under all circumstances of the highest military qualities. On 3 May 1917 he attacked, over their lines, two enemy scouts and downed one of them. Already cited three times in orders.[7]
Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation
Elite officer, who received notice in the cavalry at the beginning of the war by bold reconnaissances, then in observation aviation, and finally in pursuit aviation where his brilliant qualities as a pilot, his coolness, and his daring in combat are always cited as examples. He inspires his patrols to attack enemy planes very superior in number putting them to flight and flaming one of them. Also, recently he downed successively two German planes, reporting therewith his 16th and 17th victories. Médaille Militaire for feats of war. Six citations. Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation.[7]