| Frank Billinge | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Pongo |
| Born | 19 December 1894 Manchester, England |
| Died | 11 September 2001 |
| Allegiance | England |
| Service/branch | Flying service |
| Years of service | 1916 - 1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RFC, No. 32 Squadron RFC, No. 56 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Captain Frank Billinge (19 December 1894 – 11 September 2001) was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1]
Billinge was a founding member of No. 20 Squadron, flying as an observer/gunner in the rear seat of a FE.2b. He scored his first victory there, on 13 February 1916. He was transferred back to Home Establishment in England for pilot training on 31 August 1916. His first posting as a pilot was to No. 32 Squadron, on 24 November 1916, to fly a DH 2. For his next two kills, of two-seater observation planes, he set his opponents on fire, on 23 and 27 January 1917. He was promoted to Flight Commander on 12 March 1917, and served in that capacity until 1 June 1917. He was then withdrawn from combat until he was assigned to No. 56 Squadron on 16 February 1918. Once again a Flight Commander, flying an Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, he drove down another observation plane on 19 February, and an Albatros D.V on 22 March 1918.[2]
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Capt. Frank Billinge (Manch. R.).
A gallant officer who displays determination and judgment. When on a night reconnaissance his engine suddenly failed and he was compelled to head for home. At this moment he was attacked by an enemy aeroplane. Owing to engine trouble he was forced to avoid an engagement, and only escaped by the exercise of marked skill and resource. With great difficulty he managed to cross our trenches at a height of 200 feet, crashing into the reserve trenches behind. Although considerably shaken and bruised he and his observer proceeded to the nearest signal station and sent in their reconnaissance report.[3]
Above the Trenches: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, 9780948817199.