Leslie Powell

Leslie Archibald Powell
Born 27 June 1896
Redland, Bristol, England
Died 1960
Allegiance England
Service/branch Aviation
Rank Lieutenant
Unit No. 11 Squadron RFC
Awards Military Cross with Bar

Lieutenant Leslie Archibald Powell (27 June 1896 – 1960) was a World War I flying ace credited with 19 aerial victories.[1]

Powell was a journalist before the war, working for the Western Daily Press. He flew as an observer/gunner on Bristol F2B Fighters.[2] All but one of his victories came while he was teamed with Andrew McKeever. The two of them were a formidable team that scored multiple daily victories more often than not. Powell's victory roll began with triple victories on both 7 July 1917 and 5 August. He would score another triple triumph on 31 October, and double victories on 23 September and 16 October 1917. He closed out his list with four victories[1] scored in a running dogfight between his plane and seven German fighters.[2] Powell's Lewis machine gun jammed while they were being attacked by another German fighter. McKeever rolled the Bristol into what seemed a death dive, and the German sheered off. McKeever recovered at 20 feet altitude before managing to escape the surviving Germans.

On 25 January 1918, Powell and McKeever were withdrawn from combat duty and assigned to Home Establishment back in Britain.[3]

Honors and awards

Text of citation for Military Cross

T./2nd Lt. Leslie Archibald Powell, Glouc. R. and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions in attacking enemy aircraft in superior numbers at close range, destroying some and driving down others out of control. He has also done excellent work on photographic reconnaissances, and has, in every instance, displayed the greatest gallantry and splendid offensive spirit. Supplement to the London Gazette, 9 January 1918 (30466/636)

Text of citation for Bar to Military Cross

T./2nd Lt. Leslie Archibald Powell, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Since his name was last brought to notice he has destroyed eight hostile machines. On one occasion, with his pilot, he engaged eleven, enemy aeroplanes, his pilot bringing down one. On another six Albatross scouts and two two-seaters were encountered, two being brought down and three others engaged with indecisive results. Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 April 1918 (30645/4858)

Sources of information

  1. ^ a b http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/powell2.php Retrieved on 21 December 2009.
  2. ^ a b http://books.google.com/books?id=W-XJIX5EnngC&pg=PA18&dq=bristol+aces&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&as_brr=0&cd=1#v=onepage&q=powell&f=false Retrieved on 21 December 2009.
  3. ^ http://www.roberttaylorprints.com/directory/robert_taylor_-_the_biff_boys.htm Retrieved on 21 December 2009.

Reference