| Philip Fletcher Fullard | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 27, 1897 Wimbledon, Surrey, England |
| Died | 24 April 1984 (aged 86) Broadstairs, Kent, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Fusiliers, Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1946 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
| Unit | 1 Squadron |
| Commands held | 2 Squadron, No. 14 Group RAF, No. 246 Group RAF |
| Battles/wars | First World War, Second World War |
| Awards | Order of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross with Bar, Air Force Cross |
Air Commodore Philip Fletcher Fullard CBE, DSO, MC and Bar, AFC (27 May 1897 – 24 April 1984) was an English First World War flying ace, and was one of the most successful fighter pilots of the Royal Flying Corps. He was the top scoring UK ace to fly Nieuports, scoring 40 victories, and had a reputation as a superb combat leader.
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Born on 27 May 1897 in Wimbledon, Surrey and educated at King Edward VI school, Norwich, Fullard was a gifted sportsman at school, captaining the school hockey and football teams. He subsequently became a reserve team player (playing Centre Half) at Norwich City Football Club.
Fullard joined the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps in 1915. Fullard enlisted as an Army officer in the British Army in 1915, initially with the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Learning to fly at his own expense, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps later that year. After training at the School of Aeronautics in Oxford and at Netheravon and Upavon, Fullard received his pilot's certificate in December 1916. Fullard soloed after only three hours flying time. On account of his exceptional flying ability, Fullard was initially retained as an instructor but eventually joined No. 1 Squadron, RFC, in May 1917.[1]
Flying various models of Nieuport Scoutss throughout his combat career, Fullard scored steadily over the next six months. He opened his victory log with two victories in May, followed by five in June, eight in July, and twelve in August.[2] In September, Fullard damaged blood vessels in an eye while flying, resulting in temporary blindness that grounded him for much of the month.[1] He recovered, to score eleven wins in October, and two in November.[2]
Two days after his 40th victory he suffered a compound fracture of the leg in an soccer match between his squadron and an infantry battalion. He did not return to duty until near the end of the war. Besides his three gallantry awards, he had two further recommendations. One of these was for the Victoria Cross[3]
Fullard remained in the Royal Air Force to command the only squadron attached to the Army of Occupation in Germany.
He later commanded No. 2 Squadron RAF, in 1933, and No. 5 Squadron RAF beginning in July 1935.
At the outbreak of Second World War, Fullard was given command of No. 14 (Fighter) Group. His later military service during the war included a period as Duty Air Commodore at HQ Fighter Command and Air Officer Commanding, No. 246 Group.[1]
He eventually retired on 20 November 1946 at the age of 49. At the age of 81, he was recorded for the Liddle Collection.[4] He died, aged 86, in a hospital at Broadstairs in Kent, England.[2]
Fullard's 40 victories consisted of one shared aircraft captured, 15 aircraft destroyed and 22 'out of control', including two shared. He held the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross and bar, Air Force Cross, and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
His determination and fine offensive spirit have in almost every instance resulted in disaster to the enemy."[6]
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As a patrol leader and scout pilot he is without equal. The moral effect of his presence in a patrol is most marked. He has now accounted for fourteen machines destroyed and eighteen driven down out of control in a little over four months."[7]