Walter Tyrrell

Walter Alexander Tyrrell
Born 23 August 1898
Belfast, Ireland
Died 9 June 1918
Beauvais Communal Cemetery Beauvais, France
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch Aviation
Rank Captain
Unit No. 32 Squadron RAF
Awards Military Cross

Captain Walter Alexander Tyrrell was a World War I flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories. He was the son of John Tyrrell, an alderman, merchant,[1] and justice of the peace.[2] His mother was Jeanie Todd Tyrrell. The family resided at Fairview Buildings, Crumlin Road, Belfast. Walter Tyrrell joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. He was posted to No. 32 Squadron RFC, to pilot Airco DH.5s. Using No. B4916, he scored five victories between 30 October and 5 December 1917. Tyrrell's squadron then re-equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5s and became No. 32 Squadron of the brand-new Royal Air Force, and he flew No. 8374 to twelve more victories. In the process, he scored triple victories on 7 April, 3 May, and 6 June 1918. He was killed in action by ground fire on 9 June 1918, aged 19,[3][4] just eleven days before his elder brother was also KIA.[5] The settlement of the two brothers' estates sparked a dispute in Parliament.[6]

Honors and awards

Military Cross (MC)

T./2nd Lt. Walter Alexander "Tyrrell, Gen. list, attd. R.A.F.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one day this officer attacked two enemy triplanes, destroying one and driving down the other out of control. After this he was attacked by two other machines, one of which he forced to land, taking the occupants prisoners. On various other occasions he has destroyed or driven down out of control enemy machines.[7]

Sources of information

  1. ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/ireland/tyrrell1.php Retrieved 6 January 1918.
  2. ↑ http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%200754.html Retrieved 6 January 1918.
  3. ↑ http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%200694.html Retrieved 6 January 1918.
  4. ↑ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/ireland/tyrrell1.php Retrieved 6 January 1918.
  5. ↑ http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%200754.html Retrieved 6 January 1918.
  6. ↑ http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1919/mar/12/officers-effects Retrieved 6 January 1918.
  7. ↑ Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918 (30901/11027)

References


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