Albert Ball - British flying ACE of World War 1

Extract apperared in a supplement of the London Gazette of 27 July 1916

'For conspicuous skill and gallantry on many occasions, notably when, after failing to destroy an enemy kite balloon with bombs, he returned for a fresh supply, went back and brought it down in flames. He has done great execution among enemy aeroplanes. On one occasion he attacked six in one flight, forced down two and drove the others off. This occurred several miles over the enemy's lines.'

Extract appeared in a supplement of the London Gazette of 8 June 1917

'For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during which period Capt. Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Capt. Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Captain Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill.'

The posthumous presentation of the Victoria Cross to Albert's parents by King George V click here

Extract appeared in a supplement of the London Gazette

of 22 September 1916

'For conspicuous gallantry and skill. Observing seven enemy machines in formation, he immediately attacked one of them and shot it down at fifteen yards range. The remaining machines retired. Immediately afterwards, seeing five more machines, he attacked one at about ten yards range, and shot it down, flames coming out of the fuselage. He then attacked another of the machines which had been firing at him and shot it down into a village, where it landed on top a house. He then went to the nearest aerodrome for more ammunition, and returning, attacked three more machines, causing them to dive and get out of control. Being then short of petrol, he came home. His own machine was badly shot about in these fights.'

Extract appeared in a supplement of the London Gazette of 22 September 1916

'When on escort duty in a bombing raid, he saw four enemy machines in formation; he dived on to them and broke up their formation, and then shot down the nearest one, which fell on its nose. He came down to 500 feet to make certain it was wrecked. On another occasion, observing twelve enemy machines in formation, he dived in among them and fired a drum into the nearest machine, which went down out of control. Several more hostile machines then approached, and he fired three more drums at them, driving down another out of control. He then returned, crossing the lines at a low altitude, with his machine very much damaged.'

Extract appeared in a supplement of the London Gazette of 25 November 1916

'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He attacked three hostile machines and brought one down, displaying great courage. He brought down eight hostile machines in a short period and forced many others to land.'

Extract appeared in a supplement of the London Gazette of 16 February 1917

'Conferred by Field Marshall His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia. September 12th 1916. Order of St. George

(4th Class) 2nd Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Albert Ball, DSO, MC, Notts and Derbyshire Regiment and RFC.'

Extract is from the minutes of a Nottingham Council special meeting of 19 February 1917

'Flight Commander Captain Albert Ball, DSO, MC, being a person of distinction within the meaning of the Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act, 1885, be admitted an Honorary Freeman of the City of Nottingham, in recognition of the great services rendered by him as an Officer of the Royal Flying Corps in connection with the operations of the British Expeditionary Force in France, and as a mark of the appreciation of his fellow citizens for his bravery in the face of the enemy.'

Presentation photograph of the Honorary Freedom of the City of Nottingham click here

With the Honorary Freedom scroll at his old college click here

Click here for a special presentation from the people of Lenton in Nottinghamshire