Nickname(s) "Bill" Rank Lieutenant colonel Died May 23, 1940 | Name William Green Allegiance United Kingdom | |
Born 20 October 1898
Ipswich, Suffolk, England ( 1898-10-20 ) Relations Cicely Clare Berry (spouse) Awards Distinguished Flying Cross Service/branch Royal Air Force, British Army Unit No. 57 Squadron RAF, Northamptonshire Regiment | ||
Lieutenant Colonel William Edward Green DFC TD (20 October 1898–23 May 1940) began his military career as a World War I flying ace. He was credited with nine aerial victories while flying the Airco DH.4, making him one of the few World War I aces who were bomber pilots.
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After World War I, he transferred from the Royal Air Force to the Territorial Army, serving until his death in action on 23 May 1940.
Early life
William Edward Green was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England on 20 October 1898 the son of Henry Douglas and Caroline Green. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in June 1917.
World War I
"Bill" Green was commissioned a second lieutenant in August 1917. He completed training and was posted to 57 Squadron on 29 September 1917. He scored his first aerial victory on 6 January 1918. On 2 July 1918, he was promoted to temporary captain (customarily accompanied by appointment as Flight Commander). On 29 August 1918, he scored his eighth win, only to be seriously shot about by a Fokker biplane; however, both he and his observer escaped unscathed. He scored his final win on 19 September 1918, having scored his nine victories incidental to his duties as an Airco DH.4 pilot. His Distinguished Flying Cross was gazetted after the armistice ended World War I, on 3 December 1918. The citation makes no mention of his acedom.
"A skilful, courageous pilot and a brilliant leader, conspicuous for his sound judgment. No difficulties daunt him, and he has never failed to carry out any task that he may have been set. He sets a splendid example to the whole squadron."
Post World War I
On 3 February 1920 Green went on the unemployed list and surrendered his commission in the Royal Air Force upon appointment into the British Territorial Force.
On 9 April 1921, he was promoted temporary captain in 5th (Huntingdonshire) Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. However, shortly thereafter, on 17 July 1921, he relinquished his commission, retaining rank as captain. He obviously returned to duty, as on 10 November 1928 he was promoted to major.
On 10 November 1934, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
On 24 June 1938 Green was still a lieutenant colonel in the 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment. On 10 November 1938 he was promoted to colonel of battalion.
Green died on 23 May 1940 in the days before the evacuation from Dunkirk, his battalion was withdrawing across Flanders in a fighting retreat following the German advances in the Low Countries. He is buried at White House Cemetery near Ypres in Belgium. His uniform, medals and sword are held by the Norris Museum in St. Ives.