Top 10 Flying Aces of World War One

Top 10 Flying Aces of World War One

The term "ace" (now commonly flying ace) was first used by French newspapers during World War I, describing Adolphe Pégoud as l'as (the ace), after he downed five German aircraft. At the beginning of World War I air combat had not been invented and aircraft were for reconnaissance only. When aircraft began to shoot or force down other aircraft, systems to count "air victories" were subsequently developed.

1. Manfred von Richthofen "The Red Baron" - Germany - 80 Victories

Richthofen is considered the "Ace of Aces". Originally a cavalryman, Richthofen transferred to the Air Service in 1915, becoming one of the first members of Jasta 2 in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and during 1917 became leader of Jasta 11 and then the larger unit Jagdgeschwader 1 (better known as the "Flying Circus"). By 1918 he was regarded as a national hero in Germany, and was very well known by the other side. Richthofen was shot down and killed near Amiens on 21 April 1918.

2. René Fonck - France - 75 Victories

Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces". He received confirmation for 75 victories out of 142 claims. Taking into account his probable claims, Fonck's final tally could conceivably be nearer 100 or above. Fonck declined an assignment in the air service when conscripted on 22 August 1914, instead choosing service in the trenches as a combat engineer. He eventually changed his mind and was trained at St. Cyr and then at Le Crotoy on a Blériot Penguin, a flightless aircraft that gave the sensation of flying while still on the ground. He completed his pilot training in May 1915. His first victory did not come until August 6th 1916.

3. Billy Bishop - Canada - 72 Victories

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Bishop left RMC and joined the Mississauga Horse cavalry regiment. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and, as there were no spots available for pilots in the flight school, he chose to be an observer. Bishop was adept at taking aerial photographs, and was soon in charge of training other observers with the camera. On 17 March 1917, Bishop arrived at 60 Squadron at Filescamp Farm near Arras, where he flew the Nieuport 17 fighter. Bishop started using a new method of surprise attacks, which proved successful; he claimed 12 aircraft in April alone. The successes of Bishop were noticed on the German side and they began referring to him as "Hell's Handmaiden". Bishop survived the war as commander of 85 Squadron. He was withdrawn from active duty in June 1918 for fear that he would be shot down.

4. Ernst Udet - Germany - 62 Victories

When the war started, Udet served as a motorcycle messenger with the Württemberg Reserve Division. He learned to fly by taking private lessons and in September 1915, he entered the German Air Force. Udet scored his first victory on 18 March 1916 in a lone attack against a formation of 23 French aircraft. Udet survived the war and traveled around the world performing in airshows.

5. Edward "Mick" Mannock - United Kingdom - 61 Victories

At the outbreak of the war, Mannock was working as a telephone engineer in Turkey. The Turks interned him and his health rapidly declined in prison. Near death, he was repatriated and, in 1915, joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. By 1916, he had become an officer in the Royal Engineers and in August 1916 transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Mannock tallied 73 reputed victories (61 confirmed), a remarkable feat since he was all but blind in his left eye. He was shot from the ground on 26 July 1918.

6. Raymond Collishaw - Canada - 60 Victories

In January 1916, with the outbreak of war, Collishaw joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) as a probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant. Collishaw commanded the famous 'Black Flight'. He was the first pilot to claim 6 victories in a single day. After the armistice Collishaw decided to remain with the air service, initially serving in the Russian Civil war during 1919. Collishew attained the rank of Air Vice-Marshal following distinguished service during WWII in the Western Desert.

7. James McCudden - United Kingdom - 57 Victories

McCudden was the most highly decorated British pilot of the First World War and one of the longest-serving, even though he died in a flying accident at the age of 23. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1913 as mechanic. McCudden trained as pilot and quickly showed his natural abilities at aerial warfare.

8. Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor - South Africa - 54 Victories

Beauchamp-Proctor served as a signaller with the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Rifles in German South-West Africa. He was discharged from the army in August 1915 to resumed his studies, after which - in March 1917 - he enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps. A small man at just 5' 2", he required his seat to be raised so he could reach the controls. All of his 54 victories were achieved during 1918. He became the British Empire's highest scoring 'balloon buster'.

9. Erich Loewenhardt - Germany - 54 Victories

Lowenhardt began his military service with a Germany Army infantry regimenta and negotiated a transfer to the German Air Service Lowenhardt amassed some 54 victories by the summer of 1918. On 10 August 1918 while flying with Jasta 10, he collided with Alfred Wenz and both men jumped from their planes. Wenz survived, but Lowenhardt died when his parachute failed to open.

10. Donald MacLaren - Canada - 54 Victories

MacLaren joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. MacLaren scored his final victory on 9 October 1918. His combat career came to an end the following day when he broke his leg while wrestling with a friend. MacLaren helped with the creation of the Royal Canadian Air Force after the armistice, and then started on a career in civil aviation.