Capt. Frederick
Warrington Gillet, RAF
Victories:
20
Squadrons:
79 Squadron
Born:
1895 Baltimore, Maryland
Died: 21 December 1969 Baltimore, Maryland
Awards:
British Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar, Croix
de Guerre [Belgium]
Notes
Born Francis
Warrington Gillet, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in
an attempt to become a pilot. When turned down for flight
training, Gillet obtained a hardship discharge and joined the
Royal Flying Corps in 1917 with the slightly altered name of Frederick.
This he is believed to have done to avoid forfeiting his American
citizenship. [See explanation.] He received his training in Canada and England and
was assigned to 79 Squadron in March 1918. Gillet achieved all of
his victories while flying the Sopwith Dolphin. He is the highest
scoring Sopwith Dolphin ace of the war. Commendably, in addition
to three kite balloons, fourteen of his victories were over the
formidable Fokker D.VII.
He shot down the last three in five minutes on 10 November 1918.
Distinguished
Flying Cross (DFC)
"When
attacking a kite balloon, a two-seater guarding it advanced to
engage him; Lt. Gillet shot the machine down and turning to the
balloon, which was being rapidly hauled down, he dropped two
bombs at the winch and fired a drum (of ammunition) into the
balloon, which deflated but did not catch fire. In addition to
this two-seater, this officer has accounted for two other
machines and a kite balloon." DFC citation, London Gazette,
2 November 1918
Distinguished
Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
"A pilot of
great dash and skill who, since 3 August has destroyed twelve
hostile aircraft. On 29 September, when on low line patrol, he
attacked three Fokkers, driving down one, which fell in
flames." DFC Bar citation, London Gazette, 8 November 1919
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