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Who was James MacLachlan (1919-1943)?

Introduction James Archibald Findlay MacLachlan DSO, DFC & Two Bars (01 April 1919 to 31 July 1943) was a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War. MacLachlan was credited with 16 German and Italian aircraft shot down in approximately 250 missions – 7 were at night of which… Read More

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Who was Zakhar Sorokin (1917-1978)?

Introduction Zakhar Artyomovich Sorokin (Russian: Захар Артёмович Сорокин; 17 March [O.S. 04 March] 1917 to 19 March 1978) was a Soviet fighter pilot and flying ace who flew in combat with prosthetic feet from 1943 to 1945, having lost his feet to frostbite in 1941 after crashing in tundra in his MiG-3. He was awarded… Read More

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What is the Cost of Training RAF Pilots?

Introduction Below is an outline of the costs of training Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots in the UK Military Flying Training Service (UKMFTS). Outline The total cost of flying training for RAF pilots (which includes costs of the UKMFTS contract, and pay and support costs), prior to starting training on an operational aircraft, per trainee,… Read More

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Who was Lanoe Hawker

Lanoe George Hawker, VC, DSO (30 December 1890 to 23 November 1916) was a British flying ace of the First World War. Having seven credited victories, he was the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry awarded to British and Commonwealth servicemen. He was killed in a dogfight with the… Read More

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Who was Frank Luke Jr.?

Introduction Frank Luke Jr. (19 May 1897 to 29 September 1918) was an American fighter ace credited with 19 aerial victories, ranking him second among United States Army Air Service (USAAS) pilots after Captain Eddie Rickenbacker during World War I. Luke was the first airman to receive the Medal of Honour and the first USAAS… Read More