Spotlight

  • Bring your history to life
    Browsing our archives
  • Dedicate a Poppy
    Pay tribute to a fallen airman
  • Need some help?
    Visit our frequently asked questions section
  • Daily Roll of Honour
    Remember fallen heroes from 100 years ago
 

 
 

Lanoe George Hawker

 
(30th December 1890 -23th November 1916)

 
Lanoe George Hawker was a British flying ace, with seven credited victories, during the First World War. He was the first British flying ace, and the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was killed in a dog fight with the legendary German ace Manfred von Richthofen ('The Red Baron').