July 25, 1915, over France

Captain, later Major, Lanoe George Hawker,
VC DSO, Royal Engineers and Royal Flying Corps
30 December 1890 – 23 November 1916

Following family tradition, Hawker sought a military career, joining the Royal Military Academy as a Gentleman Cadet in 1910 but an early attraction to aviation led him also to enrol in the Royal Aero Club and to begin flying lessons here at Hendon. Commissioned into the Royal Engineers, he was attached to the Royal Flying Corps (which at that time did not have direct entry – all pilots came from army regiments) and was awarded his ‘wings’ on 3 October 1914.

Bristol Scout 1611 flown during VC action; note angled machine port side of cockpit.
(© Crown Copyright, Ministry of Defence)

Hawker immediately joined 6 Squadron, flying to France on 6 October and entered combat, initially operating Royal Aircraft Factory FE 2c. In those early days, aircraft themselves were not armed so Hawker – and other pilots – would carry a sporting rifle in addition to their service revolver. However, in June 1915, Hawker was issued with a new Bristol Scout C serial 1609. Again, this had no fixed armament but Hawker had designed a cradle alongside the cockpit to support a machine gun, firing at an angle outside the propeller’s arc; this necessitated a crab-like approach to any target.

Combat report of Major Hawker’s VC flight (©RAF Museum AC72-20-15)

On 25 July 1915, Hawker was instructed to undertake an Offensive Patrol (hunting for German aircraft) in the Passchendaele sector, for which he flew Bristol Scout C serial 1611 (his regular 1609 was undergoing repairs following a landing accident).

Hawker’s Victoria Cross (©RAF Museum X002-8836_01)

The London Gazette 24 August 1915

‘His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the
undermentioned Officer: Captain Lanoe George Hawker, D.S.O., Royal Engineers and Royal Flying Corps.

Typical de Havilland DH2 as flown by Hawker on his last flight
(©RAF Museum X003-2602-4323)

For most conspicuous bravery and very great ability on 25th July, 1915. When flying alone he attacked three German aeroplanes in succession. The first managed eventually to escape, the second was driven to ground damaged, and the third, which he attacked at a height of about 10,000 feet, was driven to earth in our lines, the pilot and observer being killed. The personal bravery shown by this Officer was of the very highest order, as the enemy’s aircraft were armed with machine
guns, and all carried a passenger as well as the pilot’.

Combat report during which Hawker was killed. (©RAF Museum AC 1998-31-11)

Hawker continued combat operations and by February 1916, promoted to Major, he was commanding newly-formed 24 Squadron, flying obsolescent de Havilland DH 2 fighters, with a ‘pusher’ engine located behind the pilot to allow a forward-facing gun not impeded by the propeller arc.

On 23 November 1916, Hawker joined a squadron patrol, flying DH 2 serial 5964. During a dog-fight, Hawker was spotted by the German ace Manfred von Richtofen flying a vastly-superior Albatros DII. After more than 30 minutes combat, Hawker was brought down by a single bullet through his head.

Arras Flying Services Memorial together with detail.
(© The War Graves Photographic Project)

A much more comprehensive review of his life and the VC action may be found in ‘For Valour, the Air VCs’ by Chaz Bowyer (see Bibliography); a copy may be studied in the Reading Room at RAF Museum, Hendon.

Hawker’s Victoria Cross is held by RAF Museum, Hendon.
Memorial stained glass window, St Nicholas’ Church, Longparish, Hampshire,
birthpace of Major Lanoe Hawker VC DSO (©RAF Museum AC1998-31-11)

All RAF Transport Command VC-10 aircraft were named after RFC/RAF VC holders: this airframe is named for Major Hawker VC.

He was buried by German forces adjacent to his wrecked aircraft but his grave was lost in subsequent fighting and he is now officially listed as Missing. He is commemorated on Arras Flying Services Memorial.

Credits:

• Citation: London Gazette 24 August 1915
• Additional biographical details: ‘For Valour: The Air VCs’ Chaz Bowyer, Grub Street Publishing.