Andrew Edward McKeever

Andrew Edward McKeever DSO, MC & Bar, DFC (21 August 1894 – 25 December 1919) was a Canadian World War I two-seater flying ace who, in conjunction with his gunners, was credited with 31 victories.

Among McKeever's tasks were photographic reconnaissance, with his observer wielding a hand-held camera and taking the photos.

McKeever would repeat this feat of triple victories on three more occasions, on 5 August, 23 September, and 31 October 1917.

On 3 October, when his score reached 20, Lieutenant McKeever was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross he had gained a month prior.

On 30 November 1917, while flying Brisfit A7288, he ended his career by attacking two German two-seaters protected by a flight of seven Albatros D.Vs.

He leveled off at only 25 feet altitude and, hidden from enemy planes by a shield of fog, hightailed for home.

Major McKeever joined fellow aces William Bishop and Raymond Collishaw in establishing the Canadian Air Force.

[2] With war's end, McKeever accepted a job managing an airfield at Mineola, New York.

He attacked eight enemy aircraft single-handed at close range, and by his splendid dash and determination destroyed one and drove five down completely out of control.

He had previously shown exceptional fearlessness in attacking the enemy when in superior numbers, and in the space of three weeks he destroyed eight hostile machines, setting a very fine example to his squadron.

As he turned to get back to the lines five of the enemy dived on his tail and his observer engaged and destroyed two of them.

He continued the fight with the remainder until he was within twenty feet of the ground, when the enemy machines climbed and left him.

Major A.E. McKeever, Commanding Officer, No. 1 Squadron, C.A.F. with captured Fokker D. VII aircraft of the German Air Force, Upper Heyford, Oxon., 1919