Philip F. Fullard

Air Commodore Philip Fletcher Fullard, CBE, DSO, MC & Bar, AFC (27 May 1897 – 24 April 1984) was an English First World War flying ace, one of the most successful fighter pilots of the Royal Flying Corps, with a reputation as a superb combat leader.

[4] Flying various models of Nieuport Scout throughout his combat career, Fullard scored steadily over the next six months.

[7] He damaged the blood vessels in one eye while flying in September, resulting in temporary blindness that grounded him for much of the month.

[9][10] Fullard recovered to score eleven more victories in October, and two in November,[4] including the 8-victory ace Leutnant Hans Hoyer.

[11] Two days after his 40th victory he suffered a compound fracture of the leg during a soccer match between his squadron and an infantry battalion.

Also, during the three months Fullard served as commander, his flight of six pilots brought down more enemy aircraft than any other in France, without suffering a single casualty.

On 3 June 1919 Fullard was awarded the Air Force Cross,[14] and on 1 August he was granted a permanent commission in the RAF with the rank of captain.

[4] On 1 March 1929 Fullard was posted to the Headquarters of RAF Iraq Command,[21] to serve on the Operations and Training Staff,[4] and on 13 October he was promoted to squadron leader.

5 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Risalpur,[29] to take part in the 2nd Mohmand campaign against rebellious tribes in the North-West Frontier Province.

[30] On 8 May Fullard received a mention in despatches in recognition of his "gallant and distinguished service rendered in connection with the Mohmand operations on the North West Frontier, India, during the period August 15–16 and October 15–16, 1935".

3 (Apprentices) Wing based at RAF Halton,[4] then on 20 July 1938 he was posted to the Headquarters of Maintenance Command in London to serve on the staff.

[4] On 1 January 1941 Fullard was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE),[35] and on 1 March was promoted to temporary air commodore.

[38] Fullard died in a hospital at Broadstairs, Kent, England, near where he lived on 24 April 1984, month before his 87th birthday.