18 Facts About Cedric Howell

In one particular sortie on 12 July 1918, Cedric Howell attacked, in conjunction with one other aircraft, a formation of between ten and fifteen German machines; he personally shot down five of these planes and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Cedric Howell had previously been awarded the Military Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross for his gallantry in operations over the front.

Cedric Howell was posted back to the United Kingdom in July 1918.

In 1919, Cedric Howell was killed while taking part in the England to Australia air race.

Cedric Ernest Howell was born in Adelaide, South Australia, on 17 June 1896 to Ernest Howell, an accountant, and his wife Ida Caroline.

Cedric Howell was educated at the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School from 1909, and was active in the school's Cadet unit.

On completing his secondary studies in 1913, Cedric Howell gained employment as a draughtsman.

On 11 November 1916, Cedric Howell was among a group of 200 Australian applicants selected for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps to undergo flight training.

Just prior to joining the unit, Cedric Howell had suffered a bout of malaria while still in England giving him a "tall, thin and dismal looking" appearance; he was consequently nicknamed "Spike".

On 1 April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service were combined to form the Royal Air Force, with personnel from the former services transferred to the new branch; Cedric Howell thus became a lieutenant in the new service from this date.

Cedric Howell was active in aerial engagements against Central aircraft during this period, achieving flying ace status early in the year.

The trio spotted a formation of six Austrian scout planes and went in to attack; Cedric Howell shot down two of the aircraft.

Cedric Howell was out on patrol on 15 June 1918 when German and Austrian forces initiated the Battle of the Piave River by striking Allied lines on the opposite bank.

Two days later, Cedric Howell was credited with bringing down another plane, forcing the machine to crash down in Allied-held territory.

Captain Cedric Howell is a very gallant and determined fighter, who takes no account of the enemy's superior numbers in his battles.

Cedric Howell was to be accompanied by Lieutenant George Henry Fraser, a qualified navigator and engineer who had served with the Australian Flying Corps during the war.

Cedric Howell was accorded a funeral with full military honours, which took place at Warringal Cemetery, Heidelberg on 22 April 1920, with several hundred mourners in attendance; his widow, parents and sister were chief among these.

On 12 February 1923, a stained-glass window dedicated to the memory of Cedric Howell was unveiled by General Sir Harry Chauvel at St Anselm's Church of England in Middle Park; Cedric Howell had been a member of the congregation there in his youth.