11 Facts About Eustace Loraine

Eustace Broke Loraine was a pioneer British aviator and the first Royal Flying Corps officer to be killed in an aircraft crash.

Eustace Loraine was the first child of Rear-Admiral Sir Lambton Loraine, 11th Baronet and his wife Frederica Mary Horatia.

Eustace Loraine was the great grandson of Rear Admiral Sir Philip Broke a distinguished naval officer.

Eustace Loraine was promoted to Lieutenant in May 1900 a month after his arrival in South Africa where he served until May 1902 when he returned to England.

Eustace Loraine served as adjutant, Grenadier Guards from July 1905 until September 1906.

In 1909 whilst Eustace Loraine was still in Nigeria, reports reached him of Louis Bleriot's flight across the English Channel.

The War Office was content to pay for Eustace Loraine's flying training and he was seconded from the Grenadier Guards in order that he might learn to fly.

Eustace Loraine successfully completed his flying training and was granted Royal Aero Club certificate number 154 which was dated 7 November 1911.

Eustace Loraine was in correspondence with Trenchard, who was serving in Ireland, and he kept Trenchard informed about his progress as an aviator.

On 13 May 1912, with the establishment of the Royal Flying Corps, No 2 Company was redesignated No 3 Squadron RFC and Eustace Loraine remained at Larkhill.

Wilson was killed outright and although Eustace Loraine was speedily transported to Bulford Hospital in a horse-drawn ambulance, he succumbed to his wounds only a few minutes after arriving at the hospital.