18 Facts About Keith Caldwell

Keith Caldwell's parents moved the family to Auckland when Caldwell was a child and he was educated at King's College and Wanganui Collegiate School.

Keith Caldwell referred to aircraft as "grids", or bicycles, a habit which earned him his nickname.

Keith Caldwell carried with him a letter from the Walsh brothers attesting to his flying competency.

Keith Caldwell was commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps.

Keith Caldwell flew extensively throughout the next four months and had at least seven encounters with German aircraft during this time.

Towards the end of 1916, Keith Caldwell was transferred to No 60 Squadron, which flew Nieuport 17 fighters.

Keith Caldwell has personally destroyed five hostile machines, and has had over fifty contests in the air, in all of which he has displayed splendid skill and fearlessness, and has set an excellent example to his squadron.

In October 1917 Keith Caldwell was posted back to England as an instructor.

Keith Caldwell fought inconclusive dogfights with German flying aces Werner Voss and Hermann Becker.

One of the squadron's flight commanders was flying ace Mick Mannock, and Keith Caldwell thought highly of his tactical skills when engaging opposing aircraft.

Keith Caldwell dived half a dozen times at the machine, spraying bullets at the pilot and observer, who were still showing signs of life.

Keith Caldwell was awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross and, in addition to his Military Cross, was twice mentioned in despatches and received the Croix de Guerre from Belgium.

Keith Caldwell maintained his interest in aviation, being a founding member and first club captain of the Auckland Aero Club.

In 1924, when the part-time New Zealand Air Force was formed alongside the New Zealand Permanent Air Force, Keith Caldwell was the senior officer of the original 72 personnel, all of whom were ex-RAF pilots.

The part-time force evolved into the Territorial Air Force in 1930, and Keith Caldwell, now holding the rank of wing commander, was its leader.

Keith Caldwell's command consisted of four squadrons; two for army co-operation duties and two bomber units.

Keith Caldwell was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1945 New Year Honours.

Keith Caldwell retired from the RNZAF in 1946 and resumed farming in South Auckland at Glen Murray.