Frederick Powell

Who was Frederick Powell?

Major Frederick James Powell was a World War I flying ace credited with six confirmed and nine unconfirmed aerial victories.

Powell began his military career with the Manchester Regiment. After being granted Royal Aero Club Certificate No. 1130 on 2 March 1915, he was posted to 5 Squadron. He staked his first two claims for aerial victories on 19 September 1915 while flying a Vickers Gunbus, one claim being confirmed. After a string of four unconfirmed claims during October and November 1915, he scored number two exactly three months after the first win, on 19 December. He had one more unconfirmed claim while flying the FB.5, on the second day of the new year. He was awarded the Military Cross a week later.

As B Flight Commander, he then flew the first Royal Aircraft Factory FE.8 to go into action in France, No. 7457. He was rather proprietarian about it, supposedly refusing leave time to monopolize flying it on a daily basis. He scored his first win with the new plane on 17 January 1916; by 12 March, he had three unconfirmed wins, and three more triumphs credited to him, including one with Gilbert W. M. Green serving as his gunner/observer.

He was transferred into 40 Squadron as one of its founding flight commanders; the squadron, formed in February 1916 and sent to France in August of that year, was the first unit to be equipped with the RE.8. On 2 August 1917, he was appointed to command of 41 Squadron. He served in this capacity until 2 February 1918, when he survived being shot down by Max Kuhn of Jasta 10. He spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war.