Walter Tyrrell

Who is Walter Tyrrell?

Captain Walter Alexander Tyrrell was a World War I flying ace credited with 17 aerial victories. He was the son of John Tyrrell, an alderman, merchant, and justice of the peace. His mother was Jeanie Todd Tyrrell. The family resided at Fairview Buildings, Crumlin Road, Belfast. Walter Tyrrell joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. He was posted to No. 32 Squadron RFC, to pilot Airco DH.5s. Using No. B4916, he scored five victories between 30 October and 5 December 1917. Tyrrell's squadron then re-equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5s and became No. 32 Squadron of the brand-new Royal Air Force, and he flew No. 8374 to twelve more victories. In the process, he scored triple victories on 7 April, 3 May, and 6 June 1918. He was killed in action by ground fire on 9 June 1918, aged 19, just eleven days before his elder brother was also KIA. The settlement of the two brothers' estates sparked a dispute in Parliament.