William Benger

Who is William Benger?

Sergeant William Joseph Benger was a British First World War flying ace credited with five aerial victories over German Albatros D.V fighters.

Rifleman Benger was from Ewell in Surrey before military service. He served as an observer/gunner in the Bristol Two-Seater Fighters of 20 Squadron in 1917. He was injured in action in a crash landing caused by anti-aircraft fire on 25 June 1917. He scored his first aerial victory on 25 September 1917, in a win shared with Leslie William Burbidge. Two days later, piloted by William Durrand, he set an Albatros D.V aflame over Moorslede. On 3 October, Benger scored an "out of control" victory. Eight days later, he set a D.V on fire and drove another one down out of control. On 17 October 1917, Benger and his pilot, Harry G. E. Luchford, were shot down by Theodor Quandt of Jasta 36. They were prisoners of war for the short time it took them to die of their wounds. Benger's final resting place is unknown.