Edward Pennell

Who was Edward Pennell?

Captain Edward Robert Pennell was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. He served on his home town's city council, being four times chairman. He later returned to service during World War II.

Pennell was a corporal in the Honourable Artillery Company before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1916. He gained his wings in November 1916. He served in 27 Squadron for the first half of 1917, flying a Martinsyde G.100 Elephant to victory on 19 March. He then transferred into the newly formed 84 Squadron as a flight commander on 23 July 1917. Now flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a, he claimed an observation balloon and three airplanes between 22 November 1917 and 13 January 1918. His final total was a balloon and two planes destroyed and two planes driven down out of control. Pennell was hospitalized on 6 February 1918, ending his duty tour.