Captain Francis Mansel Kitto MC (1 January 1897 – 25 June 1926) was a Welsh-born flying ace credited with nine official aerial victories during World War I.[1]
Francis Mansel Kitto | |
---|---|
Born | Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales | 1 January 1897
Died | 25 June 1926 Pontypridd Cottage Hospital | (aged 29)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/ | British Army Royal Air Force |
Rank | Captain |
Unit | Welch Regiment No. 43 Squadron RFC No. 49 Squadron RFC No. 54 Squadron RAF |
Awards | Military Cross |
Kitto was born at Pontypridd, now in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, on New Year's Day 1897. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Kitto.[2]
On 9 November 1916, Kitto was transferred from the Welch Regiment to the Royal Flying Corps; he was commissioned a second lieutenant and appointed a flying officer.[3] By early 1917, he was posted to 43 Squadron on the Western Front. Using a Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter, on 17 March 1917, he drove down a German Albatros D.II east of Arras for his first aerial victory. He repeated his feat on both 8 April and 17 August 1917. He then transferred to 54 Squadron as a Sopwith Camel pilot.[1] On 1 December 1917, temporary lieutenant Kitto was appointed a flight commander, with the usual promotion to temporary captain.[4] Between 15 March and 4 July 1918, he scored six more aerial victories, to bring his total to four German planes destroyed and five driven down out of control.[1] On 22 June 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross for his exploits. His citation read:
Kitto transferred to piloting Airco DH.9 bombers during 1919.[6] On 24 June 1924, Kitto was granted a Class A commission in the Royal Air Force as a flying officer on probation.[7] He was confirmed in his rank on 24 December 1924.[8]
Francis Mansel Kitto died in Pontypridd Cottage Hospital, Wales on 25 June 1926.[2]