Summary
Captain George William Bulmer (1 September 1898 – 5 April 1987) was an American-born Canadian flying ace in World War I. He was credited with nine aerial victories.
George William Bulmer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 September 1898 Dixon, Illinois, USA |
| Died | 5 April 1987 (aged 88) San Diego, California, USA |
| Allegiance | Canadian |
| Service/ | Royal Flying Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 22 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross |
Early life edit
George William Bulmer was born in Dixon, Illinois, USA on 1 September 1898. His parents were British.[1] He worked as an accountant before enlisting in the Royal Air Force in Toronto, Canada[2] in 1917.[3]
World War I edit
By early 1918, Bulmer had completed training and been posted to 22 Squadron. He scored his first aerial victory on 6 March 1918, and continued to win through 9 July 1918. His exploits earned him a Military Cross, which was gazetted on 16 September 1918:
....In recent operations he destroyed seven enemy machines and an observation balloon. By his tenacity and zeal he set a magnificent example in his squadron.[4]
List of aerial victories edit
| No. | Date/time | Aircraft | Foe | Result | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 March 1918 @ 1115 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter serial number C4810 | Pfalz D.III | Driven down out of control | East of La Bassée | Gunner: 2 Lt S J Hunter |
| 2 | 16 March 1918 @ 1030 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4810 | Pfalz D.III | Driven down out of control | Henin-Lietard | Gunner: 2 Lt Percy Stanley Williams |
| 3 | 16 March 1918 @ 1030 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4810 | Pfalz D.III | Driven down out of control | Henin Lietard | Gunner: 2 Lt Percy Stanley Williams |
| 4 | 23 March 1918 @ 1100 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n A7251 | Albatros D.V | Destroyed | Bussy | Gunner: 2 Lt Percy Stanley Williams |
| 5 | 6 May 1918 @ 1025 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4888 | Pfalz D.III | Driven down out of control | Fresnoy | Gunner: Lt H E Elsworth |
| 6 | 8 May 1918 @ 1015 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4888 | Pfalz D.III | Destroyed | Brebieres | Gunner: 2 Lt Percy Stanley Williams |
| 7 | 16 May 1918 @ 1045 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4888 | Observation balloon | Destroyed | A mile northeast of Neuf-Berquin | Gunner: 2 Lt Percy Stanley Williams |
| 8 | 17 May 1918 @ 1200 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4888 | German reconnaissance plane | Destroyed | Southeast of Douai | Gunner: 2 Lt Percy Stanley Williams |
| 9 | 9 July 1918 @ 1100 hours | Bristol F.2 Fighter s/n C4888 | German reconnaissance plane | Set afire; destroyed | North of Bois-de-Phalempin | Gunner: James McDonald[3] |
Post World War I edit
There is no reliable account of his later years, although it is known that he died in San Diego, California, USA on 5 April 1987.[3]
Endnotes edit
- ^ Franks et al, p. 92.
- ^ Canadian Great War Project website http://canadiangreatwarproject.com/Searches/soldierDetail.asp?ID=97441 Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ a b c "George William Bulmer". www.theaerodrome.com. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918, p. 10928) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30901/supplements/10928 Retrieved 30 June 1918.
References edit
- Franks, Norman; Guest, Russell F. & Alegi, Gregory (1997). Above the War Fronts: The British Two-seater Bomber Pilot and Observer Aces, the British Two-seater Fighter Observer Aces, and the Belgian, Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Fighter Aces, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-56-5.