Edric Broadberry
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Edric William Broadberry | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 December 1894 Middlesex, England |
| Died | 26 December 1967 (aged 73) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1947 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Unit | Essex Regiment Royal Flying Corps |
| Commands | No. 56 Squadron RFC |
| Battles / wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross |
| Other work | Technical Branch of Royal Air Force |
Group Captain Edric William Broadberry MC (14 December 1894 – 26 December 1967) was a British pilot. He began his military career during World War I. During that conflict, he would become a flying ace credited with eight confirmed aerial victories. He remained in service throughout World War II, and served his nation for 33 years, not retiring until 1947.
World War I
Broadberry's initial military service was with the Essex Regiment in the Gallipoli campaign.[1] He had been raised to a temporary captaincy on 27 May 1914; on 16 March 1916, he surrendered his temporary captaincy upon leaving his posting within the regiment.[3] On 30 May 1916, he was promoted to captain.[4] He learned to fly at Aboukir, Egypt.[1]
On 8 November 1916, Broadberry was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps[5] as a Flying Officer.[6] He returned to England, and was posted to combat duty in France with 56 Squadron on 20 April 1917 as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. He scored his first aerial victory on 12 May 1917; he ran his tally to eight by 11 July. The following day, he was removed from action by being hit in the leg while being shot down.[1]
As a reward for his exploits, he was awarded the Military Cross on 1 January 1918.[7]