Herbert Drewitt
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Christchurch, New Zealand
England
Herbert Frank Stacey Drewitt | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 March 1895 Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Died | 4 January 1927 (aged 31) England |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Service | Aviation |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 23 Squadron RFC, No. 79 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | British Military Cross and Air Force Cross |
Captain Herbert Frank Stacey Drewitt MC AFC (25 March 1895 – 4 January 1927) was a New Zealand World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories. He was one of the few Royal Army aces that used French-built Spads as his weapon.[1]
Drewitt, a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, served originally in 23 Squadron. For his first kill, he used a Spad VII[2] to shoot a German observation plane down in flames on 17 October 1917. Ten days later, he sent an Albatros D.V down out of control. He repeated the feat on 24 January 1918. On 11 March 1918, he switched mounts to a Spad XIII to defeat an observation plane. The following day saw him back in his Spad VII, as he destroyed an Albatros D.V. On both 15 and 16 March, he destroyed an enemy reconnaissance plane.[3] Drewitt moved on to fly a Sopwith Dolphin for 79 Squadron, but never scored again.[4]
Postwar
Drewitt died of illness in England on 5 January 1927.[5]