William Wendell Rogers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alberton, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
William Wendell Rogers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 November 1896 Alberton, Prince Edward Island, Canada |
| Died | 11 January 1967 (aged 70) Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Allegiance | George V of the British Empire |
| Service | Royal Flying Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | No. 1 Squadron RFC |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Captain William Wendell Rogers MC (10 November 1896 – 11 January 1967) was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with nine aerial victories. He singlehandedly shot down a Gotha G bomber.[1][2]
William Wendell Rogers was born in Alberton, Prince Edward Island, Canada.[3]
World War I service
Rogers was appointed a Flying Officer on 25 April 1917.[4] On 12 July 1917, he scored the first of a run of six "out of control" victories over enemy Albatros fighter planes, with the string ending 29 October 1917. On 18 November 1917 he was appointed Flight Commander.[5]
On 12 December 1917, he shot down a huge Gotha G bomber piloted by German Blue Max winner Hauptmann Rudolf Kleine, killing Kleine and his three crew members.[1]
Rogers went on to two additional "out of control" victories, with his last win coming on 18 December 1917.[2]
Postwar life
He returned to Saint John, Canada, to operate an automobile concern. He became active in the local flying club.[3] He died on 11 January 1967 (aged 70) in Saint John, New Brunswick.
