Who was the most decorated British fighter ace of the first world war !!?

Answer 1

James McCudden

UPDATE: Would some of you READ the question? It refers to World War ONE, NOT two.

Answer 2

The three top British aces of WWI were Edward 'Mick' Mannock (61 victories, though some say 73), Maj. James McCudden (57 victories), and Capt. Albert Ball (44 victories). Billy Bishop, Billy Barker and Ray Collishaw were the top Canadian aces.

Ball was the first great ace, and the most highly respected; he very likely would have scored more 'kills' had he not been assigned ground duty for a while in 1916 training other pilots. He was known to be conservative in his reports of victories, while both Mannock and McCudden were more likely to inflate their numbers.

All won the Military Cross, as all pilots did after 1916 when they had 5 victories. All three were awarded the Victoria Cross. Ball and Mannock were awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.).

Answer 3

the staggering ace of WW2 became into Hans Ulrich Rudel, Luftwaffe. He did not shoot down that many planes, in basic terms 9 or so. yet he destroyed 2000 floor aims, such as 500 tanks, a battleship and 3 different considerable ships. Germany offered him the Knight's flow of the Iron flow with Golden o.ok.Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. He became into the only one to get carry of this honor.

Answer 4

Just a little hook in this. If by British you mean British Empire then another candidate is Billy Bishop, a Canadian. He is credited with the most victories (kills) of any pilot in the Empire and won the VC.

Answer 5

Having read the other answers, I suggest Douglas Bader. You could even look him up. Unfortunately, in the 1920's he lost both his legs in a car crash. "He was going fast." At the outset of the Second World War, he wanted to fly for England again. The RAF would not let him fly missions but used him as a flight instructor. His life was later made into a film.

Answer 6

Albert ball.

Answer 7

That would be Johnnie Johnson.

Answer 8

Billy Bishop and he was Canadian

Answer 9

Have a look here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fighter_aces

hope this helps

Answer 10

Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock, must be a very strong contender.

After selflessly sharing his 61st victory with Donald Inglis, a newcomer from New Zealand who had yet to score, Mannock was killed when his aircraft was shot down in flames by machine gun fire from the ground. Inglis was also brought down by ground fire but survived.

Military Cross (MC)
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the course of many combats he has driven off a large number of enemy machines, and has forced down three balloons, showing a very fine offensive spirit and great fearlessness in attacking the enemy at close range and low altitudes under heavy fire from the ground." MC citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 17 September 1917

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during recent operations. In seven days, while leading patrols and in general engagements, he destroyed seven enemy machines, bringing his total in all to thirty. His leadership, dash and courage were of the highest order." DSO citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) First Bar
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In company with one other scout this officer attacked eight enemy aeroplanes, shooting down one in flames. The next day, when leading his flight, he engaged eight enemy aeroplanes, destroying three himself. The same week he led his patrol against six enemy aeroplanes, shooting down the rear machine, which broke in pieces in the air. The following day he shot down an Albatross two-seater in flames, but later, meeting five scouts, had great difficulty in getting back, his machine being much shot about, but he destroyed one. Two days later, he shot down another two-seater in flames. Eight machines in five days—a fine feat of marksmanship and determination to get to close quarters. As a patrol leader he is unequalled." DSO Bar citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 16 September 1918

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Second Bar
"This oflficer has now accounted for 48 enemy machines. His success is due to wonderful shooting and a determination to get to close quarters; to attain this he displays most skilful leadership and unfailing courage. These characteristics were markedly shown on a recent occasion when he attacked six hostile scouts, three of which he brought down. Later on the same day he attacked a two-seater, which crashed into a tree." DSO Second Bar citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918

Victoria Cross (VC)
"On the 17th June, 1918, he attacked a Halberstadt machine near Armentières and destroyed it from a height of 8,000 feet. On the 7th July, 1918, near Doulieu, he attacked and destroyed one Fokker (red-bodied) machine, which went vertically into the ground from a height of 1,500 feet. Shortly afterwards he ascended 1,000 feet and attacked another Fokker biplane, firing 60 rounds into it, which produced an immediate spin, resulting, it is believed, in a crash. On the 14th July, 1918, near Merville, he attacked and crashed a Fokker from 7,000 feet, and brought a two-seater down damaged. On the 19th July, 1918, near Merville, he fired 80 rounds into an Albatross two-seater, which went to the ground in flames. On the 20th July, 1918, East of La Bassée, he attacked and crashed an enemy two-seater from a height of 10,000 feet. About an hour afterwards he attacked at 8,000 feet a Fokker biplane near Steenwercke and drove it down out of control, emitting smoke. On the 22nd July, 1918, near Armentières, he destroyed an enemy triplane from a height of 10,000 feet. Major Mannock was awarded the undermentioned distinctions for his previous combats in the air in France and Flanders: Military Cross, gazetted 17th Sept., 1917; Bar to Military Cross, gazetted 18th Oct., 1917; Distinguished Service Order, gazetted 16th Sept., 1918; Bar to Distinguished Service Order (1st), gazetted 16th Sept., 1918; Bar to Distinguished Service Order (2nd), gazetted 3rd Aug., 1918. This highly distinguished officer during the whole of his career in the Royal Air Force, was an outstanding example of fearless courage, remarkable skill, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice, which has never been surpassed. The total number of machines definitely accounted for by Major Mannock up to the date of his death in France (26th July, 1918) is 50 - the total specified in the Gazette of 3rd Aug., 1918, was incorrectly given as 48 instead of 41." VC citation, London Gazette, 18 July 1919

Quite some bloke! If your interested there is a complete list of the Fighter Aces of all Nationalities from WWI at the link provided.