Description
Object description
Image: An aerial view of a dogfight between one British and three German aircraft. To the left one plane plummets
streaming a trail of grey smoke behind. Below lies the faint outline of fields and lakes on the ground.
Physical description
Watercolour adhered along all edges (drummed) onto a sheet of board.
Label
Citation text: 'For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during
which period Captain Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of
control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Captain Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice
he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions
he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate
handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had
always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Captain Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one
balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill.' London Gazette, 8 June 1917.
He was also awarded the Legion d'Honneur (France) and Order of St George, 4th Class (Russia).
He is buried in Annoeullin Communal Cemetery (Departement du Nord) France, Grave 643. Capt. Ball was formerly of Notts & Derby Regt 7 Bn
(Robin Hood Bn, Sherwood Foresters). Son of Sir Albert Ball, JP, Nottingham.
Label
Citation text: 'For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during
which period Captain Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of
control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Captain Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice
he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions
he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate
handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had
always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Captain Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one
balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill.' London Gazette, 8 June 1917
Label
Additional: also awarded the Legion d'Honneur (France) and Order of St George, 4th Class (Russia). Buried: Annoeullin Communal Cemetery
(Departement du Nord) France, Grave 643. Capt. Ball was formerly of Notts & Derby Regt 7 Bn (Robin Hood Bn, Sherwood Foresters). Son of Sir
Albert Ball, JP, Nottingham.
History note
Imperial War Museum RAF section commission, 1919
Inscription
signed & date
