Albert Ball
(1896-1917), Fighter pilot; recipient of the Victoria CrossSitter in 2 portraits
Born in Nottingham, Ball was a trainee engineer when war was declared. He joined the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to France in 1916. As a Flight Commander in an SE5 120mph bi-plane, he flew bareheaded, without goggles and favoured single combat. He shot down 43 enemy planes and a Zeppelin in the few months he was airborne. Already a national hero, he was killed in action over enemy territory on 7 May 1917. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and is commemorated by a public monument in Nottingham. The German ace, Baron von Richtofen, commented that Ball was 'the best English flying man'.
Explore the portrait of Albert Ball by Henry Poole (NPG 2277) from all angles
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