Albert Ball (1896-1917), Fighter-pilot; recipient of the Victoria Cross

Sitter in 2 portraits
Fighter pilot. 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.