The memorial commemorates 989 airmen of Empire Forces who were killed on the Western Front during World War I, and who have no known grave. The memorial was designed by Edwin Lutyens, and unveiled by Hugh Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard, Marshal of the Royal Air Force on 31 July 1932.
ARRAS FLYING SERVICES MEMORIAL - CWGC
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| Arras Flying Services Memorial Faubourg d' Amiens Cemetery |
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| Arras Flying Services Memorial Faubourg d' Amiens Cemetery |
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| Arras Flying Services Memorial Faubourg d' Amiens Cemetery |
The selection of Arras as the location of the Air Service was appropriate as the sector was where the Royal Flying Corps suffered heavy casualties in April 1917, 'Bloody April'.
The Germans had gained superiority in terms of pilot training and aircraft technology. They had reorganised to form specialist fighter units. Led by highly experienced pilots such as Baron Von Richthofen the Germans inflicted heavy losses on the British pilots. During April 1917, the British lost 245 aircraft with 211 aircrew killed or missing and 108 as prisoners of war. This compared with the German Air Services recorded losses of 66 aircraft during the same period.
Amongst those listed on the Air Services Memorial is Major 'Mick' Mannock VC, DSO and Two Bars, Military Cross and Bar. At the beginning of the war 'Mick' Mannock was working as a telephone engineer in Turkey and interned. He fell ill and was repatriated. He joined the Army, and in 1916 transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. Posted to the Western Front he won his first air victory on 7th May 1917. He would go to win a further 60 victories to bring his total to 61. He was killed in action 26th July 1918.
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| Major Edward Mannock VC DSO** MC* |
Major Edward Mannock VC DSO** MC*
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| Victoria Cross / Distinguished Service Order 2 + Bars / Military Cross + Bar |