Giles Blennerhasset
| Giles Noble Blennerhassett | |
|---|---|
| Born |
16 April 1895 Leoville, Sligo, Ireland |
| Died | 4 December 1978 (aged 83) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1921 |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Unit | |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Flying Officer Giles Noble Blennerhassett MC (16 April 1895 – 4 December 1978) was an Irish World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories while serving as an observer/gunner in No. 18 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.
Blennerhassett was born in Leoville, County Sligo, the eldest, and only son, of the four children born to James Blennerhassett of Gortatlea, Co. Kerry, and his first wife Selina Harriet (née Noble) of Collooney, Co. Sligo. His father was the bookkeeper/accountant at the Henry Lyons & Co. department store in Sligo, later becoming the managing director. The young Blennerhassett was educated at Sligo Grammar School.
Blennerhassett trained in the Inns of Court Officers Training Corps, before being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers on 2 June 1916. He was eventually seconded to the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flying officer (observer) on 24 March 1917, with seniority from 31 December 1916.
Posted to No. 18 Squadron RFC to fly in F.E.2b two-seaters, he gained his first aerial victory on 4 February 1917, driving down out of control an Albatros D.II fighter. He drove down two more on 5 April, and destroyed another the following day. He gained his fifth to become an ace on 16 April, and then accounted for three Albatros D.IIIs, one on 3 May and two more on 23 May, to bring his total to eight.
Blennerhasset was posted to the Home Establishment on 19 July, and was awarded the Military Cross five days later. His citation read:
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