Philip F. Fullard

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Philip F. Fullard CBE, DSO, MC and Bar, AFC (27 June 1897-24 April 1984) was one of the most successful pursuit pilots of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I.

A prewar soccer player, Fullard was an Army officer who paid for his own flying lessons in 1915. He was retained as an instructor but joined Number 1 Squadron, RFC, in May 1917.

Flying various models of Nieuport scouts throughout his combat career, Fullard scored steadily over the next six months. He opened his victory log with two claims in May followed by five in June; eight in July; twelve in August; eleven in October; and two in November. Two days after his 40th victory he suffered a broken leg in a soccer match. He did not return to duty until near the end of the war.

Fullard remained in the Royal Air Force and commanded a squadron in 1933. During World War II he achieved flag rank and retired in 1945. He died at 86.

Fullard's victories included 16 aircraft destroyed or captured and 24 out of control. He held the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Air Force Cross, and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.