Leonard Horatio Slatter was born in Durban in 1894 and educated at Selborne College in East London, where he excelled in mathematics and science. Upon completion of his studies, he went to Battersea Polytechnic in London, England to train as a civil engineer. At the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the Royal Navy.
Later, he was transferred to the Observer Section, which was at the time trying to design an aerial navigation system. Slatter was next posted to the Seaplane Squadron based across the English Channel at Dunkirk on the French coast. Here his leadership qualities were soon noticed and he was chosen for naval pilot training. In 1916 he commenced operational flying duties at the Royal Naval Air Station near Dover on the English Channel.
FIRST VICTORY
On 12 August 1917, while on patrol in his Sopwith Pup over Ostend, Belgium, he noticed an enemy seaplane below him and immediately dived to attack it, his single machine gun blazing. His victim's wing slammed into the water; Slatter had recorded his first victory at the age of 22.
During active service along the English Channel and the French coast, he accounted for the downing of another six enemy aircraft. He also became adept at attacking enemy surface craft and was responsible for sinking a torpedo boat destroyer. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in 1917.
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 30 September 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 30 September 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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