John Liddell VC

The Dedicated Highlander

Jan 10, 2009 Murray McLeod

The story of Captain John Liddell, a virtually unknown RFC pilot whose devotion to duty has rarely been excelled.

Of the thousands of airmen who rallied to the Allied cause in World War 1, just 19 were recipients of the ultimate award for bravery, the Victoria Cross. William Rhodes-Moorhouse became the first airman to be so honoured, albeit posthumously. The third airman was Captain John Liddell, with his example of utter devotion to duty, and like Rhodes-Moorhouse his was also a posthumous award.

Trench Warfare

John Liddell became a pilot in the RFC’s formative years. At the outbreak of war he was a participant in the bloody trench warfare of 1914. His unit was the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and during his tenure in the trenches he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery. In 1915 Liddell was accepted for pilot training, and on completion he was posted to an RE5 reconnaissance unit.

RFC Pilot

The RE5 was a product of the Royal Aircraft Factory and was remembered as a clumsy and unmanoeuvrable 2-seater, like its contemporary, the equally clumsy BE2c. In both of these machines the pilot was positioned in the rear cockpit and the observer in the front, which made them virtually helpless when under attack from enemy aircraft.

Critically Wounded

On 31 July 1915 Liddell was carrying out a routine solo patrol over Ostend when a burst of fire anti-aircraft fire ripped through the rear cockpit. He was critically wounded in his left thigh, and his injuries were so serious that he was rendered unconscious. The damaged RE5 plunged 3,000 feet out of control until Liddell regained consciousness, but in spite of half the controls being shot away he instinctively regained control.

Return to Base

Despite the seriousness of his wounds Liddell elected to return to his home base; an easier option would have been to make a forced landing behind enemy lines and receive prompt medical attention. Liddell saw it as his duty to make it home, despite his agony. The aircraft was further damaged in the forced landing, following which he was rushed to surgery. For three weeks his life hovered in the balance; sustained by his indomitable spirit.

Victoria Cross

Medical care lacked the sophistication of antibiotics that was later achieved and sadly John Liddell finally succumbed to his wounds. His dedication to duty was recognised with the award of a posthumous V.C.; being the third of only 19 such awards gained by airmen in World War 1. John Liddell did not achieve the status gained by the later ‘aces’ but his example of dedication is worthy of the standards of excellence set by the RFC.

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John Liddell