Poppy Cross at Garstang War Memorial
Captain Albert BALL, V.C., M.C., D.S.O., Order of St George
Captain Royal Flying Corps, 56th Squadron. formerly 7th (Robin Hood) Bn. Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) died of wounds received in action 7th May 1917 aged 20 V C, D S O and 2 Bars, M C. Legion d'Honneur (France); Order of St. George, 4th Class (Russia). Son of Sir Albert Ball, J.P. and Harriet of Stansted House, Wollaton Park, Nottingham.
Citation:
An extract from the "London Gazette" dated 8th June 1917, records the following:- "For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from the 25th of April to the 6th of May, 1917, during which period Capt. Ball took part in twenty-six combats in the air and destroyed eleven hostile aeroplanes, drove down two out of control, and forced several others to land. In these combats Capt. Ball, flying alone, on one occasion fought six hostile machines, twice he fought five and once four. When leading two other British aeroplanes he attacked an enemy formation of eight. On each of these occasions he brought down at least one enemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly damaged, once so seriously that but for the most delicate handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all the control wires had been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he had always to be restrained from immediately going out on another. In all, Capt. Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill." He is at rest in Annoeullin Communal Cemetery and German Extension, Nord France
