{{Short description|British World War I flying ace}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox military person | name = Sydney Pope | image = | caption = | birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1898|3|27}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|1980|11|5|1898|3|27}} | birth_place = Dublin, Ireland | death_place = | burial_label = | burial_place = | burial_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} --> | nickname = Poppy | allegiance = United Kingdom | branch = British Army<br/>Royal Air Force | service_years = 1916–1946 | rank = Air Commodore | unit = {{plainlist| * No. 60 Squadron RFC * No. 208 Squadron RAF * No. 8 Squadron RAF * No. 55 Squadron RAF * No. 22 Squadron RAF }} | commands = {{plainlist| * No. 54 Squadron RAF * RAF Debden * No. 226 Squadron RAF * RAF Leuchars * No. 32 Operational Training Unit * RAF Syerston }} | battles = World War I<br/>{{*}}Western Front<br/>World War II<br/>{{*}}Battle of France | awards = Commander of the Order of the British Empire<br/>Distinguished Flying Cross<br/>Air Force Cross<br/>Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands) | relations = | other_work = }} Air Commodore '''Sydney Leo Gregory Pope''', {{post-nominals|country=GBR|CBE|DFC|AFC|sep=,}} (27 March 1898 – 5 November 1980) was a British World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories while serving in the Royal Flying Corps.<ref name="theaerodrome">{{cite web |url=http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/ireland/pope.php |title=Sydney Pope |work=The Aerodrome |year=2015 |access-date=25 September 2015 }}</ref> He then made the Royal Air Force his career, finally retiring in 1946 after serving in Bomber Command's B5 Group.{{sfnp|Shores|Franks|Guest|1990|p=306}}
==World War I== Pope was born in Dublin,<ref name="theaerodrome"/> the third son of William Pope, of Waterford, Ireland.<ref name="FlightMarried">{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1928/1928%20-%200166.html |title=Personals: To Be Married |issue=1001 |volume=XX |page=146 |journal=Flight |date=1 March 1928 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> He joined the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps as a cadet, having been promoted to lance corporal by the time he was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 3 June 1916 to serve in the Royal Flying Corps.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=13 June 1916 |supp=y |issue=29622 |page=5909}}</ref> He was appointed a flying officer on the General List on 29 August,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=22 September 1916 |supp=y |issue=29761 |page=9312 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and served as an instructor at RAF Ternhill<ref name="rafweb">{{cite web |url=http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Pope_SLG.htm |title=Air Commodore Sydney Leo Gregory Pope |first=M. B. |last=Barrass |work=Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation |year=2015 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> until assigned to No. 60 Squadron in April 1917, where he originally flew a Nieuport 17 fighter. Pope scored twice with a Nieuport, on 8 and 20 June. He then upgraded to a SE.5 and destroyed an Albatros D.III on 16 September. Switching to a slightly improved SE.5a, he destroyed two reconnaissance aircraft on 8 November, and another D.III on the 11th. A week later, he was wounded and forced to land near Saint Julien.{{sfnp|Shores|Franks|Guest|1990|p=306}}
Pope then served as a flying instructor, commanding the Fighter Flight at the Central Flying School at Upavon.<ref name="rafweb"/> and was promoted to lieutenant on 3 December 1917.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=8 February 1918 |supp=y |issue=30520 |pages=1918–1919 |nolink=yes}}</ref> He was promoted to the temporary rank of captain on 10 August 1918,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=16 August 1918 |issue=30846 |page=9578 |nolink=yes}}</ref> to serve as a flight commander in No. 208 Squadron until the Armistice.<ref name="rafweb"/>
==Inter-war service== Pope was again appointed a temporary captain on 1 May 1919,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=19 August 1919 |issue=31510 |page=10478 |nolink=yes}}</ref> to serve as a flight commander at the headquarters of the Army of Occupation in Germany,<ref name="rafweb"/> relinquishing the rank on 4 August.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=22 August 1919 |issue=31517 |page=10655 |nolink=yes}}</ref> On 24 October 1919 he was granted a short service commission with the rank of flying officer,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=24 October 1919 |issue=31616 |pages=13032–13034 |nolink=yes}}</ref> serving as an instructor at the RAF (Cadet) College, and then in No. 8 Squadron from 21 April 1922.<ref name="rafweb"/> Soon afterwards, on 2 May, his commission was made permanent.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=2 May 1922 |issue=32687 |page=3432 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
Pope was promoted to flight lieutenant on 30 June 1923,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=3 July 1923 |issue=32841 |page=4621 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and was posted to No. 55 Squadron, based in Iraq, on 24 September.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1923/1923%20-%200663.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=774 |volume=XV |page=663 |journal=Flight |date=25 October 1923 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> On 27 December 1924 he was posted to the staff of RAF Middle East in Egypt.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1925/1925%20-%200089.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=842 |volume=XVII |page=89 |journal=Flight |date=12 February 1925 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> On 28 May 1926 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, "in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in connection with the operations in Iraq during the period September to November 1924".<ref>{{London Gazette |date=28 May 1926 |issue=33166 |page=3458 |nolink=yes}}</ref> He returned to the Home Establishment on 27 September, posted to the Depot at RAF Uxbridge.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1926/1926%20-%200777.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=930 |volume=XVIII |page=693 |journal=Flight |date=21 October 1926 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
On 1 February 1927 he was assigned to No. 22 Squadron, attached to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at RAF Martlesham Heath,<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200089.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=946 |volume=XIX |page=77 |journal=Flight |date=10 February 1927 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> and on the 15th received his DFC from the King at Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200106.html |title=At Buckingham Palace |issue=948 |volume=XIX |page=94 |journal=Flight |date=24 February 1927 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> As well as his duties as a test pilot, Pope found the time to take part in several sporting events. On 15 April he attended the Bournemouth Easter Meeting, taking part in the Branksome "Cirrus" Handicap Stakes flying de Havilland DH.60 Moth (G-EBPG),<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200241.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=955 |volume=XIX |page=215 |journal=Flight |date=14 April 1927 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> and in June attended the Bournemouth Whitsun Meeting, taking part in the Medium-Power Handicap Stakes.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200396.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=962 |volume=XIX |page=358 |journal=Flight |date=2 June 1927 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
On 1 March 1929 Pope was test flying the second prototype of the Parnall Pipit single-seat fighter over the Parnall airfield at Yate, Gloucestershire. During the flight test the tail and rudder broke off. Pope parachuted out the aircraft at a height of {{Convert|1000|ft|m}}, making a successful landing despite standing over {{Convert|6|ft|m}} tall and weighing about 15 stone ({{Convert|210|lb|abbr=on}}),<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1929/1929%20-%201195.html |title=The Parachute And Its Development |issue=1067 |volume=XXI |page=469 |journal=Flight |date=6 June 1929 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> and thus becoming a member of the Caterpillar Club.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%201037.html |title=Royal Air Force "Caterpillars" |issue=1131 |volume=XXII |page=981 |journal=Flight |date=29 August 1930 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> The same day he was awarded the Air Force Cross,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=26 February 1929 |supp=y |issue=33472 |page=1446 |nolink=yes}}</ref> receiving his medal from the Prince of Wales at St. James's Palace on 28 March.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1929/1929%20-%200670.html |title=Investiture at St. James's Palace |issue=1058 |volume=XXI |page=268 |journal=Flight |date=4 April 1929 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
On 13 July 1929 he was appointed to the Directorate of Scientific Research at the Air Ministry.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1929/1929-1%20-%200684.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1075 |volume=XXI |page=839 |journal=Flight |date=1 August 1929 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> A year later, in July 1930, Pope flew the Avro 618 Five (G-AASO) owned by Sir Philip Sassoon, in the King's Cup Air Race, but did not complete the course, being forced to retire at Manchester.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200815.html |title=Times and Speeds in the King's Cup Air Race, 5 July 1930 |issue=1124 |volume=XXII |pages=774–775 |journal=Flight |date=11 July 1930 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Visschedijk/9937.htm |title=Avro 619 Five |website=1000aircraftphotos.com |year=2012 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> On 17 November 1931 he took part in a Squash competition representing the RAF against the Royal Aero Club.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1931/1931%20-%201254.html |title=Squash Rackets : RAF v. RAeC |issue=1196 |volume=XXIII |page=1176 |journal=Flight |date=27 November 1931 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
Pope was promoted to squadron leader on 1 February 1932,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=2 February 1932 |issue=33795 |page=709 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and on 7 March was appointed Officer Commanding, No. 54 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RAF Hornchurch.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1932/1932%20-%200265.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1212 |volume=XXIV |page=249 |journal=Flight |date=18 March 1932 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> In early July he led his squadron in a demonstration attack on an "enemy" airfield during the thirteenth annual RAF Display at Hendon Aerodrome,<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1932/1932%20-%200647.html |title=The Set Piece |issue=1227 |volume=XXIV |pages=598–599 |journal=Flight |date=1 July 1932 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> with his squadron's Bristol Bulldog's also taking part in the annual RAF Air Exercise, as part on the "Northland" Air Forces, later in the same month.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1932/1932%20-%200745.html |title=The Air Exercises |issue=1230 |volume=XXIV |page=697 |journal=Flight |date=22 July 1932 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
On 13 September 1933 he took command of No. 801 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron,<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1933/1933%20-%200685.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1292 |volume=XXV |page=985 |journal=Flight |date=28 September 1933 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> and on 27 May 1936 was appointed adjutant at the School of Naval Co-operation based at Lee-on-the-Solent.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%201613.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1434 |volume=XXIX |page=660 |journal=Flight |date=18 June 1936 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
On 1 April 1937 Pope was promoted to wing commander,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=2 April 1937 |issue=34385 |page=2126 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and on 21 April was appointed Officer Commanding, RAF Debden.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1937/1937%20-%201343.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1482 |volume=XXXI |page=503 |journal=Flight |date=20 May 1937 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> In July 1938 Pope was Officer-in-Charge when eleven Hurricanes from No. 111 Squadron, and four Gladiators from No. 87 Squadron, accompanied by a Valentia bomber-transport and two Ansons carrying ground staff and spare equipment, flew from RAF Northolt to Villacoublay, near Paris, to give aerobatic and formation flying demonstrations. Two new French aircraft, the Potez 63 and the Amiot bomber, also made demonstration flights.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1938/1938%20-%202008.html |title=Service Aviation: The Visit to France |issue=1542 |volume=XXXIII |page=36 |journal=Flight |date=14 July 1938 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
==World War II== On 1 March 1939 Pope was appointed Officer Commanding No. 226 Squadron, based at RAF Harwell, flying Fairey Battle light bombers.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 2 September the squadron was sent to France as part of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force. The squadron suffered heavy losses during the German invasion in 1940 and was evacuated back to England in mid-June.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/226squadron.cfm |title=226 Squadron |work=Royal Air Force |year=2015 |access-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925201207/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/226squadron.cfm |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}</ref> By then Pope had been appointed commander of RAF Leuchars,<ref name="rafweb"/> having been promoted to temporary group captain on 1 June 1940.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=7 June 1940 |issue=34866 |page=3435 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
In November 1941 Pope was sent to Canada to conduct an inspection of flying training schools,<ref name="rafweb"/> and on 1 March 1942 he was appointed commander of No. 32 OTU, in Canada.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 20 October Pope was granted permission to wear the insignia of a Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau, conferred upon him "in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war" by the Queen of the Netherlands.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=16 October 1942 |issue=35750 |page=4542 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
In 1943 Pope was appointed as Officer Commanding, RAF Syerston,<ref name="rafweb"/> and on 8 February 1944 as Air Officer Commanding, RAF Leuchars<ref name="rafweb"/> being appointed an acting air commodore about that time.<ref name="rafweb"/> On 8 June 1944 he received a mention in dispatches,<ref>{{London Gazette |date=2 June 1944 |supp=y |issue=36544 |page=2613 |nolink=yes}}</ref> and was promoted to the war substantive rank of group captain on 8 August.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=12 September 1944 |supp=y |issue=36701 |page=4261 |nolink=yes}}</ref> In January 1945 he was appointed commander of a base in Bomber Command.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1945/1945%20-%200042.html |title=Royal Air Force: Appointments |issue=1880 |volume=XLVII |page=22 |journal=Flight |date=4 January 1945 |access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref>
After the end of the war, in the 1946 New Year Honours, Pope was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=28 December 1945 |issue=37407 |page=33 |nolink=yes}}</ref> He retired from the Royal Air Force, retaining the rank of air commodore, on 2 March 1946.<ref>{{London Gazette |date=15 March 1946 |supp=y |issue=37504 |page=1433 |nolink=yes}}</ref>
==Personal life== In 1928 Pope married Pamela Young, the elder daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. Cameron Young, of Ipswich.<ref name="FlightMarried"/>
==References== ;Notes {{Reflist}} ;Bibliography * {{cite book |first1=Christopher F. |last1=Shores |first2=Norman |last2=Franks |authorlink2=Norman Franks |first3=Russell F. |last3=Guest |title=Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915–1920 |location=London, UK |publisher=Grub Street |year=1990 |isbn=978-0-948817-19-9 |name-list-style=amp}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pope, Sydney}} Category:1898 births Category:1980 deaths Category:Military personnel from Dublin (city) Category:Royal Flying Corps officers Category:British World War I flying aces Category:Royal Air Force personnel of World War I Category:Royal Air Force personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom) Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Category:Commanders of the Order of Orange-Nassau Category:Aviators from Dublin (city)