Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?
Clues:
1. This warbird pilot was an early aviation pioneer.
2. He was a technical innovator.
3. He had a degree in mechanical engineering.
4. And yet, when he initially tried to enter the air service of his country, he was refused.
5. His father and brother were military as well.
6. He was initially assigned duty in the same branch of the army as his father.
7. But his brother was a flier; and our hero decided to follow his brother’s path, rather than his father’s.
8. While visiting an airport, he met a high ranking aviation officer. That officer arranged a transfer to the air service.
9. He was trained as an observer.
10. Early in the war, he was wounded while performing an act of bravery while under attack. He was recognized for his courage and given an early promotion.
11. Although he was an observer, he spent most of his time acting as a field engineer; arming aircraft with machine guns.
12. He also performed early work with cameras fitted to aircraft.
13. As well as a very early use of a radio set in an aircraft.
14. One of his early radio set equipped aircraft performed valuable service in a major battle.1
5. During this period of the war, he had a couple of unconfirmed aerial victories.
16. He spent some time with an air force testing unit, before again being assigned to a flying outfit.
17. This time, he was shifted to a different theatre of war.
18. Less than four months later, he gained his first official victory.
19. Then, less than a week later, while still flying as an observer, he scored a notable victory.
20. With the aid of a second two seater aircraft, he shot down a dirigible.