Captain Albert Ball VC, DSO

I am more than gratified at the response to this thread; I was actually afraid that we had forgotten Captain Ball, and yesterday was the anniversary of his demise...

Bulldog, the person to contact would be Alex Revell, author of the magnificent HIGH IN THE EMPTY BLUE, which is a history of 56 Sqn RFC-RAF, which was last squadron Captain Ball was to serve with. Mr. Revell also mentions in a previous post to this site, that he recently (within the past five years?) inspected a uniform of Ball's, and found a ladies' handkerchief still folded in the breast pocket...

Vin (and how are you, dear fellow?), I believe that it might also have been Mr. Revell who states that Albert's father more or less insisted that his son have his own memorial, ie one not provided for by the state. It may have been for reasons to make sure that Albert's story would stand out-- then again, I'm not about to say that I could understand a father in his profound grief. I do know that Ball Sr. did object to Kiernan's book on Captain Ball from the 1930's (last time I looked, one could "win" a copy of this book on eBay, in excellent condition, for almost $150; but that was a few years ago...); IIRC, it had something to do with Captain Ball's victory count. Again, Revell is the best one to contact, especially regarding victory claims...

Lastly, you all might also enjoy reading Libby's memoir HORSES DON'T FLY, where he speaks very highly of Captain Ball, something to the extent of Captain Ball always being there ready to escort the two-seaters back on their return leg (the scouts just not having the fuel capacity to accompany the bombers or recon for the full round-trip); he even mentions first meeting Ball while the latter was playing tennis! (Nice colour that!). There's even a picture of Captain Ball's Nieuport; when I asked Libby's granddaughter via email how could she be sure it was the Nieuport of Captain Ball's, she answered-- amateur historians, please take note-- because that's what was written on the reverse of the photo!

If anything, my sincere hope is that Whetton's interview will help dispel some of the simply outrageous nonsense that has come down to us as fact regarding Captain Ball. For example, Red Baron II and 3D both mention in their aces' biographies, that Ball would light flares and dance around them like some insane "dervish"-- Captain Ball was Church of England, by the way-- all the time fiddlin'... If you actually believe that, well-- you have both my pity and my contempt!

Now I'm back to my own research on another maligned pilot: many of you already know of whom I'm speaking; for those that don't, I won't mention this pilot by name or nationality, but suffice by adding to the comedy by citing one of his modern-day monikers: "The Flying Madman"...

Rest in Peace, Captain Ball-- "may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest..."

Respectfully submitted,
Captain Lewis

[Vin]

Originally Posted by CaptainLewis

...Vin (and how are you, dear fellow?),.... (last time I looked, one could "win" a copy of this book on eBay, in excellent condition, for almost $150; but that was a few years ago...); IIRC, it had something to do with Captain Ball's victory count.
Captain Lewis

The better for you asking, Captain. I picked up mine for 10AUD in a second hand book store in the next suburb. I haven't read it for a while now but recall it easy to read and informative.

Whilst MikeW is off pestering Mike O'Connor (Wouldn't you reckon a bloke with a delicious name like that would shorten the Christian name to Mick ?) about the field, I'll continue to run with it. It's one thing to put up a private monument to your lad but to buy a field in which to build it is quite something. Despite the monument, Ball is buried in a commonwealth war grave as I understand it. Ball senior was a wealthy businessman so the cost may not have been prohibitive, particularly as the ravages of war would have deflated its market value. Question is, who owns it now ?

Albert Ball attended Nottingham High School - the oldest school in Nottingham, founded 1513, and still today the most prestigious school in the county. I also attended the school and distinctly remember a portrait of Albert Ball VC adorning one of the staircases. It seemd huge to me at the time - but i was only young! There is also a statue of him in the grounds of Nottingham Castle (...although the one of Robin hood gets all the visitors and photographs!). Being fellow alumni I have always been drawn to his career and life. Interestingly, the author D H Lawrence was also an alumnus of the school but there was no acknowledgement of this anywhere - no doubt his "scandalous" books made him an unacceptable role model for those with young impressionable minds. Better that we should emulate a successful killer... this is not meant as an insult to Albert ball, he was doing his duty impeccably well - but as a comment on the kinds of heroes schools choose to raise up for others to emulate. DHL was a great writer - and no, he didn't start the mail-courier company!

[Ginger.]

The monument in the grounds of Nottingham Castle is very impressive. I once found some pictures on the web of it's unveiling, try as I might I can't find them again.

[Scott]

The monument.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by CaptainLewis

.. Now I'm back to my own research on another maligned pilot: many of you already know of whom I'm speaking; for those that don't, I won't mention this pilot by name or nationality, but suffice by adding to the comedy by citing one of his modern-day monikers: "The Flying Madman"...

Everyone knows that Ball would light flares and dance around them like some insane "dervish", would sleep in a tent away from the other officers and play his violin to his garden patch. We know who you mean, Captain.

[Ritter von Fear]

I doubt many people on this island even know who Captain Ball was. May the poor brave bugger rest in peace. He was a real Englishmen, not like some of the bag of scum who inhabit this country today. Being British used to be a privilege, not a right.

Oh look I have a Union Jack flag on my profile, better take it off before I am accused of insight of racism!!!!

Sorry chaps for my long absence. I've been away in WWII but that is a long and off topic story.

I did not forget Albert's death date. I chose to mourn in private as last year I posted a memorial page and it only drew cat calls and insults.

I know quite a lot about the site, have been there, have lots of photos, am in contact with his former girlfriend's daughter and am writing a book.

If anyone wants to know something specific I'll be glad to reply.

Cheers,
Scarlett

PS and thanks to Mike W for the heads up on the letter. I'm trying to find out how to bid and something about estimated value.

[Vin]

Ball died in the arms of Cecille Deloffre, the daughter of the owner of the field. Did Ball snr buy the field from M Deloffre ? Who/what is its registered proprietor now ?

[MikeW]

Vin,

I have heard back from Mike O'Connor, the delay being caused by his being away in France taking photographs for his next book in the Battlefield Europe series - and if you chaps don't have his remarkable and very reasonably priced books - Arras, Cambrai, Ypres, and Somme (so far) - then shame on you!


The memorial is still in good condition, the piece of land is still owned by the Ball family and the French farmer is allowed to use the land.