Charles C. Banks

Captain Charles Chaplin Banks (17 December 1893 – 21 December 1971) was a World War I flying ace credited with thirteen aerial victories. He scored a pioneering night fighter victory on 31 May 1918, when he shot down a German Friedrichshafen G bomber.

Early life and service Charles Chaplin Banks was the son of Helen Agnes and Charles P. Banks; the latter owned and taught at the Arnold House Preparatory School in Llanddulas, Wales. Banks was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 5th (Flintshire) Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (later the Royal Welch Fusiliers), on 10 December 1914, having been a cadet in the Oxford University Contingent, Senior Division, Officers' Training Corps. He transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in October 1916. After pilot training, he was assigned to 44 Squadron.

Aerial service On 28 January 1918, while flying his Sopwith Camel on Home Defence duties with 44 Squadron, he teamed with Captain George Hackwill in driving down and capturing a raiding German Gotha G.V bomber, serial no. 936/16; a Military Cross followed.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Lieutenant (Acting-Captain) Charles Chaplin Banks, M.C. A brilliant and skilful airman who has been conspicuous for his success in aerial combats. On 30 October he, single handed, engaged five enemy aeroplanes and drove one down out of control. In the fight his aileron controls were shot away, but by skilful handling and with cool presence of mind he brought his machine back and made a successful landing. In addition to the above Capt. Banks has accounted for nine other enemy machines.