How did Albert Ball become a fighter ace at just 19?

Albert Ball VC, was a British First World War fighter pilot who became an ace when he was just 19. Eventually he shot down 44 German planes, was awarded the Victoria Cross, 3 Distinguished Service Orders (the first person ever to achieve that feat), a Military Cross along with the French Legion d’Honneur.

Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.

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Chapters
0:00 Albert Ball VC intro
0:52 Early life in Nottingham
2:49 World War 1
4:44 Flying Lessons
6:06 Joins Royal Flying Corps
9:38 Fighter Ace
11:23 His Tactics
13:17 National Hero
15:04 DSO & bar
18:20 Meets Billy Bishop
20:15 Engaged to Flora
20:57 Top Allied Ace
22:00 Death
24:54 Legacy

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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.

History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.

My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"

Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.

Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[tomtaylor]

I’m a 63 year old American. Believe it or not, I have known of Albert Ball since I was a young boy in grade school because of my love of aviation. He and Edward Mannock were some of my heroes

[DarrenMarsh-kxhd]

In an age where people look up to YouTube 'influencers', sportsmen and pop-stars, I think it's great that you are resurrecting the stories of those that actually deserve our respect.

[gerardokeeffe]

I taught his Great niece, Angela Ball in Alderney in 2001. We did a history project on her great uncle that resulted in the family being flown to Nottingham castle to see the Albert Ball Museum. Prior to this, the family had not even heard of him. The family now proudly display his framed dispatches etc in their home. She looked so much like him it was uncanny. She is very proud of him.

[nicksykes]

Thank you Chris, he's my favourite WW1 ace, have you seen the poem written about him, simply titled "Albert Ball VC".

[BMWseries]

I am 77 yrs old. My Grandfather helped in WW1 & my Father fought in WW2, yet I've never heard of Albert Ball ?! What a man he was! What a Hero. Thanks for posting this, regards, John.

[harryshriver]

I am simply amazed and what this man accomplished in a short young life. His story should be shared with all British youth as an inspiration. Bravo and kudos, amigo.

[rossbartley]

Thank you for telling of this young man’s extraordinary achievements. Whilst attending Trent College the 1970ies, as the son of a serviceman, I was fortunate to benefit from the boarding scholarship in the name of Captain Albert Ball VC, DSO, MC 2 Bars. Then, 50 years later and to my surprise in 2022 after I joined the Morgan Three Wheeler club they organised an Albert Ball Memorial Run to his grave in Annouellin and the French college named after him. Albert Ball VC was a Morgan Three Wheeler driver. He remains an inspiration.

[barrywebber]

A brilliant story wonderfully told.
What a good looking young hero Albert Ball was, an amazing character.
Thanks for posting.

[Starman]

Thank you for telling Albert's story, Chris. We will remember them. Regards, Ian

[LeslieDevoe]

I visited Balls grave in France, on a grey windy day. When we dropped my brother off at Trent College in, Long Eaton during the fall of 1976. His headmaster was shocked that a 13 year old American knew more about Albert Ball than most of the faculty and all of the students. I was 14 when we went to his burial site on my insistence. I fist read about him at the age of 7. My father being a Navy Pilot helped a lot, as our home was stuffed to the gills with books on aviation.

[mattday]

Wondeful story, wonderfully told. My grandfather was a RFC/RAF fighter pilot. He died long before I was born, and, my mother says, he never spoke about the war so we know nothing about his time in the conflict.

[oddyseus]

Always enjoy your videos but for me this is the best yet. Albert Ball has been my “aviation hero” for more decades than I care to count. I have all of the available biographies plus copies of some of his combat reports. Thank you for bringing his story to a wider audience.

[simonbertioli]

Respectfully presented.
So many excellent heroes...we lost.
What could have become if all of them survived....to this world..
Well, l salute you sir.
That also applies, to all those brave men.

[DarthMundane]

Nice to see a video about Albert Ball, I read a lot about him when I was younger and now live in Long Eaton and every time I drive by Trent College I think to myself Albert Ball went there. One of the many young trailblazers of a day gone age

[lesoneill]

Yes would love to hear more stories of the Great War keep up the good work 👍

[colinoneal]

Excellent story, very well presented.More from WW1 please 👍

[DonaldMellor]

My fascination with World War I began with the remarkable figure of Albert Ball VC. He captured my attention from the very start, and I found myself deeply moved as I delved into his story. Each time I read about his incredible bravery and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The accounts of his parents' relentless and heartbreaking quest to locate their son's body were particularly poignant, often bringing tears to my eyes.

Their determination and grief highlighted not only the personal cost of war but also the profound love and devotion that families have for their fallen heroes. It was this blend of valor and tragedy that drew me into the broader narrative of the Great War, igniting a passion for history that continues to resonate with me to this day.

[fossy]

My Dad worked as an apprentice at Elliot's garage on Derby road Nottingham. When Alberts father was Mayor he hated having his chauffer stop to refuel his Mayoral car so he had cans of petrol delivered to his house. This was a job my father usually did and each time he would "borrow" a pint or so from each can and fill his Scott motorcycle up for free! So my claim to fame is my Dad pinched petrol off Albert Balls Dad.

[alistairmills]

Rest in Peace dear Albert. Thank you for your service.

[colinthomas]

What a hero and a great British airman Albert Ball was!! Loved listening to another amazing story of heroism in WW1 and yes please more videos on WW1. Thanks.