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Name: Leslie Archibald Powell
Military Cross (MC) and Bar Leslie Archibald Powell
Country: England
Rank: Lieutenant
Service: Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
Unit: 11
Victories: 19
Born: 27 June 1896
Place of Birth: Bristol, Gloucestershire, England
Died: 6 February 1961
Place of Death: Worthing, Sussex, England
 
 
The son of Archibald George and Rosie Powell, Leslie Archibald Powell was employed by the Western Daily Press in Bristol before he enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment. Having fought at Gallipoli, Cadet Powell was promoted to temporary 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) on 5 August 1916. On 30 November 1917, he and his pilot, Andrew McKeever, engaged two enemy two-seaters protected by a flight of seven Albatros D.Vs. During the battle that followed, Powell and McKeever shot down four of the scouts.

AIR 76/409/27
Western Daily Press, Bristol, England, Monday, 4 April 1932, page 7
The Denver Post, Denver, Colorado, Sunday Morning, 3 February 1918, page 1
British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920
 
Military Cross (MC)
"T./2nd Lt. Leslie Archibald Powell, Glouc. R. and R.F.C.
   For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on several occasions in attacking enemy aircraft in superior numbers at close range, destroying some and driving down others out of control. He has also done excellent work on photographic reconnaissances, and has, in every instance, displayed the greatest gallantry and splendid offensive spirit."
Supplement to the London Gazette, 9 January 1918 (30466/636)
 
Military Cross (MC) Bar
"T./2nd Lt. Leslie Archibald Powell, M.C., Gen. List and R.F.C.
   For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Since his name was last brought to notice he has destroyed eight hostile machines. On one occasion, with his pilot, he engaged eleven, enemy aeroplanes, his pilot bringing down one. On another six Albatross scouts and two two-seaters were encountered, two being brought down and three others engaged with indecisive results."
Supplement to the London Gazette, 23 April 1918 (30645/4858)
 
Victories
Date Time Unit Aircraft Opponent Location
1 07 Jul 1917 2030 11 Bristol F.2b (A7144) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) S of Vitry
2 07 Jul 1917 2032 11 Bristol F.2b (A7144) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) S of Vitry
3 07 Jul 1917 2040 11 Bristol F.2b (A7144) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) Monchy
4 05 Aug 1917 1950 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) Quéant
5 05 Aug 1917 1950 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (DESF) Quéant
6 05 Aug 1917 2000 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) Quéant
7 11 Sep 1917 1845 11 Bristol F.2b 2 Albatros D.V (OOC) Cagnicourt
8 23 Sep 1917 1625 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) Vitry
9 23 Sep 1917 1625 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) Vitry
10 02 Oct 1917 1810 11 Bristol F.2b (A7121) 1 Albatros D.V (DESF) Douai-Cambrai
11 16 Oct 1917 1020 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) Brebières
12 16 Oct 1917 1025 11 Bristol F.2b (A7159) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) Douai
13 31 Oct 1917 1600 11 Bristol F.2b (A7153) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) Fresse
14 31 Oct 1917 1600 11 Bristol F.2b (A7153) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) Fresse
15 31 Oct 1917 1600 11 Bristol F.2b (A7153) 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) Fresse
16 30 Nov 1917 1150 11 Bristol F.2b (A7288) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) S of Cambrai
17 30 Nov 1917 1150 11 Bristol F.2b (A7288) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) S of Cambrai
18 30 Nov 1917 1155 11 Bristol F.2b (A7288) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) S of Cambrai
19 30 Nov 1917 1155 11 Bristol F.2b (A7288) 1 Albatros D.V (DES) S of Cambrai
1 Pilot Andrew McKeever
2 Pilot Geoffrey Hooper
 
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