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Andrew
McKeever
Name: Andrew Edward
McKeever
Country: Canada
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service: Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force Units: 11
Victories: 31
Date Of Birth: August 21, 1895
Place of Birth: Listowel, Ontario
Date Of Death: December 25, 1919
Place of Death: Listowel, OntarioWhen the war began, McKeever joined the Queen's Own Rifles of
Canada and was an expert marksman in the trenches of France. Near
the end of 1916, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and was
assigned to 11 Squadron in May of 1917. Scoring all of his
victories with the "Brisfit", McKeever was the highest scoring ace
to fly this type of aircraft during World War I. He was also the
highest scoring ace to serve with 11 Squadron. His last combat of
the war occurred just before noon on November 30 1917, when he and
his observer, L.F. Powell, engaged two enemy two-seaters protected
by a flight of seven Albatros D.Vs. During the battle McKeever and
Powell shot down four of the scouts. After the war, McKeever
returned to Canada, then took a job in 1919 as the manager of an
airfield in the United States. He died from injuries sustained in
an automobile accident on September 3, 1919.
Military Cross (MC)
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, particularly when
on offensive patrol. He attacked eight enemy aircraft
single-handed at close range, and by his splendid dash and
determination destroyed one and drove five down completely out of
control. He had previously shown exceptional fearlessness in
attacking the enemy when in superior numbers, and in the space of
three weeks he destroyed eight hostile machines, setting a fine
example to his squadron." MC citation, London Gazette, September
17, 1917
Military Cross (DFC) Bar
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial combats.
He has recently destroyed five enemy aeroplanes and driven down
six out of control. On one occasion he encountered five enemy
scouts and drove down two out of control. Later, while leading a
patrol, he engaged nine enemy scouts. He destroyed two, drove down
one out of control, and dispersed the remainder. His dash and
determination have been a fine example to his squadron." MC Bar
citation, London Gazette, March 18, 1918
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on patrol
by himself over the enemy's lines in very bad weather he
encountered two enemy two-seater machines and seven scouts. By
skilful manoeuvring he engaged one and destroyed it. As he turned
to get back to the lines five of the enemy dived on his tail and
his observer engaged and destroyed two of them. After an
indecisive combat with two others he attacked and destroyed one of
the enemy which had overshot him. He continued the fight with the
remainder until he was within twenty feet of the ground, when the
enemy machines climbed and left him. He has recently destroyed ten
enemy machines and has shown great courage and initiative." DSO
citation, London Gazette, July 5, 1918
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