Two world wars: one exceptional airman

Leonard Slatter's contributions to aviation, both in war and peace, were remarkable. He was a First World War ace, led the team that flew the Supermarine S.5 seaplane to victory in the Schneider Trophy races, and was responsible for providing air cover for convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic. Graham Jooste tells his story.

- Graham Jooste

Leonard Horatio Slatter was born in Durban in 1894 and educated at Selborne College in East London, where he excelled in mathematics and science. Upon completion of his studies, he went to Battersea Polytechnic in London, England to train as a civil engineer. At the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the Royal Navy.

Later, he was transferred to the Observer Section, which was at the time trying to design an aerial navigation system. Slatter was next posted to the Seaplane Squadron based across the English Channel at Dunkirk on the French coast. Here his leadership qualities were soon noticed and he was chosen for naval pilot training. In 1916 he commenced operational flying duties at the Royal Naval Air Station near Dover on the English Channel.

FIRST VICTORY

On 12 August 1917, while on patrol in his Sopwith Pup over Ostend, Belgium, he noticed an enemy seaplane below him and immediately dived to attack it, his single machine gun blazing. His victim's wing slammed into the water; Slatter had recorded his first victory at the age of 22.

During active service along the English Channel and the French coast, he accounted for the downing of another six enemy aircraft. He also became adept at attacking enemy surface craft and was responsible for sinking a torpedo boat destroyer. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in 1917.