First World War.com - Who's Who

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Who's Who: Roderic Dallas
Updated - Sunday, 2 June, 2002

Roderic Dallas (1891-1918) was Australia's second-highest scoring air ace during World War One, with 32 victories to his credit.

Born in Mount Stanley, Queensland on 30 July 1891, Dallas joined the Australian Army on the eve of war in 1913.

When war duly arrived Dallas applied, unsuccessfully, for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Undeterred Dallas promptly applied instead to the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), gaining acceptance in 1915.

Initially in command of Nieuport Scouts and Sopwith Camels/Triplanes Dallas amassed 23 'kills' before being given command of 40 Squadron on 1 April 1918. Within two weeks he suffered an injury while bombing enemy lines.

He nevertheless went on to score a further nine victories (flying an S.E.5a) before being shot down by members of Jasta 14 on 1 June 1918, the claimed victim of Johannes Werner near Lievin.

"Brisfit" was the nickname given to the Bristol Fighter by the British.