Roderic Stanley “Stan” Dallas was born at Mount Stanley station near Esk, Queensland on the 30th of July 1891,he became one of Australia’s most celebrated fighter aces of the First World War. He was raised in a mining family and educated in Mount Morgan, developing a fascination with flight, even building gliders with his brother and corresponding with aviators abroad.
He began his military career in the Port Curtis Militia in 1913, and after the outbreak of war he set his sights on flying. He was rejected twice by the Royal Flying Corps, so he decided to pay his own way to Britain where after an initial rejection he was finally accepted into the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915.
He started combat flying from Dunkirk in Nieuports and Caudrons, and quickly gained a reputation for his skill and good humour. His nickname “Breguet” came from a prank involving a propellerless aircraft.
Dallas became closely associated with the Sopwith Triplane, in which he achieved many of his victories in 1916 and 1917, including a incredible duel alongside Thomas Culling. The two engaged in one of the war’s most famous dogfights. Facing fourteen German aircraft, they used their height advantage and the Sopwith Triplane’s climbing power to dive, fire short bursts, then rise again for repeated attacks. Over forty-five minutes they launched around twenty strikes, gradually driving the enemy into confusion and forcing them back over their own lines. Three German machines were destroyed, but more importantly, the pair disrupted an offensive aimed at British troops. Dallas received a Bar to his Distinguished Service Cross, while Culling earned the award.
Dallas leadership ability brought him a promotion to command No. 1 Naval Squadron, where he guided younger pilots both in the air and on the ground. He was known for seeing novices through their first combats and even helping them claim their first victories.
When the Royal Air Force was created in April 1918, Dallas was promoted to major and given command of No. 40 Squadron, flying S.E.5s. Despite initial doubts from ex-RFC pilots, he won their respect through his courage and his willingness to share in the dangers. His squadron admired his calm manner and dedication, and he continued to add to his tally of victories.
On the 1st of June 1918, having just been appointed to higher command, he was tragically killed in combat near Liévin, probably by Leutnant Johannes Werner of Jasta 14. He was only twenty-six years old.
Officially credited with 39 victories, though some estimates suggest more than 50, Dallas was admired as much for his leadership and tactical insight as for his personal success. Buried at Pernes in France, he remains one of Australia’s greatest airmen of the First World War.
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