How did Albert Ball become a fighter ace at just 19?

I’m a 63 year old American. Believe it or not , I have known of Albert Ball since I was a young boy in grade school because of my love of aviation. He and Edward Mannock were some of my heroes

I taught his Great niece, Angela Ball in Alderney in 2001. We did a history project on her great uncle that resulted in the family being flown to Nottingham castle to see the Albert Ball Museum. Prior to this, the family had not even heard of him. The family now proudly display his framed dispatches etc in their home. She looked so much like him it was uncanny. She is very proud of him.

In an age where people look up to YouTube 'influencers', sportsmen and pop-stars, I think it's great that you are resurrecting the stories of those that actually deserve our respect.

I visited Balls grave in France, on a grey windy day. When we dropped my brother off at Trent College in, Long Eaton during the fall of 1976. His headmaster was shocked that a 13 year old American knew more about Albert Ball than most of the faculty and all of the students. I was 14 when we went to his burial site on my insistence. I fist read about him at the age of 7. My father being a Navy Pilot helped a lot, as our home was stuffed to the gills with books on aviation.

My Dad worked as an apprentice at Elliot's garage on Derby road Nottingham. When Alberts father was Mayor he hated having his chauffer stop to refuel his Mayoral car so he had cans of petrol delivered to his house. This was a job my father usually did and each time he would "borrow" a pint or so from each can and fill his Scott motorcycle up for free! So my claim to fame is my Dad pinched petrol off Albert Balls Dad.

Thank you Chris, he's my favourite WW1 ace, have you seen the poem written about him, simply titled "Albert Ball VC".

I am 77 yrs old. My Grandfather helped in WW1 & my Father fought in WW2, yet I've never heard of Albert Ball ?! What a man he was! What a Hero. Thanks for posting this, regards, John.

I am simply amazed and what this man accomplished in a short young life. His story should be shared with all British youth as an inspiration. Bravo and kudos, amigo.

Thank you for telling Albert's story, Chris. We will remember them. Regards, Ian

An RAF engineer once explained his theory on why Albert was so good - he was merticulous on checking his ammunition for defects. This reduced his guns jamming which was a common problem. As he survived more battles he got more experience & became the better pilot with working equipment

Wondeful story, wonderfully told. My grandfather was a RFC/RAF fighter pilot. He died long before I was born, and, my mother says, he never spoke about the war so we know nothing about his time in the conflict.

A brilliant story wonderfully told. What a good looking young hero Albert Ball was, an amazing character. Thanks for posting.

Rest in Peace dear Albert. Thank you for your service.

Yes would love to hear more stories of the Great War keep up the good work 👍

Always enjoy your videos but for me this is the best yet. Albert Ball has been my “aviation hero” for more decades than I care to count. I have all of the available biographies plus copies of some of his combat reports. Thank you for bringing his story to a wider audience.

I have his wristwatch that he was wearing when he was killed coming up for sale later this year at Bamfords Auctioneers. The lot will also include his RFC calling card, a Bowie Knife, photos, etc. The watch was returned by the Germans to his father. His father later gave it to his chauffeur. Albert Senior had the watch repaired at the same retailer in Nottingham where Albert had purchased it. The chauffeur’s son who knew Albert as a boy later wore the watch to school. The watch comes directly from the family.

My ancestor was a partner with Ball's Father (there were three partners) in the purchase of land in what is now Aspley/ Bilborough / Strelley. The purchase went from what is now Gregory Boulevard all the way up Aspley Lane. My own family sold the land that is now Blue Coat School and were market gardeners/ Nursery men in to the 1980's in this area. The land that Ball's Father bought was developed in to a huge swathe of what would be Council and private homes. As an aside, in the 1990's I served with the "Robin Hood Rifles" (tracing its lineage to the 7th Battalion), when it was a constituent company of the 3rd Battalion the Worcester & Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

I went to college in Nottingham in 1952 , the Castle museum had lots of damaged memorabilia ofAlbert Balls planes 😊The story of his death was that he sometimes circled a French church to set his watch before returning. The Germans mounted a machine gun in the tower , damaged his aeroplane, Ball hit a fence trying to land and died.. He was also known to play a violin for relaxation

Excellent story, very well presented.More from WW1 please 👍

I learnt about Albert Ball, during my history lessons at school, and my love of aviation. What a courageous young man he was. Like so many other young men,…to die so young.! Very sad.