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JM D’Arcy-Levy

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Shot down over Zeebrugge

Levy's next posting was to Felixstowe in Suffolk flying Sopwith Schneider seaplanes on missions across the North Sea, against the Germans.

On the morning of the 12th August 1915 he left his base on a patrol. Apparently on his own initiative, he flew to the port of Zeebrugge where he dropped his bombs on the harbour defences.

As Levy flew over the area he was shot down by the Carrier Pigeon loft attendant. His accurate fire hit Levy's petrol tank, causing the engine to stop.

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Messenger pigeons played an important role during World War One. They were often used as military messengers, thanks to their homing ability, speed and altitude. (FAA)

Levy made a forced landing on the water, but was unable to get the engine going again. He kicked holes in the aircraft's floats, sinking the aircraft before being captured.

The Germans salvaged the Schneider and rebuilt her to flying condition. The aircraft ended its days in a travelling exhibition of captured Allied aircraft.

To learn about Levy's time as a Prisoner of War, select Next