The South African Ace In A Day – Albert ‘Zulu’ Lewis

On May 19th 1940, the South African born pilot was flying for No.85 Sqn in France, when he achieved five confirmed kills in one day. Two Messerschmidt 109’s on a morning patrol and three in the evening. This earned Lewis his first ‘Ace in a Day’ and the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for bravery.

The term ‘Ace in a Day’ was used to designate a pilot who had shot down five or more enemy aircraft in one day.

On the 27th of September 1940, now flying for No.249 Sqn during the Battle of Britain, Lewis achieved his second ‘Ace in a Day’, claiming six kills (three Bf 109’s, two Bf 110’s and a Ju 88).

The following day on Sept 28th, Lewis was shot down during a patrol over Maidstone and was taken to Faversham Cottage Hospital. He was blinded for two weeks, suffered shrapnel in both legs and severe burns on his face, hands, throat and legs. He returned to the Squadron in December, 1940, having been promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He was flying by December 17th and was awarded a bar to his DFC.

By wars end, Lewis’ final tally was 18 kills. He died in Gloucester, England on December 14th, 1982. He was 64 years old.