1-151-863 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

British pilot Captain Albert Ball posing with trophies from his 43rd victory, 1917. Captain Ball was one of Britain's most prolific fighter aces of the First World War, shooting down 44 enemy aircraft in total and acquiring a dashing public reputation. Ball was shot down and killed on 7 May 1917 shortly before his 21st birthday. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.