Captain Albert Ball VC memorial, Nottingham

Captain Albert Ball VC memorial, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham. (Detail of his S.E.5 aeroplane - one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the First World War, along with the Sopwith Camel). Sculpture by Henry Poole. © Historic England/DP068349. The exploits of the McCudden brothers in the First World War, and other air aces (pilots who achieved 5 ‘kills’), such as Captain Albert Ball VC, were celebrated in the national newspapers. Initially the RFC did not publicise their exploits. But public demand for heroes led to this being abandoned as publicity raised morale within the service and on the home front.