Edward Mannock
| Edward Corringham Mannock | |
|---|---|
Mannock in his flying kit, c. 1917
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Mick" |
| Born |
24 May 1887 Unknown (in British Isles) |
| Died | 26 July 1918 (aged 31) Calonne-sur-la-Lys near Pacault, France |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1918 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 40, 74, 85 Squadron |
| Commands held | 74 and 85 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order & Two Bars Military Cross & Bar |
Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC & Bar (24 May 1887 – 26 July 1918) was a British flying ace in the Royal Flying Corps and in the Royal Air Force during the First World War. Mannock was a pioneer of fighter aircraft tactics in aerial warfare. At his death he had amassed 61 aerial victories, the fifth highest scoring pilot of the war.
Mannock was born in 1887 to an English father, Edward Mannock, and an Irish mother. Mannock's father served in the British Army and the family moved to India when Mannock was a small child. Mannock was sickly and developed several ailments in his formative years. Upon his return to England he became a fervent supporter of Irish nationalism and the Irish Home Rule movement but became a member of the Independent Labour Party where he satisfied his interest in politics.
In 1914 Mannock was working as a telephone engineer in Turkey. After the Ottoman Empire's entry into the war on the side of the Central Powers he was interned. Mannock was badly treated and soon fell ill. Turkish authorities repatriated him to Britain believing him to be unfit for war service.
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Wikipedia