Jackie Mann

Jackie Mann DFM (11 June 1914 – 12 November 1995) was a British former RAF fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain, who in later life was kidnapped by Islamists in Lebanon in May 1989, and held hostage for more than two years.

Born in Northampton on 11 June 1914, Mann joined the RAFVR in Reading in 1938. As a Sergeant Pilot (Service No 127025) he was posted to No. 64 Squadron RAF in July 1940 flying the Spitfire. Mann was shot down by Royal Navy AA fire on 16 August. He was then posted to No 92 Squadron RAF in late August, and was wounded in action on 14 September. Serving with No.91 Squadron later in 1941, on 4 April Mann was again shot down and wounded, being badly burned. His victor was either Oberst Adolf Galland or Leut. Robert Menge of JG 26. Awarded a DFM, he underwent plastic surgery at East Grinstead Hospital. A member of the Guinea Pig Club. He met his wife Dilys Pritchard - commonly known as "Sunnie" - in wartime London when Sunnie was an ambulance driver and Jackie was recovering from his severe burns. They married at Chiswick Registry Office in 1943.

When fit he joined 1 ADF at Hendon, and then served with Ferry Command over the North Atlantic routes. His final fighter score was 5 destroyed, 1 probable, and 3 damaged. He was later promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader.

After the war Mann served as Chief Pilot with Middle East Airlines, Mann and his wife Sunnie moving to Lebanon where they subsequently lived for over 40 years. Jackie also ran the Pickwick pub when he retired. Sunnie ran a successful horse riding school.

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