Brian van Mentz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian van Mentz
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| Born | December 23, 1917 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Died | 26 April 1941 (aged 23) |
| Buried |
Brookwood Military Cemetery
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| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Service number | 70826 |
| Unit | No. 213 Squadron No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron No. 222 (Natal) Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Brian van Mentz (born 23 December 1917 – died 26 April 1941) was a brave pilot from South Africa. He became a flying ace in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. A flying ace is a pilot who shoots down five or more enemy aircraft. Brian van Mentz is known for destroying at least seven German planes.
He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1937, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He earned his pilot's "wings" and became an officer in the RAF. He first flew with No. 213 Squadron.
When the Second World War began, he moved to No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron. He fought in the Battle of France in May 1940. There, he achieved his first aerial victories. Soon after, he joined No. 222 (Natal) Squadron. This squadron was heavily involved in the Battle of Britain. He achieved more victories and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Sadly, he died at just 23 years old during a bombing raid by enemy aircraft.
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Early Life and Joining the RAF
Brian van Mentz was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 23 December 1917. His parents were Sidney and Rosine van Mentz. He went to school in the United Kingdom at City of London Freemen's School in Ashtead, Surrey.
In September 1937, Brian joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). This was a group for people who wanted to train as pilots. He learned to fly at a training school in Brough. After his initial training, he became an acting pilot officer in the RAFVR. He then went to No. 8 Flying Training School in Montrose, where he earned his pilot's "wings." This meant he was a fully qualified pilot.
In July 1938, van Mentz was assigned to No. 213 Squadron. This squadron was based at RAF Wittering and trained on Gloster Gauntlet fighter planes. Within six months, they started using the faster Hawker Hurricane fighter. Brian van Mentz then officially joined the RAF as a pilot officer in October 1938.
Fighting in the Second World War
When the Second World War started, No. 213 Squadron was ready for action. However, they did not see much fighting at first. They mostly flew patrols along the east coast of the United Kingdom. Brian van Mentz was soon moved to No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron. This squadron also flew Hurricane planes and was based at RAF Digby. In February 1940, van Mentz became ill and was in the hospital for several weeks. He returned to duty on 8 May.
Battle of France Missions
Just a few days after Brian van Mentz returned, No. 504 Squadron was sent to France. They joined other RAF fighter squadrons already fighting there. This was during the Battle of France, when Germany invaded nearby countries. The squadron immediately joined the intense air battles.
On 14 May, Brian van Mentz achieved his first confirmed victory. He destroyed a Junkers Ju 88 bomber during a morning patrol. The next day, he shot down a Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber. He also damaged a Henschel Hs 126 reconnaissance plane, though this was not fully confirmed. On 16 May, he damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter. A few days later, he was promoted to flying officer.
By 20 May, No. 504 Squadron had very few working planes left. Brian van Mentz flew one of the last four planes back to the United Kingdom. He was then transferred to No. 222 (Natal) Squadron. This squadron flew Supermarine Spitfire fighters and was based at RAF Hornchurch. The planes for this squadron were bought with money donated by people in the Natal province of South Africa. Brian van Mentz was the only pilot born in South Africa to fly with this unit during the Battle of Britain.
Battle of Britain Heroics
No. 222 Squadron was based at Hornchurch, which meant they were right in the middle of the air battles over southeast England. On 31 August, van Mentz damaged a Bf 109 near Maidstone. On 3 September, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter near Rochford. Later that day, he damaged another Bf 110.
On 7 September, he likely destroyed a Bf 109. He also shared in probably destroying a Dornier Do 17 bomber with another pilot. His Spitfire plane was damaged during this fight. On 11 September, he shot down a Ju 88, watching it crash into the sea near Hastings. On his way back to Hornchurch, he also damaged a Bf 109.
On 15 September, a day now known as Battle of Britain Day, van Mentz damaged another Ju 88. Eight days later, he shot down a Bf 110 over Dover, seeing it burst into flames. On 12 October, he damaged a Bf 110. After this, he was told he would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for bravery in air operations against the enemy.
His DFC award was announced publicly in October. The official statement said he had destroyed six enemy aircraft and likely destroyed three more. It praised his skill and courage in leading his section and attacking large enemy groups.
On 30 October, van Mentz damaged another Bf 109. By this time, the main part of the Battle of Britain was ending. No. 222 Squadron moved to RAF Coltishall for quieter patrols over the North Sea. At the end of November, he destroyed a Do 17. In December, he was promoted to acting flight lieutenant. He received his DFC medal from King George VI on 28 January 1941.
Three days later, he likely destroyed a Ju 88. On 2 February, he damaged a Heinkel He 111 bomber. On 18 March, he shared a victory over a Do 17 with another pilot.
His Final Mission
On Saturday, 26 April 1941, Brian van Mentz was with some other members of No. 222 Squadron. They were near Horning when enemy bombs fell. One bomb hit a building at 9:46pm. Brian van Mentz was one of 21 people who died in the explosion. He was buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Woking.
Brian van Mentz is officially credited with shooting down seven German aircraft. He also shared one victory with another pilot. He had one unconfirmed victory, three planes he probably destroyed (one shared), and nine planes he damaged. He was a true hero of the skies.
