Count Manfred Beckett Czernin facts for kids

Manfred Beckett Czernin (born January 18, 1913 – died October 6, 1962) was a brave pilot for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. Later, he became a secret agent for the Special Operations Executive, helping the Allies behind enemy lines.

Early Life and Family

Manfred Czernin was born in Berlin, Germany. His father, Count Otto von Czernin, was an Austrian diplomat, which means he represented his country in other nations. His mother, Lucy Beckett, was English.

When Manfred was young, his parents divorced. He moved to Italy with his mother but went to school in the United Kingdom at Oundle School. In 1931, he went to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to work on a tobacco farm.

Manfred changed his name a couple of times. First, he changed it to Manfred Beckett in 1931. Then, in 1936, he changed it back to Count Manfred Beckett Czernin.

Joining the Royal Air Force

In April 1935, Czernin returned to the UK and joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF is the UK's air force. He became a pilot and was sent to different squadrons, which are groups of aircraft.

When World War II began, Czernin was called back to duty. He trained as a fighter pilot and joined No. 504 Squadron RAF in January 1940. Soon after, he moved to No. 213 Squadron RAF and then to No. 85 Squadron RAF. Here, he flew Hurricane fighter planes.

Fighting in France

Czernin's squadron faced tough battles against the German Luftwaffe (German air force) in France. On May 16, he had to land his plane after it was damaged by a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft. He then had to walk back to his squadron.

Despite the danger, Czernin was very successful. On May 19, he shot down a Heinkel He 111 and two Dornier Do 17 planes. The next day, he shot down a Henschel Hs 126. He shot down another Heinkel 111 before returning to England by boat on May 21. After this, he joined No. 17 Squadron RAF.

A Hero of the Battle of Britain

Manfred Czernin became one of "The Few" during the Battle of Britain. This was a major air battle in 1940 where the RAF defended the UK against German air attacks. Czernin showed great bravery and skill during this time.

Air Combat Victories

While with No. 17 Squadron, Czernin shot down many enemy planes:

• On July 12, he helped shoot down a Dornier Do 17 that crashed into the sea.
• In July, he shared in shooting down a Junkers Ju 88 and shot down three Messerschmitt Bf 110 planes.
• In September, he shot down two more Bf 110s, a Bf 109, and helped shoot down two Heinkel 111s.
• He also shot down another Bf 110 and helped shoot down a Ju 88 and a Do 17.

On November 17, Czernin's own Hurricane plane was shot down by a famous German pilot named Adolf Galland. Czernin was wounded, but he managed to escape by parachute. His plane crashed near Bradfield Church.

After recovering, Czernin was promoted to acting squadron leader in December 1941. In 1942, he took command of No. 146 Squadron RAF in India. Later, he returned to the UK and was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

Secret Missions in Italy

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was a secret British organization during World War II. Its job was to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in enemy-occupied countries. Czernin became an SOE agent.

First Mission: Northern Italy

On the night of June 13, 1944, Czernin parachuted into northern Italy. He won a Military Cross award for his bravery during this jump. Even though the signals from the ground were confusing, he decided to jump anyway. This was risky because German soldiers sometimes set up fake signals to capture Allied agents. Luckily, the people waiting for him were friendly members of the Italian Resistance.

Czernin spoke fluent Italian. He set up a strong network of Partisans (resistance fighters) in the Tramonti area. He helped them fight against the Germans. At the end of the year, a special plane picked him up and flew him back to Bari.

Second Mission: Lombardy

In March 1945, Czernin parachuted into Italy again, this time in Lombardy. He took charge of operations that led to the surrender of the city of Bergamo.

After the War

After the war ended in October 1945, Czernin left the RAF. He then became a sales manager for Fiat cars in England. He sadly passed away suddenly on October 6, 1962.

Awards for Bravery

Manfred Czernin received several important awards for his courage and service during the war.

Distinguished Flying Cross

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his "great keenness in his desire to engage the enemy." The award mentioned that in August 1940, he bravely led his section in an attack on many enemy aircraft, destroying three of them.

Military Cross

Czernin received the Military Cross for his daring parachute jump into Italy in June 1944. The award citation explained that he jumped even when the signals were wrong, knowing it could be a trap. He did this to check if the reception committee was friendly before his wireless operator and equipment were dropped. This brave action was crucial for a very important mission.

Distinguished Service Order

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his work behind enemy lines in Italy in March and April 1945. He was tasked with bringing together different groups of Partisans to fight as one team.

To reach the Bergamasco area, he had to cross the Passo del Diavolo (Devil's Pass), a mountain pass 9,000 feet high with six feet of snow. He suffered frostbite from the cold, but he crossed it on his third try. His energy and strong personality helped him quickly build a large and effective Partisan group.

On April 28, 1945, the Partisans began their operations. Three enemy garrisons (military bases) surrendered without a fight, and three others were captured. This led to the surrender of Bergamo.

Czernin and the Partisan leader bravely drove into the city in a car with the Union Jack (British flag). When the Germans fired at them, they pulled back. Czernin then ordered an attack on the city. By the morning of April 28, 1945, he had secured the unconditional surrender of the Germans. His award citation stated that he "displayed the highest qualities of leadership and by his courage and daring made a notable contribution to the Allied success in North Italy."

See also

• Czernin von und zu Chudenitz
• Rovetta massacre