Howard Mayers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Mayers
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Mayers in 1940
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| Born | 9 January 1910 Sydney, Australia |
| Died | c. mid/late 1942 (aged 32) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Rank | Wing commander |
| Service number | 77976 |
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Howard Clive Mayers (born January 9, 1910 – died around mid to late 1942) was a brave Australian pilot. He was part of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) during the Second World War. Howard Mayers was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down at least eleven enemy aircraft.
He was born in Sydney, Australia. Later, he studied at the University of Cambridge in England. Before the war, he worked as a businessman in London. When the Second World War began, he joined the RAFVR. After his training, he flew with No. 601 Squadron. He fought in the Battle of Britain and shot down many planes. He was also shot down himself twice.
In 1941, he went to the Middle East. There, he took command of No. 94 Squadron. He led his squadron during a big battle called Operation Crusader. Later, he commanded a larger group of planes, called a wing, in Egypt. In July 1942, he went missing after his plane was damaged and he had to land in the desert. It is believed he died then, or later as a prisoner of war.
Early Life and Training
Howard Clive Mayers was born in Sydney, Australia, on January 9, 1910. His parents were George and Penelope Mayers. After finishing school in Australia, he moved to England. He studied at Jesus College at the University of Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he joined the Cambridge University Air Squadron. This group helped students learn about flying. Later, he lived in London and became a company director.
Howard Mayers was already a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. So, when the Second World War started, he was called to serve. On March 11, 1940, he officially became a pilot officer. After he finished his flight training, he joined No. 601 (County of London) Squadron on August 3. This squadron was based at Tangmere. They flew Hawker Hurricane fighter planes. The squadron was famous for its wealthy pilots and was sometimes called the "Millionaire's Squadron."
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
No. 601 Squadron was very busy during the Battle of Britain. This was a major air battle over England. On August 8, Howard Mayers shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane. This enemy plane was protecting Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers attacking ships.
A few days later, on August 12, he destroyed a Junkers Ju 88 medium bomber. The next day, he likely destroyed another Ju 88 and a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter. He also damaged another Bf 110. However, on that same day, his own plane was shot down. He had to use his parachute and landed in the English Channel. He was rescued by a fast boat and had minor leg injuries. After getting medical help, he returned to his squadron later that day.
On August 16, he shot down two Ju 87s. He also likely shot down another one. Two days later, he destroyed a Bf 109 over Selsey. At the end of August, he destroyed a Dornier Do 17 bomber attacking London docks. He also damaged another one.
On September 4, Mayers destroyed another Do 17. He also shared in likely destroying a Bf 110. On September 25, he shot down a Bf 110 and damaged a Do 17. By October 1, he was a flying officer. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is for bravery in air operations. The official announcement said he had destroyed seven enemy aircraft. It also mentioned how he safely landed his plane even after it was badly damaged.
On October 7, Mayers was shot down again. He crash-landed near Lyme Regis after fighting a Bf 110. He was wounded and had to go to the hospital. This ended his part in the Battle of Britain.
In December, his squadron moved to Northolt. They spent the winter flying missions to protect bombers over France. On February 10, 1941, a plane in Mayers' group was shot down. The pilot parachuted into the English Channel. Mayers guided a boat to rescue the pilot. In early May, Mayers was shot down for a third time. He had to parachute out of his plane near Dover. At the end of May, he was sent to the Middle East.
Leading Squadrons in the Middle East
When Howard Mayers arrived in Egypt, he was given command of No. 94 Squadron. This squadron flew Hurricane planes. They were based near the Suez Canal. In September, he helped destroy a Ju 88. His rank was also made permanent.
In November, a big battle called Operation Crusader began. His squadron flew many missions. They protected bombers and attacked enemy vehicles on the ground. He damaged two Bf 109s during this time. On December 29, he led his squadron to attack a German transport column. One of his pilots was shot down behind enemy lines. Even though German soldiers were close, Mayers landed his own plane to pick up the pilot. Both men squeezed into the cockpit, and Mayers managed to take off safely. They flew back to their base.
For his brave actions, Mayers was mentioned in official reports on January 1, 1942. In February, he received a bar to his DFC. This meant he got the DFC award a second time. The award was for rescuing his pilot in December. The announcement praised his leadership and courage. It also said he had destroyed at least 11 enemy aircraft.
In April, Mayers was promoted to squadron leader. He was also acting as a wing commander. At the end of April, he took command of No. 239 Wing. This group included several squadrons flying P-40 Kittyhawk fighters. In May, his wing found and destroyed 13 German transport planes. Mayers himself shot down one Junkers Ju 52 and damaged another. On July 8, he destroyed a Bf 109.
On July 20, Mayers was leading his wing over the Qattara Depression in the Western Desert. He had just shot down a Macchi C.202 fighter. Then, his own plane was damaged in a dogfight (a fight between planes). He had to make an emergency landing in the desert. His plane was found later, but he was not with it. It is thought he became a prisoner of war. He is believed to have died while being taken to Europe. Another report says he was shot down and killed by ground fire on July 20.
After his death, Howard Mayers was given the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This is a very high award for military officers. The award praised his leadership and skill in air attacks. It also mentioned his bravery and dedication.
Howard Mayers was survived by his wife. He is remembered for shooting down eleven enemy aircraft. He also likely destroyed three more and damaged six. His name is on the Alamein Memorial in Egypt. As an Australian who died serving the United Kingdom, his name is also on the Commemorative Roll at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
