Jack Mason (RAF airman) facts for kids

Sergeant Jack Mason MM (1896–1968) was a brave British soldier. He became a famous "flying ace" during World War I. This means he was officially credited with helping to shoot down five enemy aircraft.

Jack Mason: A World War I Hero

Jack Mason was born in 1896 in Liverpool, England. He joined the military and played an important role in both World War I and World War II.

Serving in the Skies

In 1917, Jack Mason was a Corporal in the Royal Flying Corps. This was an early version of the Royal Air Force. He served in No. 11 Squadron. His job was an observer/gunner in a Bristol F.2b airplane. This plane had two seats: one for the pilot and one for the observer/gunner. The observer helped spot enemy planes and fired the machine gun.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Jack Mason achieved his first aerial victory on June 8, 1917. He and his pilot, Captain Richard Raymond-Barker, drove down an Albatros D.III enemy plane over Bohain. This means they forced it to crash or land out of control.

On August 14, he helped take down another enemy plane, an Albatros D.V, over Brebières. Later, on October 21, he was part of a team that accounted for three more D.Vs over Boiry–Lécluse. For these three victories, his pilot was Lieutenant Ronald Mauduit. In total, Jack Mason was credited with five aerial victories, making him a flying ace.

Awards and Later Service

In November 1917, Jack Mason was awarded the Military Medal. This is a special award given to soldiers for bravery on the battlefield. After World War I, he learned to fly and earned his own pilot's license.

During World War II, Jack Mason continued to serve his country. He worked at the Naval base in Londonderry. He was involved in Operation Deadlight, which was about sinking German U-boats after the war. For his service in World War II, he was awarded the Atlantic Star medal. Jack Mason passed away in 1968.