John Urwin-Mann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Urwin-Mann
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Portrait of Urwin-Mann, drawn by Cuthbert Orde in 1940
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| Nickname(s) | 'Jack' |
| Born | 20 July 1920 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Died | 7 March 1999 (aged 78) England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1959 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Commands held | No. 126 Squadron No. 80 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar |
John Urwin-Mann (July 20, 1920 – March 7, 1999) was a brave Canadian pilot, known as a 'flying ace.' He fought for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He was incredibly skilled, shooting down at least eight enemy planes.
Born in Victoria, Canada, Urwin-Mann joined the RAF in 1939. He flew Hawker Hurricane fighter planes with No. 253 Squadron and later No. 238 Squadron. He played a key role in the Battle of Britain, where he achieved most of his victories. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
In 1941, he went to the Middle East. He commanded No. 80 Squadron and then No. 126 Squadron in Malta. He earned a second DFC (called a 'Bar') and the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership and fighting skills. After the war, he stayed in the RAF until 1959, retiring as a Squadron Leader. He passed away in England in 1999.
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Early Life and Joining the RAF
John Ronald Urwin-Mann, often called Jack, was born on July 20, 1920. His birthplace was Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. His parents were from the United Kingdom. In 1922, when Jack was two, his family moved back to England. They settled in Hove, a town in East Sussex.
Jack went to Xavier College in Brighton. In March 1939, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started his flight training at Redhill. By June, he was an acting pilot officer. The next month, he continued his training at Tern Hill.
World War II: A Pilot's Story
In December 1939, after finishing his training, Urwin-Mann went to Athan. There, he learned to fly the Hawker Hurricane fighter plane. In January 1940, he joined No. 253 Squadron. This squadron was based at Manston and was getting ready for combat. By April, they were ready and started flying planes to France.
In May, as the Battle of France began, Urwin-Mann moved to the new No. 238 Squadron. This squadron was based at Tangmere.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
By early July, No. 238 Squadron was ready for action. They were part of No. 10 Group and flew from Middle Wallop. They soon became very busy fighting in the skies over the south-west coast of England.
On July 11, Urwin-Mann and two other pilots shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 fighter near Portland. Two days later, he helped destroy another Bf 110 in the same area. On August 11, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter over Portland. Two days later, he shot down another Bf 109 nearby.
The squadron moved to St Eval in Cornwall. On August 21, Urwin-Mann destroyed a Junkers Ju 88 bomber north of Trevose Head.
No. 238 Squadron returned to Middle Wallop in September. As the Luftwaffe (German air force) attacked south-east England more often, the squadron was called to stop them. On September 15, known as Battle of Britain Day, Urwin-Mann claimed two victories. He shot down a Heinkel He 111 bomber south of London. He also likely destroyed another He 111 in the same area.
He shot down two more He 111s over Bristol on September 25. The next day, he destroyed a Bf 110 over the Isle of Wight. His last victory in the Battle of Britain was on October 7. He destroyed a Ju 88 west of Portland.
For his success, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The official announcement said he showed great skill and courage. It noted he had destroyed at least eight enemy aircraft.
Service in North Africa and Malta
In May 1941, No. 238 Squadron moved to North Africa. They flew patrols in Egypt and Libya. They also escorted bombers. On December 9, Urwin-Mann damaged a Bf 109. By the end of 1941, he was a flight lieutenant.
In early 1942, Urwin-Mann was given command of No. 80 Squadron. He led them until April. They mostly defended the Nile Delta region. He then received a Bar to his DFC, meaning he earned the DFC a second time.
After six months working at RAF Middle East Command, he returned to flying. In October 1942, he became commander of No. 126 Squadron in Malta. This squadron flew Supermarine Spitfire fighters. They began flying missions to Sicily, attacking enemy targets and escorting other planes. On January 28, 1943, he likely destroyed a Messerschmitt Me 210 fighter.
He was promoted to Squadron Leader on March 6, 1943. The next month, he was in an accident. Another plane crashed into his Spitfire while he was waiting to take off. He was burned on his face and arms and sent back to England for treatment. While he was recovering, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. This award recognized his leadership and success in attacking enemy targets in Sicily.
Later War Service
After recovering, Urwin-Mann worked at the headquarters of Air Defence of Great Britain. In January 1944, he became an instructor at a training unit. Later, he worked at another training unit at Rednal. When the war ended, he was at the Central Fighter Establishment.
He is officially credited with shooting down ten enemy aircraft. He also probably destroyed two more and damaged two others.
After the War
On September 1, 1945, Urwin-Mann was given a permanent job in the RAF as a flight lieutenant. He worked at the Air Ministry. In August 1947, he became an instructor at a school for fighter leaders. Later, he taught at the Instrument Training School.
In July 1949, he returned to flying with No. 1 Squadron. He later went back to teaching. He also spent time instructing on English Electric Canberra jet bombers. He retired from the RAF on March 15, 1959, as a squadron leader.
Later Life
After leaving the RAF, Urwin-Mann worked in sales management for several years. He then worked for National Westminster Bank. He retired to the south of England and passed away on March 7, 1999.
