John Worrall (RAF officer) facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal John "Barron" Worrall, CB, DFC (born April 9, 1911 – died January 14, 1988) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He is best known for leading No. 32 Squadron during the Second World War. He flew the famous Hawker Hurricane fighter plane in the important Battle of Britain.

RAF Career

Starting Out

John Worrall joined the RAF in 1930. He became a full-time pilot officer in 1931. He was good at sports, even playing hockey for the RAF College.

He first joined No. 1 Squadron. Later, in 1933, he moved to No. 208 Squadron. In 1936, he traveled to China to study at Peking University.

World War Two Hero

When the Second World War began, Worrall was called back to duty. In May 1940, he joined No. 32 Squadron RAF. This was a very important time for Britain.

Worrall and his squadron were based at airfields like Biggin Hill and Hawkinge. He led No. 32 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where the RAF defended Britain from German attacks.

Under his strong leadership, No. 32 Squadron was very successful. By the end of August 1940, they had shot down 71 enemy aircraft. They lost only five of their own pilots. By the end of August, the squadron had destroyed a total of 102 enemy planes.

For his bravery and leadership, John Worrall was given the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in August 1940.

After his time flying in battles, Worrall became a Fighter Controller. This meant he helped guide other fighter planes from the control room at Biggin Hill.

He was shot down only once, on July 20, 1940. He had to make an emergency landing near Hawkinge in his Hurricane plane. Later in the war, in March 1944, he worked as a Senior Air Staff Officer.

After the War

After the war ended in 1945, Worrall continued to serve in the RAF. He rose to a very high rank, becoming an Air Vice Marshal. He retired from the RAF on January 1, 1963.