Vernon Keough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vernon Charles Keough
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_Pilot_Officers_V_C_%27Shorty%27_Keough_(CH1442).jpg)
Pilot Officer Vernon Keough at RAF Church Fenton, Yorkshire, October 1940
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| Nickname(s) | Shorty |
| Born | 8 June 1911 Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | 15 February 1941 (aged 29) off Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, England |
| Allegiance |  France United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
France Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1941 |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Service number | 81620 |
| Unit | No. 609 Squadron RAF No. 71 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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Vernon Charles "Shorty" Keough (born June 8, 1911 – died February 15, 1941) was an American pilot. He flew with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain in World War II. He was one of only 11 American pilots who fought in this important battle.
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About Vernon Keough
Vernon Keough was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA, on June 8, 1911. His parents were Charles K. Nezu and Constance Theresa Keough.
Before joining the military, Vernon was a skilled pilot. He had a special license to fly planes. He was also a professional parachute jumper. He made over 500 jumps and performed at air shows across America.
Joining the War Effort
When World War II began, Vernon Keough wanted to help. He and two American friends, Andrew Mamedoff and Eugene Tobin, decided to join the French Air Force. They were part of a group of 32 pilots recruited by Charles Sweeny.
However, by the time they arrived in France, Germany had already invaded the country. The three friends then traveled to England. In 1940, they joined the Royal Air Force (RAF).
His Nickname "Shorty"
Vernon Keough was the smallest pilot in the entire Royal Air Force. He was only about 147 centimeters (4 feet 10 inches) tall. Because of his height, everyone called him "Shorty." He even needed two cushions in his Supermarine Spitfire plane to see out of the cockpit!
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
On August 8, 1940, Keough joined No. 609 Squadron RAF. This squadron was based at Middle Wallop airfield. He flew many missions during the busiest time of the Battle of Britain. This was in August and September 1940.
He helped shoot down a Dornier Do 17 bomber on September 15. He worked with Pilot Officer Mike Appleby and Flight Lieutenant John Dundas to achieve this.
Later, on September 18, 1940, he moved to RAF Kirton in Lindsey. He became a founding member of No. 71 'Eagle' Squadron. This squadron was special because it was made up mostly of American pilots. His friends Andrew Mamedoff and Eugene Tobin also joined this squadron.
His Final Flight
On February 15, 1941, Vernon Keough was on a mission. He was protecting ships off Flamborough Head in East Riding of Yorkshire, England. During this mission, he was chasing a German Heinkel He 111 plane.
He was last seen spinning down into the sea. It is thought he might have become confused in the clouds or had a problem with his oxygen supply. Vernon Keough was 29 years old when he died. His body was never found. However, he is remembered at the Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, England.
See also
- Eagle Squadron
- List of Battle of Britain pilots
- Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain
Images for kids
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The Dornier 17 shot down by Keough, John Dundas, and Mike Appleby on 15 September 1940. One of the German crew, Feldwebel Pfeiffer, is being carried on a stretcher.
