Mannock VC

Great Britain's top-scoring ace of World War1

Jan 26, 2009 Murray McLeod

A glimpse of Edward (Mick) Mannock VC, a fiery,obsessive character who became the leading British ace, but without the acclaim accorded to other aces.

Interned in Turkey

At the outbreak of war the future British ‘Ace of Aces’ Edward (Mick) Mannock was employed as an inspector with a British telephone company in Constantinople. As a result of Turkey’s decision to align herself with Germany, Mannock was interned there. Remarkably he was repatriated in April 1915; because of his age, ill health and poor eyesight.

Pilot’s Wings

In April 1916 he was commissioned in the Royal Engineers, but like so many others his imagination was fired by the exploits of the RFC. Taking account of his poor eyesight it was something of a miracle that he passed the medical examination. Mannock managed to overcome any obstacles and gained his wings in November 1916. Following advanced training he was posted to No.40 Squadron in April 1917. The unit flew Nieuport scouts and for some time Mannock had no combat success. He destroyed a balloon on 7 May but it was not until June that he claimed an enemy aircraft. His lack of success was due partly to having to compensate for his defective left eye. It was a situation that he could not reveal and one that he strove desperately to overcome.

Flight Commander

Following a spell of leave he returned to his unit and on July 12 and 13 he destroyed an enemy 2-seater. On 22 July he was awarded the Military Cross, promoted to captain and also to flight commander. As a patrol leader he was unequalled and also displayed an unselfishness to give credit for his victories to others. Allied to that was a hatred for Germans that bordered on obsessive.He was awarded a Bar to his M.C in November and in December No.40 re-equipped with the SE5. Mannock revelled in the superior performance and by January 1918 his score stood at 23.

Tiger Squadron

Mannock was an obvious choice as flight commander for the newly raised 74 (Tiger) Squadron, also equipped with SE5s. During his three months tenure with No.74 he added a further 36 to his tally. More awards came to Mannock; a DSO in May followed two weeks later by a bar to that decoration. In June he was promoted to major and went on leave before assuming command of 85 Squadron. While on leave Mannock spent some time with James McCudden who was instructing in England at the time of Mannock’s own training. Despite their vastly different personalities they struck up an enduring friendship.

Fatal Patrol

McCudden’s death in a flying accident had a profound effect on the intense Mannock. His hatred for the Germans increased even more, causing him to lead the squadron with greater audacity. It was characteristic that Mannock’s last combat was fought with the object of giving victory to a novice. On July 26 he led Lt.Inglis, a recent arrival at No.85 on a roving patrol. Spotting an enemy 2-seater on the German side of the lines Mannock dived beneath it, forcing it to turn towards Inglis. It was the first stage of a plan that Mannock had outlined in advance to Inglis. Closing from above, Inglis fired a burst that set the 2-seater ablaze. Any exultation of his first victory turned to horror as Mannock’s SE5 also burst into flames. It blazed through two turns of a spin and dived into the ground.

Victoria Cross

Mannock’s score stood at 73; making him Britain’s ace of aces. After defying the odds so boldly, it was supreme irony that he should fall to the bullet of an anonymous soldier. The site of Mannock’s grave is also unknown, like his actual victory score. Even the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross was not announced until 18 July 1919.

The copyright of the article Mannock VC in Military History is owned by Murray McLeod. Permission to republish Mannock VC in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Mannock VC