John Urwin-Mann
John Urwin-Mann, (20 July 1920 – 7 March 1999) was a Canadian flying ace who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. During his service with the RAF, he achieved at least eight aerial victories. Born in Victoria in British Columbia, Urwin-Mann joined the RAF in 1939 and the following year was posted to No. 253 Squadron, flying Hawker Hurricane fighters. He flew with this unit prior to and during the early days of the Battle of France in May 1940 before being transferred to No. 238 Squadron. He flew through the Battle of Britain and achieved the majority of his aerial victories, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Sent to the Middle East in 1941, he took command of No. 80 Squadron early the following year and then, in October 1942, moved to Malta where he led No. 126 Squadron. Subsequently, awarded a bar to his DFC, and then the Distinguished Service Order, he spent the final years of the war in a staff and training role. He remained in the RAF in the postwar period until 1959, when he retired with the rank of squadron leader. Settling in England, he died in 1999, aged 78. Early life John Ronald Urwin-Mann, known as Jack, was born on 20 July 1920 in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, Canada. His parents were originally from the United Kingdom and in 1922, they relocated with Urwin-Mann to England, settling in Hove, East Sussex. Educated at Xavier College in Brighton, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in March 1939. His training commenced at No. 15 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School at Redhill, and he was granted a short service commission as an acting pilot officer with effect from 24 June. The next month, he proceeded to No. 10 Flying Training School at Tern Hill. Second World War In December 1939, with his training completed, Urwin-Mann was sent to Athan for a conversion course on the Hawker Hurricane fighter. He was confirmed in his pilot officer rank at the end of the month and then in January 1940 was posted to No. 253 Squadron. At the time, the squadron was based at Manston and working up to operational status with its Hurricanes. It achieved this in April, and began to ferry aircraft to France for the fighter squadrons there. In May, just after the commencement of the Battle of France, Urwin-Mann was transferred to the newly formed No. 238 Squadron, which was based at Tangmere. Battle of Britain At the start of July, No. 238 Squadron was deemed ready for operations as part of No. 10 Group, operating from Middle Wallop, and soon became heavily engaged in the aerial fighting over the south west coast. On 11 July Urwin-Mann was one of three pilots that shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter to the south east of Portland. Two days later, he again combined with other pilots to destroy a Bf 110,