THE BRITISH "ACE"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 254, 22 July 1919, Page 4

THE BRITISH "ACE"

DESTROYED 73 lIUN 'PLANES. | With a record of 73 enemy machines j destroyed, the distinction of British "m:e" belongs to the late Maior Edward ! Man nock, a i-rinle D.F.O. and triple M.C. N (says the "Daily Chronicle"). Search lias been made l>v an officer of the Air Ministry, the "Daily Chronicle" understands, amongst (he records of the squadrons in France with this ' result: bill: it is doubtful whether the "aco" will ever be officially awarded, as the R.A.F. policy is opposed to singling out individual airmen for mention in this respect.

Major Mannock was killed in rather curious circumstances last summer in the Arras region—iust after lie had accounted for his 73rd victim. Friends of his in the division holding the line reported that it was the practice of German machines, usuallv two in number, to fly over and "strafe" our trenches at a particular hour each day.^ Calling for a volunteer to accompany him .in another mnchine, Major Mannock decided to intercept the methodical Huns, next day. Three were siarhted.' who retired when they saw the British ''planes; I'iit the major rit out one and eventually shot it down. In the fight ho lost altitude considerably, and coming w : <V„ eft'ectivo range of machine-gun fire from the ground, was himself fatally hib He fell a short distance behind tho German lino':. Major Mannock was 30 years of age and he a-hWerl his '•"•narknWo record in one year's fighting. He won four decorations in 12 days, and in a single day destroyed four'opponents! ' • ■ ' T T is performances are the more extraordinary for the fact that he was blind in one eye—a defect he contrived to conceal when entering the Air Force.