John Worrall (pilot)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John "Barron" Worrall
19 April 1911 – 14 January 1988
Nickname	"Barron"
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Royal Air Force
Years of service	1939–1941
Rank	Air Marshall
Unit	No. 1 Squadron RAF No. 208 Squadron RAF No. 32 Squadron RAF
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Distinguished Flying Cross

Squadron Leader John "Barron" Worrall DFC (19 April 1911 –14 January 1988) was a Royal Air Force pilot who, during the Second World War, led No. 32 Squadron in the Battle of Britain, flying the Hawker Hurricane.

Contents 1 RAF 1.1 Early Years 1.2 Second World War 1.3 Post War 2 References 2.1 Citations and notes

[edit] RAF

[edit] Early Years

Worrall joined the RAF in 1930 and was granted permanent status on 19 December 1931, at the rank of Pilot Officer. Worrall initially joined No. 1 Squadron RAF, and then No. 208 Squadron RAF on 28 February 1933. In 1936 Worrall went to China were he studied attended the School of Oriental Studies at Peking University.

[edit] Second World War

Worrall was recalled to No 32 Sqn in May 1940. While based at Biggin Hill and HawkingeWorrall participated in the Battle of Britain, commanding No. 32 Squadron. Under his leadership, by the end of August 1940, 32 Squadron had claimed 71 enemy aircraft shot down for just 5 pilots killed. By the end of August No. 32 Squadron had destroyed 102 enemy aircraft.^[1] Soon afterwards Worrall became a Fighter Controller at Biggin Hill's control room. Worrell's only personal score was a half share, made on 31 August 1940. Worrall was shot down only, once on 20 July 1940.

[edit] Post War

Worrall continued to serve in the RAF after the war, eventually rising to the rank of Air Marshall. Worrall retired on 1 January 1963.^[2]

[edit] References

• Homles, Tony. Hurricane Aces 1939 - 1940. London: Osprey Publications. 1998. ISBN 978-1-85532-597-5
• Air Vice-Marshal J Worrall (26251)
• http://www.the-battle-of-britain.co.uk/pilots/Wo-pilots.htm

[edit] Citations and notes