John Worrall (pilot)

Infobox Military Person
name= John "Barron" Worrall
lived= 9 April 1911 – 14 January 1988
placeofbirth=
placeofdeath=


caption=
nickname="Barron"
allegiance=flag|United Kingdom
serviceyears= 1930–1963
rank= Air Vice-Marshal
branch= air force|United Kingdom
commands=
unit= No. 1 Squadron RAF
No. 208 Squadron RAF
No. 32 Squadron RAF
battles= World War II
*Battle of Britain
awards=Companion of the Order of the Bath
Distinguished Flying Cross
Mention in Despatches
laterwork=

Air Vice Marshal John "Barron" Worrall CB, DFC (9 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.

RAF

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, where he attended the School of Oriental Studies at Peking University.

econd 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. [Holmes 1998, p. 85.] 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.

Post War

Worrall continued to serve in the RAF after the war, eventually rising to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal. Worrall retired on 1 January 1963. [ [http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Worrall_J.htm Air Vice-Marshal J Worrall (26251)] ]

References

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

Citations and notes