Mannock's death

'While following Major Mannock in search of two-seater EAs, we observed an EA two-seater coming towards the lines and truned away to gain height, and dived to get east of EA. EA saw us just too soon and turned east. Major Mannock turned and got in a good burst when he pulled away. I got in a good burst at very close range after which EA went into a slow left-hand spiral with flames coming out of his right side. I watched him go straight into the ground and go up in a large cloud of smoke and flame.
I then turned and followed Major Mannock back at about 200 feet. About half way back I saw a flame come out of the right-hand side of his machine after which he apparently went down out of control. I went into a spiral down to 50 feet and saw machine go straight into the ground and burn. I saw no one leave the machine and then started for the line, climbing slightly; at about 150 feet there was a bang and I was smothered in petrol, my engine cut out so I switched off and made a landing five yards behind our front line.'
-The above is Inglis' report of the flight...

I don't wish to open old wounds, so to speak, but I am of the opinion that Mannock's score was higher than the official score of 73. *Of course we will never really know, but he did have a reputation for "giving" some of his kills to inexperienced pilots. *His leadership in the air was second to none..........in my opinion

[Amy]

His leadership in the air was second to none..........in my opinion

I'll second that opinion. In fact, putting all nationalities, classes, etc. aside and looking at just pure "leadership" abilities, I'd choose Mick the superior leader over MvR without any hesitation.

[Billy_Bishop]

I don't wish to open old wounds, so to speak, but I am of the opinion that Mannock's score was higher than the official score of 73. *Of course we will never really know, but he did have a reputation for "giving" some of his kills to inexperienced pilots. *His leadership in the air was second to none..........in my opinion

Don't worry about opening old wounds, it's done here all the time. *And I for one, don't mind at all. *

Considering the RFC/RNAS/RAF's scoring rules, I'd put that reputation more in the manner of a "rumour." *By the rules, however many participated in bringing down an enemy aircraft, EACH ONE got full credit. *In one particular instance one "KILL" accounted for NINE, count'em, NINE Victory Credits. *

In other words, Mannock didn't have to give ANYTHING away, all he had to do was mention the other fellows in his combat report as having taken a shot at the enemy as well as he, and then "poof", instant victory credit to the other pilot.

I'm afraid that as well as his "score" of 73, the idea of him "giving away kills" is also something purported by Taffy Jones. *His unabashed friend, and supporter.

Believe me, we've hashed this out on numerous threads here. *Mostly before this current system was put into place. *I believe the majority concensus was that he did not likely give away anything. *He didn't have to!!

VBR,

Al Lowe

[Billy_Bishop]

And by the way, I too think he was a Great leader. Most certainly a better leader than Bishop, who should NEVER have been given anything more than a flight.

VBR,

Al Lowe

[Vin]

Captain Lewis

There are a number of reports/accounts of the event attributed to Inglis among the various Mannock sites. All are similar in effect. The wording in the account you quote smacks of a CITAR. Where did it come from ?


Vin

Mick led one Squadron,"The von" led
4 Jastas,Mick"s not in the same league
with MvR

[Ginger.]

That's correct,because The Von was in league with the Devil.He only lasted as long as he did because of the herd of cronies he had covering his back.
Mick on the other hand was prepared to go deep into enemy territory with only a Sprog for company.

This is the first I heard that "The Devil"
was Pro-German during "The Great War"!
"Fire is the Devils only friend"
I would think "The Devil" would be keeping
a watch over a certain German Corporal.
I think we are all familar with that German Corporal

I know about previous "discussions" *regarding scores, from a few years back....I participated in one or two; under a different name of course!! *