Nickname(s) "Barron" Role RAF officer Allegiance United Kingdom Died January 14, 1988 | Years of service 1930–1963 Service/branch Royal Air Force Name John Worrall Rank Air vice-marshal | |
Battles/wars World War II
Battle of Britain Awards Order of the Bath, Distinguished Flying Cross, Mentioned in dispatches Battles and wars Battle of Britain, World War II Unit No. 1 Squadron RAF, No. 208 Squadron RAF, No. 32 Squadron RAF | ||
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.
Contents
Early years
Worrall joined the RAF in 1930 and was granted permanent status on 19 December 1931, in the rank of pilot officer. He represented the RAF College at Hockey. Worrall initially joined No. 1 Squadron, and then transferred to 208 Squadron on 28 February 1933. In 1936, he went to China, where he attended the School of Oriental Studies at Peking University.
Second World War
Worrall was recalled and posted to No. 32 Squadron RAF in May 1940. While based at Biggin Hill and Hawkinge, Worrall participated in the Battle of Britain, commanding No. 32 Squadron. Under his leadership, by the end of August 1940, No. 32 Squadron had claimed 71 enemy aircraft shot down for five pilots killed. By the end of August, No. 32 Squadron had destroyed 102 enemy aircraft. In early August 1940 Worrall was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
Soon afterwards Worrall became a Fighter Controller at Biggin Hill's control room.
Worrall's only personal score was a half share, made on 31 August 1940. He was shot down only once on 20 July 1940, obliging him to a forced landing near Hawkinge in Hurricane Mk. I, N2532.
In March 1944 W/C Worrall was SASO/HQ, No 216 Group.
Post War
In July 1945 Worrall became Senior Personnel Staff Officer at HQ, Transport Command. He continued to serve in the RAF after the war, eventually rising to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal. He retired on 1 January 1963.
Following retirement from the RAF, Worrall became Managing Director of The Advertising Agency Poster Bureau Ltd in 1964 and 1965.