Edward Corringham Mannock

Major Edward "Mick" Mannock VC was Britain's highest-scoring WWI ace with 61 confirmed victories. Like Albert Ball, his legacy profoundly influenced the RAF's fighting spirit in WW2. Unlike many aces who were lone wolves, Mannock was the supreme team leader — his tactics of mutual support and teamwork became RAF doctrine.Mannock was killed on 26 July 1918 when his aircraft was hit by ground fire. He had a deep fear of fire and always carried a revolver to shoot himself if his aircraft caught flame. His Victoria Cross was posthumous. His Leeds connections come through his influence on Yorkshire-based RAF training programmes.