Anthony Jacques Mantle
Anthony Jacques Mantle (17 December, 1899 in London — 1988 in Durham City) was a pilot who joined the RNAS in 1917 at the age of 17. He went to France, Italy and later over Turkey (whereupon he was awarded the DFC) whilst stationed in the Greek Islands. His flight career ended when he was forced to land behind enemy lines in Russia and was taken as a prisoner of war for 10 months in Moscow. He was later awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) for his bravery in action.
Service History
Towards the end of World War I whilst stationed in Malta awaiting demob back to England, Mantle was offered the opportunity to see action on the Caspian Sea. He was stationed inland at Petrofska where he flew the DH-9A aircraft (Dehavilland two seater bi-planes), as part of the British movement to protect oil interests in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Whilst out on ariel reconnaissance with his observer, Harry Ingrams, their plane developed
engine trouble and they were forced to crash land on a large island in the Volga Delta. They were unhurt and managed to burn the
plane, but were ambushed shortly afterwards by an armed group of locals who took them prisoner. The local Commissar tore up the
official documentation offering a reward for their safe return over the border and then organised for a local schoolteacher to
act as translator as they were taken to
Months later, after the work of an Army chaplain called Frank North, he and several of his companions were taken to the border with Finland and released in part exchange for Bolshevik prisoners.
See also
- Commonwealth Realms orders and decorations
- Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross
References
- Anthony Jaques MANTLE (1899-1988) The Family Tree of Graham Eric Hoadly
- London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31170, 7 February 1919, page 13, Retrieved on 2007-08-23. Details of his Distinguished Flying Cross
- London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31098, 31 December 1918, page 12, Retrieved on 2007-08-23. His earlier Mention in Despatches
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