Major Edward Corringham Mannock (May 24, 1887 - July 26, 1918) was an Irish First World War flying ace. He went into combat on the Western Front on three separate combat tours. He took on the highly hazardous task of balloon busting for his first aerial victory, and by dogged concentration on his gunnery skills, tallied 15 victories by the end of his first combat tour. He returned to France as a Flight Commander in the fledgling 74 Squadron. He amassed 36 more victories and gained a reputation for ruthless hatred of his German adversaries. He became phobic about burning to death in midair. He became ill with a lingering case of influenza and was ordered home on leave. He returned as Officer Commanding of 85 Squadron in July 1918 and scored nine more victories that month. On July 26 his fighter plane was set on fire, and he was killed in action, at the age of 31. He is officially credited with 61 victories. He was one of the world's first theorists of aviation tactics, and was renowned for his leadership in the air. He is regarded as one of the greatest fighter pilots of the war.
