John Worrall (RAF officer)

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.

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 RAF, and then transferred to No. 208 Squadron RAF on 28 February 1933. In 1936, Worrall 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 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, 32 Squadron had claimed 71 enemy aircraft shot down for just 5 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.

Worrell's only personal score was a half share, made on 31 August 1940. Worrall was shot down only, once on 20 July 1940, 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 he became Senior Personnel Staff Officer at HQ, Transport Command. Worrall continued to serve in the RAF after the war, eventually rising to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal. Worrall retired on 1 January 1963.

Following retirement from the RAF, he became Managing Director of The Advertising Agency Poster Bureau Ltd from 1964-1965.