John Howard Umney

Second Lieutenant John Howard Umney was an English flying ace from World War I. He flew as a gunner/observer in the rear seat of Bristol F.2 Fighters, and was credited with 13 official aerial victories.

World War I
Umney served with 22 Squadron in both the Royal Flying Corps, and its successor, the Royal Air Force. He scored his first victory while piloted by Ernest C. Bromley, on 6 May 1918. Umney, Bromley, and Bristol Fighter serial number C4747 would score four more victories in the next ten days; a double destruction of Pfalz D.IIIs over Douai on the 16th made both men aces. They would stay teamed for five more wins; Umney also scored twice as a gunner for Frank George Gibbons and another time for O.S. Harris. By 25 August 1918, the date of Umney's final win, he had totaled four Pfalz D.III's and a German two-seater reconnaissance plane destroyed, as well as eight other enemy aircraft driven down out of control. He won a Military Cross for his gallantry.

Post World War I
John Howard Umney died on 14 August 1934 at 35 Northcourt Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, England. He died intestate; his widow, Maude Louise Umney, administered his estate.

Citation for Military Cross
2nd Lt. John Howard Umney, Gen. List, and R.A.F.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed five enemy machines. By his untiring energy and keenness, both in the air and on the ground, he set a splendid example to other observers in the squadron, and greatly helped his pilot in successful encounters.