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 Astrakhan for questioning. He was then by train to Moscow whereupon he spent several weeks in Lubyanka prison in the company of other allied prisoners before being moved to Bytereski Prison.

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.

ee also

* Commonwealth Realms orders and decorations
*

References

* [http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/hoadly/ind2403.html Anthony Jaques MANTLE (1899-1988)] The Family Tree of Graham Eric Hoadly
*LondonGazette |issue=31170 |date=7 February 1919 |startpage=2043 |supp=yes |accessdate=2007-08-23 Details of his Distinguished Flying Cross
*LondonGazette |issue=31098 |linkeddate=31 December 1918 |startpage=102 |supp=yes |accessdate=2007-08-23 His earlier Mention in Despatches