Themes
Jack Mantle
Victoria Cross
Awarded to Leading Seaman Jack Foreman Mantle.
Jack Mantle. (RNM)
Mantle was from Wandsworth, London and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16.
He worked as a naval gunner on convoy protection duty during World War Two. He was one of the few gunners to have shot down a German aircraft. This incident occurred when Mantle was serving on a French ship, armed with a Lewis light machine gun. He received a Mention in Despatches for this act.
Leading Seaman Mantle received the Victoria Cross for his actions whilst manning an anti-aircraft gun onboard HMS Foylebank in Portland Harbour during July 1940. A bomb shattered Mantle's left leg during the fighting, but he remained at his gun. He continued to fire with hand gear only, as the ship's electrical power had failed. He received further grievous wounds but continued to fire. He eventually died as a result of his injuries, aged only 23.
Mantle was awarded the VC posthumously in Septemeber 1940. His medal is the only naval VC awarded for service in Great Britain.
