Hi Reader, welcome back to our weekly coverage of what happened in the skies and on the ground during World War II. This week, we cover a peculiar volunteer pilot for the RAF who served with honor during the Battle of Britain. Join us as we delve into the history of one of the most pivotal conflicts ever and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The RAF's Shortest Pilot.
Vernon “Shorty” Keough was an American aviator who joined the RAF and participated in the Battle of Britain during WWII. He was one of 11 American pilots who voluntarily traveled to Europe to join the early war effort, despite the United States' position of neutrality in 1940. Keough was most notably known for his short stature, standing at only 4’10” (147cm), and he earned his nickname “Shorty” while serving in the RAF. Despite his stature, Keough bravely defended the British skies during Nazi Germany’s months-long attempt to gain aerial dominance.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 8, 1911, Keough was an experienced civil pilot and parachutist by 1939, participating in air shows across America. As the war in Europe escalated, many civilian pilots in the US felt compelled to volunteer despite America’s strict policy of neutrality. Keough, along with friends Andrew Mamedoff and Eugene Tobin, was among 32 pilots who traveled to Europe in the early days of the war. The trio covertly made their way to France via Canada, finding themselves in a country on the brink of collapse upon arrival. Forced to flee, Keough, Mamedoff, and Tobin were among the 5 American pilots who safely made it to England by the Fall of France in May 1940. The rest of the 32 volunteers were either captured, killed, or managed to escape back to the United States. On July 4, 1940, the five American pilots officially began training.
Keough found himself at the height of the Battle of Britain. He finished training by August 1940 and was posted to No. 609 Squadron based at Middle Wallop Airfield, flying the Hawker Hurricane. Due to his short stature, he had to use two cushions to see out of his cockpit, earning him the humorous nickname, “Shorty”. Keough participated in several sorties, earning his first shared kill, a German Dornier Do 17, on September 15, 1940. As more American pilots reached England, the RAF formed a new squadron, No. 71 “Eagle” Squadron, with Keough, Andrew Mamedoff, and Eugene Tobin being the first Americans to join on September 19, 1940, followed by many others.
In early 1945, tragedy struck No. 71 Squadron with the sudden loss of American pilots to training accidents. On January 5, 1941, during a routine flight formation, Pilot Officer Philip Leckrone collided with fellow Pilot Officer Ed Orbison, spiraling out of control. Keough followed Leckrone down, shouting over the radio to bail out, but tragically, Leckrone did not survive. The loss deeply shook the closely bonded squadron.
Tragedy would strike again the following month. On February 15, 1941, during an escort mission, Vernon “Shorty” Keough broke off from formation in pursuit of a German Heinkel He 111 and was last seen spiraling into the sea, mirroring the fate of Philip Leckrone. Vernon “Shorty” Keough was 29 years old at the time of his death, and his body was never recovered. No. 71 Squadron continued its active role in the war, tallying over 560 combat sorties by July 1941.
Did You Know?
During the Battle of Britain, approximately 30,000 civilian volunteers formed the Aircraft Warning Corps (later the Royal Observer Corps). Stationed nationwide, they visually and audibly tracked Luftwaffe aircraft, relaying vital information to RAF Fighter Command. These crucial early warnings, supplementing radar data, gave the outnumbered RAF precious time to intercept enemy raids, significantly aiding Britain's defense. Their dedication led to the "Royal" prefix being added to their name in 1941.
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Thank you for tuning in to this week's coverage of what happened on the ground and the skies during World War II. We hope to see you again next week for even more incredible true stories. And as always, see you in the skies.
-TJ
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