David Niven, Air Officer RAF Northern Ireland, centre, Sir Stephen Hillier, Air Chief Marshal, the Chief of the Air Staff in the UK, right and Brigadier General Sean Clancy, General Officer Commanding the Air Corps pictured placing a wreath this afternoon at Glasnevin Cemetery at the Unveiling of a Victoria Cross Stone Dedicated to Major Edward "Mick" Mannock V.C. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

Cork Victoria Cross winner Edward 'Mick' Mannock remembered in memorial service

A First World War pilot from Cork was honoured on Friday with a memorial in Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery.

The Minister with responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe and British Ambassador Robin Barnett attended the ceremony to honour Major Edward "Mick" Mannock, recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Major Edward 'Mick' Mannock VC from Cork was a proud Irishman who was the most highly decorated British fighter pilot of the First World War and was eventually credited with 73 combat victories.

Edward Corringham "Mick" Mannock was a member of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force during the First World War.

Born on May 24 1887, the proud Cork man was a pioneer of fighter aircraft tactics in aerial warfare.

Mr Mannock was the most highly decorated British fighter pilot of the First World War and was eventually credited with 73 combat victories.

He died on July 26 1918, when his aircraft was shot down over France.

John Green, chairman of Glasnevin Trust said that Mannock's personal story was an accurate insight into life before Irish independence.

"If you want to get an insight into the complexity of our history, even a shallow dive into the life and times of 'Mick' Mannock will open your eyes.

"The son of a bigamist, deserter, and raised by his abandoned mother from Ballincollig, he fended for himself from an early age.

Alan Harrisson BEM, President of the The Royal Airforces Association, Republic of Ireland salutes the Victoria Cross Stone pictured this afternoon at Glasnevin Cemetery at the Unveiling of a Victoria Cross Stone Dedicated to Major Edward "Mick" Mannock V.C. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

"He was an Irish Nationalist, a home ruler, a trade unionist and a socialist who believed the world war would finally give the 'downtrodden' their chance."

Adding that Mannock's birthday, birth place and how he died all remain disputed, Mr Green said: "Mick Mannock poses more questions than he answers."

During his speech Minister Kehoe said: "As a member of Government it is my great privilege to partake in events that provide an opportunity to look back on the journey we have taken with a focus on our joint history.

"Events such as today, bring to mind the sacrifice, courage and idealism of our forebears who laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy."

The British Ambassador to Ireland, Robin Barnett, said that he was honoured to be involved in the commemoration to recognise such an important officer in the Royal Air Force's history.

Members of the Aer Corps colour party pictured this afternoon at Glasnevin Cemetery at the Unveiling of a Victoria Cross Stone Dedicated to Major Edward "Mick" Mannock V.C. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

"The outstanding gallantry of the proud Irish nationalist Major Edward Corringham 'Mick' Mannock, one of the most decorated officers ever to serve in British uniform, reminds us of the contribution made by so many brave men and women from both of our islands during critical and at times complex episodes in our shared history."

During the ceremony, a historical reflection was read by Corporal Michael Whelan of the Air Corp, wreaths were laid at the Cross of Sacrifice, and a minute's silence was followed by a pipers lament and the sounding of The Last Post and Reveille.