Not much has been mentioned about Barry Mahon. Here he is on the left on a “scramble” call when he served in the 121st Eagle Squadron.

Link: http://www.acestory.elknet.pl/eagles/eagle1.htm

The squadrons participated in “Operation Jubilee,” the Dieppe Raid of 15 August 1942. Barry Mahon became the fourth Eagle Squadron ace, but was subsequently shot down. At Stalag Luft III, Mahon became “The Cooler King” and only failed to take part in “The Great Escape” because he had escaped earlier and been recaptured in Czechosolvakia, after walking 400 miles. Mahon served as Technical Advisor on the movie “The Great Escape,” and was the inspiration for the character played by Steve McQueen.

— Don Jan