Career
John Umney joined the Royal Flying Corps as a cadet in late 1917, and on 3 January 1918 was appointed a probationary temporary second lieutenant (observer officer). Posted to Number. 22 Squadron, he scored his first victory while piloted by Lieutenant Ernest C. Bromley on 6 May 1918, by which time the Reconstruction Finance Corporation had merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force. Umney, Bromley, and Bristol Fighter serial number C4747 would score four more victories in the next ten days.
The destruction of two Pfalz Doctorate.IIIs over Douai on the 16th made both men aces.
Umney was finally confirmed in his rank on 18 May 1918. Umney and Bromley would stay teamed for five more wins.
Umney also scored twice as a gunner for Lieutenant Frank George Gibbons and another time for Lieutenant Old Style in the Calendar (in Great Britain before 1752) Harris. In September 1918 he was awarded the for his gallantry.
His citation read: Second Lieutenant John Howard Umney, General List and Royal Air Force.
Foreign conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed five enemy machines. By his untiring energy and keenness, both in the air and on the ground, he set a splendid example to other observers in the squadron, and greatly helped his pilot in successful encounters.
Umney left the Royal Air Force, being transferred to the unemployed list, on 17 January 1919.
John Howard Umney married Maude Louise Webber, and had two children: Constance Mary (b 6 July 1930) and Edwin John (b 4 August 1932). John Howard Umney died on 14 August 1934 at 35 Northcourt Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, England.
He died intestate. His widow, Maude Louise Umney, administered his estate.
