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W.R. "Wop" May

Photo and history from a wonderful book entitled "Wings of a Hero - Ace Wop May" by Sheila Reid | Vanwell Publishing Limited

For a great reference, please review: The Wop May Chronicles.

Wilfrid Reid May took on the nickname "Wop" from his little cousin who had trouble pronouncing "Wilfrid".

Wop was a passionate aviator who became famous as the last flyer chased by Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron. During that fateful battle Wop's guns jammed. As he dodged and dived the Baron's onslaught, the Baron was attacked from his rear by Wop's colleague, Captain Roy Brown.

In 2004, NASA honoured his memory by naming a rock on Mars after him - called the "Wopmay". (Details)