Manuel Martínez del Campo y Cuevas was born on November 14, 1913, in Mexico City, into a family with a remarkable legacy. He was the son of Manuel Martínez del Campo y Lynch, born in Liverpool, an Irish Mexican diplomat, and Mercedes Cuevas y Czerny, born in Mexico City. His father had arrived in Mexico from London ten years prior, having been stationed at the Mexican Embassy. In 1914, the family moved to New York City, where Manuel’s father played a crucial role in organizing the Niagara Falls peace conference. This cosmopolitan upbringing in Mexico and the United States, coupled with an education at Clifton College, England, prepared young Manuel for a life of both cultural depth and international service.
Aspiring to become an actor, Manuel moved to California in 1935. There, he met and married Mary Astor, a celebrated actress, in a secret ceremony in Yuma, Arizona, on February 18, 1937. Together, they had a son, Anthony Paul “Tono” del Campo. Despite the promising start, their marriage struggled due to the demands of their careers and Manuel’s eventual enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
In 1941, with the world at war, Manuel felt a compelling duty to join the fight against tyranny. He enlisted in the RCAF, his service number was J10612. He started on July 17, 1941, as Aircraftman 2nd Class (A2), then advanced to Leading Aircraftman (LAC) on September 24, 1941. He became a pilot officer on March 13, 1942, after training in Alberta. Manuel was assigned to No. 415 Squadron as a Flight Lieutenant. This squadron, known as the Swordfish Squadron, was formed at Thorney Island, Hampshire, England, on August 20, 1941. It was equipped with Hampden, Wellington, and Albacore aircraft and tasked with attacking enemy shipping over the English Channel and along the Dutch coastline.
No. 415 Squadronwas renowned for its effectiveness in anti-shipping operations, playing a vital role in safeguarding the crucial maritime routes from German U-boats. The squadron’s badge, featuring a swordfish and the motto “Ad Metam” (To the mark), symbolized their precision and bravery. Flight Lieutenant Martínez del Campo y Cuevas, with his squadron, conducted daring sorties that were instrumental in maintaining the supply lines essential to the Allied war effort.
The war brought significant personal sacrifices for Manuel. His enlistment led to a drift in his marriage, culminating in an amicable divorce from Mary Astor in 1941. Despite the challenges, Astor later recalled Manuel as a kind and decent man, even though he rarely kept in touch with her or their son after the war.
Flight Lieutenant Manuel del Campo y Cuevas was discharged on November 12, 1945. After the end of World War II, Manuel chose to remain in the United Kingdom, where he continued his life far from his native Mexico and his past in Hollywood. He married twice more and worked as an editor until his death on February 20, 1969, in Kensington, London. He was cremated in Kensington, UK, a final testament to the lasting bond he felt with the country he served during the war.
His partial filmography includes:
- The Adventures of Long John Silver (1958-59 – five episodes)
- His Majesty O’Keefe (1954)
- Miss Robin Hood (1952)
- No Highway in the Sky (1951)
- The Black Rose (1950)
- No Orchids for Miss Blandish (1948)
Flight Lieutenant Manuel Martínez del Campo y Cuevas’s story is emblematic of the numerous Latin Americans who, driven by their convictions, paid their own expenses to join the RCAF voluntarily. These brave individuals from diverse backgrounds stood united in defending Canadian and Allied values such as freedom and respect for human rights. Their contributions were not limited to the battlefields but extended into the realms of cultural and social exchange, enriching the Allied forces with their unique perspectives and unwavering determination.
Flight Lieutenant Manuel Martínez del Campo y Cuevas’s life and service stand as a powerful reminder of the global effort required to combat tyranny and secure freedom during World War II. His bravery and dedication highlight the profound impact of Latin American volunteers in the RCAF and underscore the universal values that brought them together. As we remember his contributions, we honor the countless unsung heroes who fought valiantly, embodying the spirit of international solidarity and shared purpose.
In commemorating his legacy, we not only pay tribute to his valor but also to the enduring bond between nations united in the pursuit of justice and peace.
Many thanks Historian Steven Dieter for your support on this article.
The Latin American Soldiers in Canada Committee’s mission is to publicize the names and stories of Canadian-Latinos who were part of the Canadian Armed Forces.
By: Captain Rey Garcia-Salas
