THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: JOHN KNOLL- THE NEW 'JOHN DOE'!

Filming his scenes presumably on the ILM blue screen stage- John Knoll as Bravo 4.

There are always casualties in any war, and the Battle of Naboo is no exception, especially among the human pilots of Bravo Squadron. The first onscreen death belongs to Bravo 4 pilot: Lt. Rya Kirsch, played by a familiar face to all fans of the behind the scenes team that would bring the modern Star Wars films to life: Effects supervisor and all-round genius John Knoll, clearly loving his 'John Doe- cameo role experience!

With goggles on, as briefly seen in the movie.

"I'm holding out for an action figure. The exploding fighter set."

John Knoll - Empire magazine - 1999

Bravo 4 bites the dust in spectacular fashion.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: RIC DIVES IN!

Bravo Squadron brings its brightest pilots to bear in attacking the heavily armed and defended Trade Federation Droid Control Ship (noticeable via its huge antenna array). But its shields prove too strong to destroy, despite continued torpedo attacks.

Bravo Squadron dives to attack the antenna array of the Droid Control Ship.

Seen on screen assisting Ric Olie's Bravo Leader -  Bravo 2 (Benedict Taylor), Bravo 3 (Clarence Smith) and Bravo 5 (Celia Imrie). Presumably, the naming of the Naboo Starfighters as Bravo Squadron was a homage/celebration reference to the kind of squadron names given to the brave British fighters in their planes during World War II.