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RAF Battle of Britain Consolidated Database
3094+ Entries in Database
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NOTE: KIA = Killed In Action. WIA = Wounded In Action. KIFA = Killed in Flying Accident. = Jewish as per jewishvirtuallibrary.org
Fate In Battle is date of incident between July 10 1940 and October 31 1940. Fate After Battle is date of death after the Battle

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The Battle of Britain clasp (worn on the 1939-45 Star – or a silver gilt rosette if medal ribbons only are worn) is restricted to aircrew from 71 defined units
of RAF Fighter Command, Coastal Command or the Fleet Air Arm, who flew at least one operational sortie between 00:01 July 10 1940 and 23:59 October 31 1940.

To see a larger database covering the entirety of WWll, refer to our Allied Losses and Incidents database. This database is the result of research into all known sources of information on the crews which fought the Battle of Britain on the Allied side. It is surprising that for the most significant air battle of WW2, and even after 80+ years, there remains any uncertainty at all about who took part and in some cases, what they did. We have made it our objective to develop this database into a most comprehensive and accurate record which brings to life those heroic deeds. You can help: send corrections and additional information via our Helpdesk.
We believe this database to be among the most useful records extant in terms of its searchability: for example, it is easy to determine all Blenheim crews, or losses on a specific date or the members of a particular squadron.

Readers are referred to the following sites which we have used to cross-check information and we acknowledge and thank them as respected sources for some of the material in this database:
VintageWings.ca: comprehensive listing of artworks
bbm.org: Comprehensive listing of RAF personnel and service records
Wikipedia: Life stories of leading pilots and crew
AircrewRemembered Paradie Canadian Archive Database: 45,000 Service Records of RCAF personnel
AircrewRemembered Allied Losses and Incidents Database: Covering 120,000+ Allied aircrew 1939 - 1945
AircrewRemembered Archiwum: specialist database with details of Polish personnel (in Polish)
AircrewRemembered Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: 31,000 Luftwaffe pilot and crew details
AircrewRemembered LOST: Rob Philips Memorial Archive: Dutch losses in Europe
bel-memorial.org: Comprehensive site on Belgian aircrew


Owing to a restriction placed by our hosting service, searches cannot be made on less than 4 characters. Searching on 3 or less will produce no results.
We are working on techniques to mitigate this restriction.
TO SEARCH ON SQUADRON APPEND 'Sqn', USING FORMAT '72Sqn'


TO SEARCH ON SQUADRONS OR UNIT ADD 'Sqn' AND USE THE FORMAT 1Sqn eg 72Sqn, 602Sqn

Enter Your search conditions and click Search This (to Search for Squadron append 'Sqn' e.g. 602Sqn. In Archiwum use Polish form e.g. 303DM)

These are the results of your search:

You searched for: “145sqn

#NameFirst NamesRankService No.Air ForceCountry of Origin*SquadronsAwardsAircraftVictoriesFate in BattleFate After BattleDateOfDeathNotesPhoto
1 SearsLionel ArgentPlt Off42895RAFBritish145Sqn

Hurricane1MIA1940-07-01Joined 145 Sqd in June. 1 July 1940 shot down a Dornier Do 17. He was shot down in Hurricane (P2955) by a Bf 109 south of the Isle of Wight on 8 August 1940, at 09:05hrs.
2 NewburyM APlt OffBritish145Sqn

HurricaneKIADuring the Battle of Britain, but date unknown
3 NewlingMichael Alan 'Mike'Plt Off (later Flt Lt)41867RAFBritish145Sqn

DFC
Hurricane3KIA1941-07-06Initial training 23 January 1939 at No. 1 E&RFTS Hatfield. Further training at 11 FTS Shawbury to 23 October 1939. Joined 145 Sqd at Croydon on 23 October 1939. Probably destroyed a He111 on 18 May 1940, then shot down east of Brussels. Baled out and rejoined his squadron two days later. Over Dunkirk on 31 May he shared in the destruction of a Me109. On1 June destroyed a Me110. 12 July Newling shared in probably destroying a Ju88 and shared in damaging three Me110s, on 19 July shared in destroying a He111. Hurricane, P2770 hit in the glycol tank and hydraulic system by return fire, forced-landing at Shoreham aerodrome, admitted to Shoreham Hospital. Flying again on 21 July twice from Tangmere to Church Fenton and from Church Fenton to Drem. Sick until 20 August. On 12 October probably destroyed a Me109. Hurricane V6856 written off 18 October when he overshot the runway landing at Tangmere, hitting a stationary aircraft. Unhurt. He was made OC ‘A’ Flight on 11 November 1940. DFC (gazetted 4th February 1941). Shared a Ju88 on 1 March 1941. Killed 6 July 1941, shot down in Circus 35 over the Lille area in Spitfire Va W3366. Runnymede Memorial, panel 29. Destroyed two aircraft in fighting over Dunkirk. Destroyed He 111 19 July 1940 but hit by return fire and force-landed his aircraft on an emergency strip.

4 OffenbergJean Henri Marie 'Pyker'Plt Off82517RAFVRBelgian145Sqn

DFC

HurricaneKIA1942-01-22Born at Laeken, Belgium 3 July 1916. Before the Battle he flew with the Belgian Air Force in a Fiat CR23. He and his friend (A.Jottard) went on to France when Belgium was over-run, then when the French signed the Armistice they headed for North Africa. They were then smuggled to from Casablanca to Gibraltar with some Polish Pilots. He joined 145 Squadron in B flight at Drem 17 August 1940. Moved to 609 Squadron.
Archive Report
Poem
Belgium Aircrew Losses


5 OstowiczAntoniFg Off76705PAFPolish145Sqn

Hurricane1MIA1940-08-11Joined 145 Sqd 16 July 1940. Shot down He111 on 9 July. In combat with enemy fighters 11 August 1940 when he was shot down off Swanage and killed in Hurricane I (V7294). He was awarded the KW and Bar on the 1 February 1941.
Archiwum Database
6 PageCyril LeslieFlt Lt37205British234Sqn

145Sqn

OBE

SpitfireSurvived warDecember 2003 SloughBorn on 20th October 1916. Sherborne Preparatory School and then Sherborne School (Abbeylands House) from September 1930 to July 1934. Flew civil aircraft before joining the RAF on a short service commission in April 1935. Posted to 2 FTS Digby on 7th May and on completion of the course he joined the staff at the School of Army Co-operation at Old Sarum, Wiltshire. Went to 16 (Army Co-operation) Squadron there on 21st June 1938. 234 Sqd at St. Eval in early July 1940, moved to 145 Sqd on the 16th but then rejoined 234 Sqd at Middle Wallop on the 19th as 'A' Flight Commander. Posted away to No. 1 School of Army Co-operation at Old Sarum on 21st November 1940. Released from the RAF in 1947 as a Squadron Leader. OBE in 1965.

With 234 Sqd through most of the Battle flying Spitfires at St. Eval. 145 Sqd from 31 July 1940 to the 19 August 1940 flying Hurricanes.
7 PankratzWilhelmFlt Lt76662PAFPolish145Sqn

Krzyz Walecznych

Medal Lotniczy

HurricaneMIA1940-08-12Joined 145 Sqd 16 July 1940. Posted MIA after combat South of the Isle of White in Hurricane I (R4176) at 12:30hrs 12 August 1940. RAF Tangmere - Sank south of the Isle of Wight. One of the first Polish pilots killed in the Battle. KW on the 1 February 1940. Polish War Memorial Northolt Age 37
Archiwum Database

Archive Report


8 ParrottPeter LawrenceFg Off (later W/C)41054British145Sqn

605Sqn

DFC & Bar

AFC

Hurricane9Survived war27th August 2003.Born in Aylesbury on 28th June 1920. Lord Williams Grammar School. Joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his initial flying course at No. 1 E&RFTS Hatfield on 27th June 1938. Posted to 11 FTS Shawbury on 3rd September. No. 1 Armament Training School at Catfoss on 30th March 1939, towing targets. On 27th September 1939 Parrott went to No. 1 Air Armament School Manby as a staff pilot. Posted to 11 Group Pool at St. Athan on 28th December, converted to Hurricanes and then joined 2 Ferry Pilot Pool on 22nd January 1940. Joined 607 Sqd in France on 29th January 1940. Got 3 He111's destroyed, another two shared and one damaged on 10th May, and a He111 probably destroyed and another shared on the 11th. Jumped by Me109's near Louvain on the 13th and had his radio shot to pieces. Shared a probable Do17 on 16th May, posted him to 145 Sqd at Tangmere. On the 26th, over Dunkirk, he probably destroyed a He111 but was hit by return fire. Heading home, his engine seized as he crossed the coast in Hurricane I N2589 and he made a crash-landing in a field at Great Mongeham, near Deal. On 3rd July 1940 Parrott shared a probable He111, on the 15th shared a probable Do17, on the 18th shared a He111, on 8th August destroyed a Me109 and a Ju87 and on the 12th destroyed a Ju88. Posted to 605 Sqd at Croydon on 27th September. DFC. 1st November Parrott damaged a Me109. Acting as weaver on 1st December he was jumped by a Me109 and his Hurricane, Z2323, damaged. He dived to 3000 feet baled out over East Hoathly. He joined 501 Sqd at Martlesham Heath on 1st June. Posted overseas on 16th July 1943, Safi, Malta on 1st August. Joined 72 Sqd at Pachino, Sicily on the 10th as a supernumerary. Went to 111 Sqd, also at Pachino, as a Flight Commander. Destroyed a Mc202 on 4th September. Commanded 43 Squadron at Capodichino, Naples on 13th October 1943. On 26th November he shared in destroying a Ju88 and on 17th February 1944 he damaged a Me109. 6th March 1944 posted to the Middle East. Appointed OC Gunnery at 73 OTU Abu Sueir on 22nd May. Returned to Italy in early November 1944 and took command of 72 Sqd at Rimini on the 11th. HQ Desert Air Force, Italy on 15th February 1945. Bar to DFC. Group Training Inspector, Fighters and later Wing Commander Ops. He returned to the UK in June 1946. Training as a test pilot. Test-flew early versions of the Vampire and Meteor, as they were accepted into RAF service at Boscombe Down. AFC. Completed his service in the RAF on 10th July 1965 as a Wing Commander.


9 PeelJohn Ralph AlexanderSqd Ldr33011British145Sqn (CO)

DFC
Hurricane6WIAPosted to command 145 Sqd in early July. First victory 7 July and 2 more before the end of the month. Shot down on 11 July 1940 ditching Hurricane (P3400) in the Channel at 18:25hrs and being rescued from the cold waters semi-conscious by the Selsey lifeboat. 8 August 1940 shot down two Ju 87s and a Bf 109 raiding the "Peewee Convoy" before being shot down and wounded. DFC 13 August 1940.

10 RabonePaul WattlingPlt Off (later Sqd Ldr)2171RNZAFBritish88Sqn

145Sqn

422 Flight
96Sqn
Hurricane2KIA1944-07-24Born in Salisbury 2 March 1918. Educated in New Zealand. In April 1938 joined the Civil Reserve of Pilots. Joined the RNZAF. Left for United Kingdom in February 1939 to transfer into the RAF. Posted to 88 Sqd, flying Fairey Battle light bombers. Went with unit to France at the outbreak of war. In mid August 1940 Rabone volunteered for Fighter Command and was posted to 145 Sqd. Shot down Bf 109 on 12 October 1940. Uninjured when force landed Hurricane I (V7521) from comabt with Bf 109s. 2 weeks later joined 422 Flight, a special unit. Destroyed another Bf 109 on 6 November. 422 Flight expanded to form 96 Sqd in early December 1940. Hotton War Cemetery Belgium Age 26
Courtesy Auckland Library Heritage Collection


11 RowleyRichard Michael BernardPlt Off90142RAF AAFBritish601Sqn145SqnHurricaneDied1952-09-19Educated at Eton and New College, Oxford where he read History. University Air Squadron. Joined 601 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force in late 1937 and was commissioned in February 1938. Called up 25 August 1939. 601 Squadron by January 1940. Detailed to stage from Tangmere to Hawkinge on 11 May 1940 from where they flew an uneventful patrol over Belgium and Holland. 17 May a number of 601 pilots flew to Merville in France to reinforce 3 Squadron. Returned to Tangmere on 22 May 1940. Posted to 145 Sqd at Tangmere on 1 June 1940 and served with them for the rest of the Battle. Resigned his commission on 16 September 1941 because of ill-health. Died of a brain tumour on 19 September 1952. He is buried at St. Mary the Virgin churchyard at Madresfield, Worcestershire

12 RussellAnthony GeraldSgt120491RAFVRBritish43Sqn

145Sqn

HurricaneSurvived warApril 2010Born 18 September 1920 in Coulsdon, Surrey England. Joined the Royal Navy in 1938. Under age and discharged. Joined RAFVR in February 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. 5 OTU Aston Down on 1 September 1940. Converting to Hurricanes, joined 43 Sqd, with Sergeants Stoodley and Toogood, at Usworth on 28 September 1940. Stoodley died in a night-flying accident on 24 October and Toogood died on the 27, probably through oxygen failure. Russell sent on leave by CO. 10 November posted to Tangmere to join 145 Sqd. Commissioned in April 1942. No further details till released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.


Signed by Pete Brothers, John Ellacombe, Anthony Russell, Derek Yapp
13 SaundersCecil Henry 'Fishy'Plt Off42893British92Sqn

74Sqn

145Sqn

154Sqn (CO)

145Sqn (CO)

Spitfire5.5WIASurvived war1st September 1992Wounded 9 September 1940 at 17:30hrs. Crash landed Spitfire I (L1077) near Rye after attacked by Bf 109.

Born 7 July 1911 in Forest Hill, London England. Joined the RAF, initial training at the Civil Training School at Derby on 24 August 1939. Then to 14 FTS Kinloss for No. 3 Course to 20th April 1940. Joined 92 Sqd at Croydon on 20 April 1940, direct from 14 FTS. Probable He111 and shared another on 4 July. On 11 July a probable Ju88. 9 September combat over Biggin Hill, crash-landed at Midley, near Rye, in Spitfire L1077. RAMC Hospital at Brookland, with shrapnel wounds in the leg. 11 October rejoined 92 Sqd. 26 October damaged Me109, on the 29th shared a Me110 and on 1st November he shot down a Ju87 and damaged a Me110. In this action his Spitfire, X4555, was damaged and he made a crash-landing three miles east of Eastchurch, unhurt. On 1st December destroyed a Me109 and on 5th February 1941 shared a Ju87. May 1941 posted to 74 Sqd at Gravesend as a Flight Commander. 27 June he got a probable Me109. Squadron went to the Middle East in April 1942. Joined 145 Sqd in the Western Desert in late July 1942 as a Flight Commander. On 3rd August he probably destroyed a Me109, on 11th September destroyed a Mc202, on 22nd October damaged a Me109 and on the 25th claimed another Me109 destroyed. Left 145 in November 1942. DFC 4th December 1942). Posted to 71 OTU Port Sudan, which later moved up to Abu Sueir, Egypt. For the invasion of Sicily on 10th July 1943 Saunders was on a Fighter Direction ship. He took command of 154 Sqd at Lentini East in August. The squadron moved on to Italy and in February 1944 went to Corsica, to cover the American invasion of Southern France. Saunders commanded the squadron until October 1944. He also commanded 145 Squadron in July/August 1945. Retired from the RAF on 5 May 1958 as a Wing Commander.


CH Saunders: TEJ Ream: Hugh Bowen-Morris: RH Fokes examining wreckage of Ju87 when Stuka J9 + BK of 2./StG1 was shot down just outside Manston airfield on 5th February 1941. Lt. E Schimmelpfennig and OberGf. H Kaden were killed. (see Kracker Luftwaffe Archive on this site)


Signed By: Wg Cdr Cecil Henry Saunders 92 Sqd: John Booth 600 & 23 Sqd Blenheim Air Gunner: Avis Hearn awarded M M for Bravery during Battle of Britain whilst under Stuka attack on Poling Radar Station Aug 1940: John Keatings 219 Sqd Air Gunner: Peter Ayerst confirmed victories in the Battle of Britain yet not eligible for the Battle of Britain Clasp! Alan W Gear 32 Sqd Hurricane pilot .




14 McConnellJohnSgt136316British145Sqn

HurricaneDied1965Born 18 May 1918. Joined RAFVR June 1939. Called up 1 September 1939. Trained EFTS Hatfield and 10 FTS Ternhill for No. 20 Course from 13 May to 17 August 1940. After converting to Hurricanes joined 145 Sqd at Dyce on 11t September. Shared in the destruction of a He115 SE of Kinnaird Head on 2nd October. On 7 November 1940 shot down by a Me109 of JG2. Baled out, slightly injured, landed at Earnley Mill. Hurricane, P8816, crashed at Birdham, SW of Chichester. Commissioned in October 1942. Retired from the RAF on 29 January 1958 as a Flight Lieutenant. Died in 1965.
15 ShuttleworthLord Richard Ughtred PaulPO70356RAFVRBritish145Sqn

248Sqn

Hurricane2MIA1940-08-08Real name: Kay-Shuttleworth Joined 145 Sqd June 1940. Shuttleworth destroyed two enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Following a combat over a convoy south of the Isle of Wight Shuttleworth posted MIA 8 August 1940. Age 27 Runnymede Panel 6

16 SmithFrancis AlanSub Lt (FAA)FAABritish145Sqn

HurricaneMIA1940-08-08Loaned by FAA to RAF in June and joined 145 Sqd 2 July 1940. On 12 July at 12:30hrs force landed Hurricane I (N2703) near Ringwood. The aeroplane overturned and Smith was slightly hurt. 8 August 1940 South of the Isle of Wight Hurricane I (P3545) seen to crash into the sea during combat with Ju 87s and Bf 110s over a channel convoy MIA aged 20.

17 StorrarJames Eric 'Jas'Plt Off (later W/C)41881British145Sqn

73Sqn

421 Flt
DFC
Hurricane6Survived war29 March 1995Born on 24th July 1921 at Ormskirk. Chester City and County School. Joined the RAF (by adding to his age) on a short service commission. No. 1 E&RFTS Hatfield on 23rd January 1939 and 11 FTS Shawbury for No. 12 Course. Befofre finishing course he moved to the Blenheim Conversion Flight and then joined 145 Sqd at Croydon on 23rd October. Converted to Hurricanes in March 1940. On 23rd claimed a Me110 destroyed, on the 24th a Do17 and on the 27th two Me110's near Dunkirk. On 11th July he got a He111, on the 15th a probable Do17, on the 18th a shared He111, on the 27th a Me109, on the 29th a shared Ju88, on 8th August a Ju87 destroyed and another damaged, on the 12th a probable Me110 and on 8th September a shared, probable Do17. DFC 20th August 1940. 28th September posted to 73 Sqd at Castle Camps. He was detached from 73 to 421 Flight on 20th October. He flew one sortie with the Flight, on the 24th, rejoined 73 on the 25th. Left Debden on 9th November for Birkenhead, en route for the Middle East. Embarked in HMS Furious at Glasgow on the 13th, with its aircraft, and flew off to Takoradi on the 29th. The squadron then flew in easy stages to Heliopolis via Lagos, Accra, Kano, Maidugari (Nigeria), Khartoum, Wadi Haifa and Abu Sueir. During December the pilots were attached to 274 Sqd in the Western Desert. Early January 1941 73 Squadron began activities. On the 3rd Storrar joined S/Ldr. AD Murray and Sgt. AF Marshall in destroying eight enemy aircraft on a landing ground, on the 6th he shot down a CR42 in the Tobruk area, on 1st February he destroyed a Caproni Ghibli on Apollonia airfield and on the 5th, again with Murray and Marshall, he strafed Benina airfield destroying some eight enemy aircraft on the ground between them. On the 19th Storrar damaged a Me110. On 4th April 1941 got a Ju87 near Derna. He later saw a Lockheed Lodestar which had made a forced-landing in the desert. He landed and found it to be General Wavell's personal aircraft. The pilot managed to take off again but Storrar could not restart his own engine and had to return to Tobruk on foot. In Takoradi for a rest, Storrar and four other pilots were ordered to fly a Blenheim and two Hurricanes to Freetown on 21st June 1941. Forced by bad weather to make a forced-landing in the jungle, the pilots had no way of taking off again and they walked 72 miles in two days and three nights, arriving at the Firestone Rubber Plantation, 35 miles from Monrovia in Liberia. Returned to the UK in November 1941 and was posted to 55 OTU Annan as OC Gunnery Training Squadron. In January 1943 he took command of 65 Sqd at Drem. On 29th June he probably destroyed a Fw190, on 18th August shot down a Me109, on the 31st damaged a Fw190, his final victory. Bar to DFC 29th October 1943 and posted away to 53 OTU on 15th November 1943 as an air-firing instructor. From April to October 1944 Storrar was in 1697 ADLS Flight, engaged on communications duties to and from the Continent. He commanded 64 Sqd in October/November, 165 Sqd from November 1944 to January 1945 and 234 Sqd from January to March 1945. Wing Commander Flying successively at Hunsdon, Digby and Molesworth, from March to August 1945. Flew top cover for Operation Nestegg, the liberation of Jersey on 9th May 1945. He then went to a staff job at HQ 12 Group until January 1946, when he went to 239 Wing, Desert Air Force in Italy, leading it until April 1947 when he was released from the RAF as a Wing Commander. June 1949 joined 603 Sqd AAF and served with it until March 1952. He then went to 610 Sqd which he commanded from 1954 until its disbandment on 10th March 1957.

Destroyed 2 prior to the Battle. His take off cry was 'Fuel and noise- Let's go!'. During July he shot down 8 more. 8 August 1940 shot down a Ju 87 and, on the 12 August a Bf 110. DFC 20 August 1940. He ended the war as a Wing Commander with 6 confirmed and 3 shared.

18 SykesDuncan BroadfordSgt748148British145Sqn

HurricaneWIASurvived war12th December 1998 in Turriff, Aberdeenshire.Born on 10th June 1914 in West Derby, Lancashire. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 8 FTS Montrose. 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 22nd July 1940. Converting to Hurricanes and posted to 145 Sqd at Drem on 17st August. Thought to have made a forced-landing at Holmer Green, near Amersham on 27th October after a combat with Me109's. Hurricane N2494 was a write-off. On 7th November 1940 Sykes was shot down by a Me109 of JG2. He crash-landed near Ventnor, Isle of Wight, slightly injured, in Hurricane P2924.Promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st January 1942. Released from the RAF in 1946.

Force landed Hurricane I (N2494) near St Leonards, Sussex 27 October 1940 at 12:20hrs. Ran out of fuel during combat. Unhurt. On the afternoon of 7 November he was injured when crash landed Hurricane I (P2924) near Ventnor, Isle of Wight after being shot down by a Bf 109.

19 TalmanJames MacGillPlt Off (later Flt Lt)77101RAFVRBritish213Sqn

145Sqn

DFC
HurricaneMIA1944-07-10In combat 28 September 1940 at15:10hrs. Hurricane I was shot down by a Bf 110 over Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. Rescued unhurt. Runnymede Panel 203 Age 26
20 ThorpePeterSgt121052RAFVRBritish145Sqn

SpitfireWIAJoined the RAFVR June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he went to 3 ITW Hastings on the 4th, moved to 6 EFTS Sywell on 30th November and then to 8 FTS Montrose on 4th April 1940. Arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on the 22nd July, the day after his training finished. Converting to Hurricanes, posted to 145 Sqd at Drem on 19th August. Went south to Tangmere on 9th October 1940. Shot down by Me109's on the 12th over Hastings and baled out, injured. He landed at Coghurst and was taken to Buchanan Hospital, Hastings. Hurricane P3896 crashed in Blackbrooke Wood, Guestling. Thorpe reported that the Germans machine-gunned him as he floated down. Lost his operational flying category but regained a limited non-operational one, A2B. On 1st April 1941 Thorpe was posted to 8 MU Little Rissington for flying duties and was later at 23 MU Aldgergrove, 46 MU Lossiemouth and 6 MU Brize Norton. In February 1944 he went to AV Roe at Woodford, where he carried out training as a production test pilot for Lancasters. Thorpe was on test duties at Woodford and Baginton from 4th June to 27th August 1944. Released from the RAF on 4th November 1945.

Injured baled out of Hurricane I (P3896) over Coghurst on 12 October 1940 at 10:20hrs after combat with a Bf 109 near Hastings.
21 UrbanowiczWitold AleksanderFg Off (later W/C)76735PAFPolish145Sqn

303Sqn Polish

Virtuti Militari

DFC

Krzyz Walecznych (x4)

Medal Lotniczy (x3)

Air Medal (USA)

Chinese Flying Cross
Hurricane16Died1996-08-17Pre-war member of the Polish Air Force. Joined 145 Sqd 4 August 1940 and shot down a Bf 110 on the 8 August. Destroyed a Ju 88 on the 12 August. Posted to 303 Sqd (Polish) on 21 August. On 15 September 1940 flying Hurricane V6684 he shot down 2 Do 17s from KG 2. Finished the Battle with 14 kills. VM (5th Class) on 23 December 1940 and KW and three Bars on 1 February 1941. DFC 30 October 1941. Later was attached to the USAAF in China and downed two Japanese aircraft there, receiving the Air Medal (US) on the 25 September 1944 and the Chinese Flying Cross. 1943 pilot of US 75th Squadron Flying Tigers in China. In 1995 promoted to the rank of General by President Walesa. Died in Doyestown USA Age 88
Archiwum Database

22 WadhamJohn VictorSgt741598RAFVRBritish145Sqn

HurricaneKIA1940-10-12Educated at Ryde School and Newport Grammar School on the Isle of Wight. Joined the RAFVR in November 1938, as an Airman u/t Pilot. Completed his training and went to 7 OTU, Hawarden, where he converted to Hurricanes. Joined 145 Sqd on 30 July 1940. Attached to 601 Sqd for a brief spell during which time he made several training flights. Rejoined 145 at Westhampnett. Shot down and killed by Bf 109s over Hastings at about 10.40 in the morning of October 12 in Hurricane, V7426, crashed at Courseham Farm, Chittenden, near Cranbrook, Kent.

Joined 601 Sqd 3 August 1940. Then to 145 Sqd. KIA by a bullet to the head on the 12 October 1940, at 10.30hrs by a Bf 109 in Hurricane I (V7426), Pilot of Hurricane V7426 which was shot down by BF 109s over Hastings and crashed near Cranbrook. Carisbrooke Cemetery Age 21.


23 WakehamErnest Cecil JohnPlt Off41883RAFBritish145Sqn

DFC
Hurricane7MIA1940-08-08Destroyed two aircraft over Dunkirk. DFC 21 June 1940. 5 more victories before 8 August 1940 Posted MIA when he failed to return from a combat in Hurricane I (P3163) with Bf 110s and Ju 87s South of the Isle of Wight. Runnymede Panel 10
24 WeberFrantisekPlt OffRAFVRCzechoslovakia145Sqn

HurricaneServed in France before joining 145 Sqd. On 27 October 1940 baled out Hurricane I (V6888) off the Isle of White safely after combat with a Bf 109 at 17:15hrs . Rescued from the Channel.
25 WeirArchibald Nigel CharlesPlt Off73593RAFVRBritish145Sqn

DFC
Hurricane7MIA1940-11-07Joined 145 Sqd 12 May 1940. He was over Dunkirk and shot down two enemy fighters. 2 more kills during the Battle before 8 August, when he shot down 2 Bf 109s and a Ju 87. DFC 30 August 1940. MIA 7 November 1940 after combat with a Bf 109 off the Isle of Wight in Hurricane I (P2770). His brother Maj. Adrian John Anthony Weir MC was KIA . Runnymede Panel 6 Age 21

26 YuleRobert DuncanPlt OffNew Zealander145Sqn

DSO

DFC
Hurricane5.5KIFA1953-09-11Joined 145 Sqd, a newly reformed fighter unit on Blenheims in September 1939. In March 1940 the unit received its first Hurricanes and during May its pilots ferried Hurricanes to France and assisted the Squadrons there. Yule took part in 145 Sqd first action 18 May. On patrol over Brussels twelve He IIIs were intercepted in broken cloud. When the German bombers emerged from cover the Hurricanes attacked, Yule shooting one down. Four days later he destroyed a Ju 87. The squadron flew daily patrols during the evacuation from Dunkirk and Yule claimed a Bf 110 destroyed on the 1 June 1940. One month later he shared in the destruction of a Do 17 near Brighton. During the Battle he destroyed a Ju 88 and damaged three more, probably destroyed a Bf 110 and shared in the destruction of two Do 17s. On October 25 1940 he was shot down by Bf 109s in a combat over Kent with leg wounds after making a forced landing which wrote off Hurricane I (P3926). While rehearsing for the Battle of Britain fly past over London on the 11 September 1953, Yule collided with another jet aircraft. Faced with a densely-populated area, Yule steered his aircraft towards Woolwich Arsenal and crash-landed between rows of buildings. Some workers were injured and Yule was killed. His selfless action undoubtedly saved many lives.
27 GilJózefPlt Off76765PAFPolish43Sqn

229Sqn

145Sqn


315Sqn Polish

306Sqn Polish

Hurricane2 + 2 probablesMIA1942-12-31Born on 30th January 1914 in Poland. Commissioned in RAFVR then to No. 1 School of Army Co-operation at Old Sarum for flying assessment. 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 1st September 1940 to convert to Hurricanes. Posted to 43 Squadron on the 21st Septemeber 1940. To 229 Squadron on 19th October and then 145 Squadron on the 30th September. Injured 29th December 1940 in crash at East Dean, Sussex, flying low after dark looking for Tangmere. 12th March 1941 Gil posted to 53 OTU at Heston. To 315 (Polish) Squadron at Speke on 13th April 1941. From Northolt probably destroyed a Me109 on 9th August and another destroyed on the 14th. KW (gazetted 10th September 1941). 24th October 1941 he probably shot down a Me109. Bar to the KW (gazetted 15th February 1942). 13th June 1942 joined 306 (Polish) Squadron at Northolt. He destroyed a Fw190 and damaged a Me109 on 9th October, second Bar to the KW (gazetted 15th November 1942). Flying high cover over Abbeville on 31st December 1942 he was shot down by a Fw190 in Spitfire BS455. Last seen heading towards the Channel and almost certainly he crashed into the sea. His body was not recovered. VM (5th Class) (gazetted 20th February 1943). 315 Sqd (Polish) (1941-42) and squadron commander in 306 Sqd Polish. In Spitfire-BS455 he was on a combat sweep in the Abbeville region of France. During the fight with German fighters he was attacked by 6 FW-190. Seen to be damaged he flew off towards the English Channel. Possibly wounded, he crashed in the sea.

Archiwum Database

Allied Losses Database




28 BachmannJack HenryPlt Off (later Sqd Ldr)76568RAFVRBritish98Sqn

88Sqn

145Sqn

67Sqn

Hurricane IIC BN476SurvivedKIA1943-04-09

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Born Norbury, Surrey September 1917. Joined RAFVR July 1937. Called up 1 September 1939 with 98 Sqd, equipped with Fairey Battles. Based at Nantes, France from April to June 1940 but flew no operational sorties. Unknown if Bachmann was with them. On 12 May 1940 he moved to 88 Sqd, also with Battles. Heavily engaged in the fighting and suffered considerable losses. Bachmann's involvement is unrecorded. Back in the UK volunteered for Fighter Command. Posted to 145 Sqd at Drem on 18 August 1940. Next known posting is June 1942 when he was appointed CO of 67 Sqd, reformed with Hurricane IIc's at Alipore, India. In February 1943 the squadron moved to the Akyab front, then in early April set up a base at Chittagong airfield. On 9 April 1943 Bachmann was killed in Hurricane IIc BN476, bounced by Oscars (Nakajima Ki-43) of the 64th Sentai over Chittagong and shot down. Buried in Chittagong War Cemetery. Age 25



29 BakerEric DebnamSgt740057RAFVRBritish145Sqn

HurricaneMIA1940-08-08On patrol in Hurricane I (P2957) on 1940-08-08. He was believed to have been shot down by F.W. Müller of I Gruppe of JG 27 off the Isle of White at 09:15hrs. Posted MIA [2nd version] Hurricane P3381 shot down over the channel and crashed into the sea, Baker missing. Runnymede Age 28

30 BoydAdrian Hope 'Ginger'Flt Lt (later Grp Cpt)39101RAFBritish145Sqn (Acting CO 1940/08/30)

DSO

DFC & Bar

MiD
Hurricane18Survived war1974A rare Ace-In-A-Day! In 10 days over France shot down 8 enemy aircraft. DFC 1940-06-21. He added two more to his score during the early stage of the Battle before destroying two Bf 109s, two Bf 110s, and a Ju 87 all on 1940-08-08 .Promoted to Squadron Leader when S/L John Peel was wounded on the 8th of August 1940. He destroyed another three aircraft during the Battle, including a He 111 on the 23rd of August 1940 over the Firth, 10 miles from Edinburgh and one at night. Boyd was awarded Bar to the DFC on 1940-08-20 and the DSO on 1941-12-02.

Born in India in 1913 and when he came of age at 13, he joined the Senior Service (the Royal Navy) as a cadet. After schooling, he served in the Navy as an acting Sub-Lieutenant for a year before leaving to join the Royal Air Force in 1936. After flight school, he was posted to 65 Sqd at RAF Hornchurch, flying the Gloster Gladiator. In 1939, he transferred to 145 Sqd a month after the beginning of the war and began leading one of its flights. In one 10-day period in May during the Battle of France, he shot down six enemy aircraft along with probably two more and was himself shot down. For this fierce period of flying activity he was awarded the DFC. By the beginning of August during the Battle of Britain, he had shot down a number more—including one stunning day of air fighting on the 8th when he shot down two Bf 109s, two Bf 110s and Ju 87 Stuka (and damaged another)—in one day! Throughout the Battle, he continued to mount victories, receiving another DFC. In December, he was rested as an OTU instructor, and was then sent to command 501 Sqd at RAF Ibsley in June of 1941. He was made wing leader in charge of the wing at RAF Middle Wallop and by year end, had been awarded a DSO. He retired from the RAF in 1947 and died in 1975.


31 BranchGuy RawstronFlying Off90137RAF AAFBritish145Sqn
Empire Gallantry Medal

Later replaced by George Cross
Hurricane2KIA1940-08-11Branch was born on 27 October 1913. Educated at Eton Branch went up to Balliol College, Oxford. Guy Branch joined 601 Sqd, AAF in late 1936 and was commissioned in May 1937. Branch went to France with ‘A’ Flight of 601 on 17 May 1940. On the 20th he destroyed a Do 17. The flight rejoined the squadron at Tangmere on 22 May. Branch was posted to 145 Sqd, also based at Tangmere, on 1 June. On 15 July 1940 shared in the probable destruction of a Do 17 and on 8 August he claimed the destruction of two Ju 87s. He failed to return from an engagement south of Swanage on 11 August. His Hurricane, P 2951, crashed into the sea and his body was later washed up on the French coast. In 1937 as a student pilot, involved in a crash on take-off. He escaped from the blazing wreckage but, realizing his instructor was still trapped, went back into the flames to pull him out. For this he received the Empire Gallantry Medal (precursor to George Cross). Empire Gallantry Medal Citation: On 9th January, 1938 an aircraft in which Pilot Officer Branch was a passenger crashed at Upavon, Wiltshire, and immediately burst into flames. Having extricated himself from the burning aircraft this officer found that the pilot was trapped in the cockpit by his legs. Despite the danger of the petrol tank exploding, Pilot Officer Branch returned to the blazing wreckage and, whilst actually standing on burning debris, succeeded in extracting the pilot. There is little doubt that this prompt and gallant act saved the pilot's life. The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire.

On 1940-08-08 he destroyed two Ju 87s. KIA on 1940-08-11, in Hurricane I (P2951) when he crashed into the sea off Swanage, at 10:30hrs. Buried at Quiberville Churchyard France Age 26




32 BudzińskiJanSgt780665PAFPolish605Sqn

145Sqn

Krzyz Walecznych (x2)

Medal Lotniczy

Hurricane2Died1981-04-01RAF 145 Sqd in Westhampton in August 1940. Battle of Great Britain in 605 Sqd and 145 Sqd. In April 1941 transferred to 302 Sqd at Kenley. Then a pilot instructor at No. 16 Polish Pilot School in Newton. After demobilization in 1953, he went to Canada where he worked as an inspector in a jet engine factory. In 1958 he went to California, USA - died in South Bend WA USA
Archiwum Database

33 BungeyRobert WiltonFg Off257414RAAFAustralian145Sqn

DFC
HurricaneDied1943-06-10Robert Wilton Bungey was unquestionably an RAF hero. From the very beginning of the Second World War he was patrolling Germany’s border with the AASF (Advanced Air Striking Force). In the retreat from France he survived frantic day and night bombing missions flying obsolete, outclassed Fairey Battles against overwhelming odds. Many others didn’t survive. When Fighter Command desperately needed pilots in the Battle of Britain, he volunteered. Joined 145 Sqd on 1940-09-24 as leader of 'B' flight. He survived again when his Hurricane was shot down near the Isle of Wight. Converting to Spitfires, he commanded such aces as Jean ‘Pyker’ Offenberg, Paddy Finucane and Bluey Truscott, his leadership from-the-front gaining their trust and respect. While he was CO of 452 (RAAF) Squadron, it topped Fighter Command’s monthly tallies three times in a row. Later, commanding RAF Hawkinge, he was linked with air-sea rescue and Combined Operations Command. After more than three years of active war service, he returned to Australia for Sybil, his English bride. His wife gave birth to a baby boy but shortly afterwards, on 27th May 1943, she died from complications. On 10th June Bungey, unhinged by grief, went to a local beach and shot the child and then himself with his service revolver. The boy survived and was adopted by an uncle. Brighton St Jude Cemetery Adelaide Australia Age 28

Featured in book 'Spitfire Leader'


34 CarthewGerald Charles TrewallaPlt Off42484RAFCanadian253Sqn

85Sqn

145Sqn

Hurricane0.5Died2013-07-12Born 1921-04-16 at Mountain Park, Alberta, Canada. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began training on 26th June 1939. 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 5th April 1940, converted to Hurricanes and then joined 17 Sqd at Hawkinge on 12th May. Moved briefly to 213 Sqd at Biggin Hill, then joined 229 Sqd on 20th May, went to 85 Sqd at Debden on the 25th and finally to 253 Sqd at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 6th June. Shared in the destruction of a Do17 on 11 September 1940. To 145 Sqd at Tangmere on 14 October. Last sortie on 16 October. 1940, then into non flying duries

APO 6yr SSC 19 Aug 39
PO on prob 28 Feb 40
PO 26 Jun 40
FO war substantive 28 Feb 41
Flt Lt 28 Feb 42
Trans to Res Trans A&SD Branch 26 Jun 45
Flt Lt A&SD Br Sny 28 Feb 42 3 Dec 46

35 ChignellRobert AlexanderWg Cdr24171RAFBritish145Sqn

MiD
HurricaneKIA1942-02-14Joined RAF December 1927. 10 July 1938 he returned to Britain from Far East and went to SHQ Biggin Hill, commanding 32 Sqd there from October 1939 to May 1940. Flew at least one operational sortie with 145 Sqd during the period of the Battle of Britain. Posted back to the Far East, on 14 February 1942 as a Wing Commander. Escaping from Singapore in fast launch being attacked by Japanese aircraft, killed by a shell splinter, he was 36. Buried at sea. Commemorated on the Singapore Memorial in Kranji War Cemetery, also by a plaque in St.Michaels Church Askerswell Dorset. MiD for gallant conduct in operations against the Japanese in early 1942.



Plaque at Askerswell (photo Dorinda Miles)
36 De HemptinneBaudovin Marie GhislainPlt Off82516RAFVRBelgian145Sqn

1KIA1942-05-05February 1940 posted as deputy commander of the flying school in Saint-Denis-Westrem. After the German invasion the school was evacuated to Oudja in French Morocco. After the fall of France de Hemptinne escaped to England, arriving in Liverpool 1940-07-17 via Casablanca and Gibraltar. 6 OTU at Sutton Bridge on 30 July 1940. Converted to Hurricanes to 145 Sqd at Drem 17 August. Shot down a He 111(He 115 ?) 2 October 1940 while on patrol over a Naval Convoy. The He 111 landed on a beach South of Aberdeen with the crew unhurt and they were made PoWs. 25 October 1940 his engine failed, force-landed on Haywards Heath golf course. Aircraft exploded after he got out. KIA 1942 Brussels Town Cemetery Belgian Airmen's Field of Honour

Archive Report

Belgium Aircrew Losses


37 Dunning-WhitePeter WilliamFg Off90543RAFBritish145Sqn

DFC
Hurricane6DiedDied 27th December 2008 aged 93Born Hadley Wood near Barnet on 16th April 1915. Educated at Harrow from 1929 to 1933. Jesus College Cambridge. Gained his pilot's licence and obtained his own aircraft. Full-time service 24 August 1939. Posted to 6 FTS Little Rissington. Then 5 OTU Aston Down on 6 May 1940. Converted to Blenheims in 29 Sqd at Drem on the 27 May 1940. Converted to Hurricanes and posted from 29 to 145 Sqd on 2 July, joined the squadron at Tangmere on the 5 May. 2 kills before downing a Bf 110 and a Ju 87 on the 8th of August and a Bf 109 on the 11th of August. He also shot down another enemy aircraft on the 27th of October 1940. 18 July he shared a He111, on 22 July shared a Do17, on 8 August destroyed a Ju87 and a Me110 and damaged a Me109, on 1 August probably destroyed a Me109 and probably another on 29 October. On 10th January 1941 Dunning-White shared in the probable destruction of a Ju88. To 615 Sqd at Kenley on 13 March 1941 as a Flight Commander. Shot down a Me109 over Dungeness on 15 April 1941, but Hurricane IIa Z2410 was severely damaged and he baled out over Dymchurch. Picked up by an ASR launch. DFC (6 June 1941). Attached to 409 Sqd RCAF in early 1942 for night-flying experience and in March went to 255 Sqd at High Ercall. Went to North Africa. March 1943 promoted to Acting Squadron Leader and made a Flight Commander. Released from the RAF on 8th October 1945 as a Wing Commander. He was re-commissioned in 601 Sqd in 1946 DFC 1941-06-06.

Obituary

38 DuttonRoy GilbertSqd Ldr (later W/C)39072RAFBritish111Sqd

145Sqn

452Sqn RAAF (CO)

19Sqn (CO)

54 OTU
141Sqn

512Sqn

525Sqn (CO)

CBE

DSO

DFC & Bar
Hurricane21Survived war1988-08-14Born in Hatton, Ceylon 2nd March 1917. Joined RAF June 1936 on a short service commission and began his flying training. On 5th September to 8 FTS Montrose. Joined 111 Squadron at Northolt on 24th April 1937. Destroyed 2 with 111 Sqd before joining 145 Sqd 1940-04-03. Shot down 9 more enemy aircraft over France. DFC 1940-05-31. As "A" Flight Commander during the Battle, Dutton shot down another 4 aircraft before the 8th of August, when he shot down 3 Ju 87's, adding 2 Bf 110's on the 11th and a Ju 88 on the 12th. Bar to DFC 1940-08-20. Wing Commander. Buried St. Lukes Churchyard, Whyteleafe, Surrey.

Extenive note post Battle of Britain at Allied Losses Database





39 FordeDerek NigelFg Off41526RAFBritish145Sqn

605Sqn

DFC
Hurricane3DiedJanuary 16 1979Born on October 17th 1917. Joined the RAF on a short service commission in August 1938. He was with 145 Squadron in May 1940 and on the 27th was shot down over Dunkirk in combat with Me110’s. He was unhurt and rejoined the squadron. posted to 605 Squadron at Croydon on September 26th 1940. By 1942 he was serving with 72 Squadron and went with it to North Africa in November. DFC (gazetted 26th February 1943) being then credited with at least three enemy aircraft destroyed. On April 24th 1943 Forde damaged a Me 109. Later in the war Forde was shot down over France and sustained hip and leg injuries but managed to escape back to the UK via the Pyrenees, aided by the French Resistance. He stayed on in the RAF and retired on February 8th 1953, as a Squadron Leader.

Shot down 1940-05-27 over Dunkirk in Hurricane I (N2710) by Bf 110s, not injured. DFC 1943-02-26, with three enemy aircraft destroyed

40 AyerstPeter VigneP/O (later Wng Cmdr)RAF73Sqn

145Sqn

243Sqn

33Sqn

238Sqn

124Sqn

DFC
Hurricane, Spitfire5 (some records 9)Survived warMay 15 2014, Beckenham KentAyerst's name does not appear in many records of Battle of Britain participants. Our research shows he participated when a member of training group. Perhaps the fact this unit was not one of the recognized Battle of Britain units is the reason his name is missing from the records

Born 4 November 1920 Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. Advanced flying training in Lincolnshire in 1939, short service commission to the RAF. He flew Hawker Hurricanes in 73 Sqd which was based in Rouves, northern France, from October 1939 through to the fall of France in May 1940. In October 1939 Ayert became the first RAF pilot to come into combat with a German fighter plane - and that was by accident. While on a patrol over France, at the age of 19, he momentarily flew off in the wrong direction. After a while he found what he thought was the rest of his French squadron and flew in behind the nine planes. He realised however they were Messerschmit 109s after he noticed the black cross of the Luftwaffe on the tail fins. He gave a short burst of fire before diving out of the way. Another 18 Messerschmits arrived as did the rest of his patrol and the first combat of the war broke out. Ayerst said: 'I was the first RAF fighter pilot ever to come into combat with a Messerschmit 109. On that day our squadron were the first offensive fighter patrol of the war. As I was turning around to come back to France, underneath me I saw nine aircraft in line. I thought "here come our boys on this patrol".' I joined in formation, tagged on the end and saw bloody great black crosses. So I pulled up and gave a quick squirt at the enemy and went down. Unbeknown to me there were another 18 of them making 27 altogether.' After returning to Britain he was based in Cheshire, teaching young fighter pilots aerial warfare. During one lesson in August 1940 - the height of the Battle of Britain - his services were called upon when a German Heinkel bomber appeared nearby. He and two other pilots took off and shot the plane down. Years later Ayerst met two members of the German crew who thanked him for helping them survive the war by being captured.

In 1942 he was posted to North Africa and flew Spitfires and Hurricanes, intercepting enemy aircraft. On his 22nd birthday on November 4, 1942, his plane was cut down by German flak and he crash landed on a road. It was too risky to walk across the desert by day to find his squadron, so he waited until dark. Just as he set off an Australian army truck pulled up and an officer told him to get in immediately as he was about to walk through a darkened minefield.

He flew again in the aftermath of D-Day. Wg Cdr Ayerst's biographer, Hugh Thomas, said: 'For Peter to survive through four major air theatres of the war, he must have been a very special pilot. Many pilots could fly a Spitfire but very few could make them dance and that is what Peter could do. I can't think of any other pilots who spent more time in Spitfires other than Peter Ayerst and Alex Henshaw, who was the chief test pilot for Vickers. Peter flew in and tested all the Spitfires, from Mark I to Mark 22.'

He was not only the first RAF fighter pilots to see action in World War Two but was remarkable in seeing action in the Battle of France, Battle of Britain, El Alamein, Normandy landings, Arnhem and offensive sweeps into the Ruhr. The odds against surviving just one of those campaigns were high. Of surviving the entire war, he said: 'One stayed with it, got through it and, if you were lucky, came out the other side.'

In his career as a fighter pilot he destroyed nine enemy aircraft, probably destroyed two more and damaged four.

Biography: Spirit of the Blue



Signed envelope






Canterbury City Cemetery
41 GlewNorman Vipan 'Sticky'Sgt (later Sqd Ldr)107955RAFVRBritish72Sqn

145Sqn

Hurricane KX9296KIFA Hit ground during mock dogfight1944-05-17Born November 1916 Derby. RAFVR in November 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Full-time service 1st September 1939, posted to 1 ITW Cambridge then to 3 FTS South Cerney. Joined 72 Sqd Acklington on 19th June 1940. Moved to Biggin Hill in August. On 23rd September Glew claimed a share in Me109. 27th destroyed a Do17. To 41 Sqd at Hornchurch on 7th November 1940, remaining with the squadron until May 1941. Posted overseas. On 17th May Glew on the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious at Scapa Flow. Flew off near Majorca on 14th June for Malta, refuelled and then went on to Egypt, reaching Mersa Matruh on the 16th. 260 Squadron at Haifa until October. Commissioned in August 1941. Moved to the Western Desert in October 1941. Damaged a Me109 on 2nd January 1942. Damaged by Me109's on 26th March when on his way back from Martuba to Tobruk. In 1943 Glew was with 229 Sqd in Malta, moving with it to Catania, Sicily in January 1944. Commanded 435 Squadron at Brindisi in March as an Acting Squadron Leader. Killed there on 17th May aged 27 when his Hurricane KX929 struck the ground near Brindisi when engaged in a mock dogfight with a Spitfire.

While serving with 1435 Squadron, Brindisi, Commissioned Aug 1941. buried in Grave XI. C. 24 of Bari War Cemetery,Italy, aged 27; Born Derby, November 1916. son of Capt. Norman H. & Mildred A. Glew of Derby.

Allied Losses Database





42 HaireJohn KeatingeSgt748611RAFVRBritish145Sqn

HurricaneKIA1940-11-06Born 25 September 1920, 'Bunny' Haire was one of three children to Sidney and Nora Haire of 122 Earlswood Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland. After leaving school, John joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service qualifying as a clerk on 23 November 1938 After training on 11 September 1940, posted to 'A' flight of 145 Sqd, flying Hurricanes from RAF Dyce near Aberdeen. 8 October the squadron moved south to RAF Tangmere in Sussex. 23 October he was awarded a part share in the probable destruction of a Ju88. Over the Isle of Wight on 6 November 1940. His Hurricane was damaged and burning fiercely from combat with the Luftwaffe when he made an instant decision to stay with his aircraft until the last moment, hoping to miss the small village below. He had been in this same situation over the island only ten days previously, and had got away with it, landing safely on the beach. Unfortunately, this time he had miscalculated, and by thinking of others first he was too low when he finally jumped off the wing, his parachute not having time to deploy properly. Sgt. Haire crashed into a ploughed field near Arreton Village, staying alive just long enough for the local vicar, the Reverend Burbidge, who rushed to his aid, to give him a final blessing. 1940-10-27 in Hurricane I (V6888) ditched on the sands of Bembridge and escaped injury after a dogfight with a Bf 109 at 17:15hrs. J.K.Haire was promoted to Pilot Officer. KIA on the afternoon 1940-11-06, baled out of Hurricane I (V6627) too low after combat over the Isle of Wight. A book written in 1941 called 'Helmut Wick - Das Leben Eines Fliegerhelden' by Joseph Grabler describes the events of 6 November 1940 from the German perspective. Maybe Helmut Wick was suffering from battle fatigue when he related the events of the day - 'Today we had a terrific time again. We met a heap of Hurricanes which fly lower than we do. I am just getting ready to attack when I notice something above me and I immediately shout over the intercom 'Attention - Spitfires above us'. But they were so far away that I could begin the attack on the Hurricanes. They were just turning away from their original course and that sealed their fate. Almost simultaneously the four of us fired at their formation. One went on my account, the rest of the Hurricanes pulled up to a higher altitude. During this manoeuvre I once again caught the one on the right hand outside. He was done for immediately and went straight down. I wasn't sure if I was unwell or if my nerves were about to break but when the second Englishman went down I just wanted to go home. As we began for home I see below me three Spitfires. I am the first to see them and attack, already the first one falls.' It can now be seen that according to the RAF losses for that day, eight aircraft were shot down, no Spitfires being lost, so it must be concluded that the 'Spitfire' shot down by Wick on his way home was, in fact, a Hurricane and it is probable that this was Sgt. Haire. (The other two 'kills' being Sgt. Hubert Adair from 213 and P/O James Tillett from 238 Squadron). Most Luftwaffe pilots liked having the 'kudos' of shooting down a Spitfire rather than a Hurricane. Major Wick was to lose his own life over the same Island some twenty two days later when he was shot down in a dogfight over The Needles by F/Lt. John Dundas DFC* of 609 Squadron. Almost immediately Dundas was attacked by Wick's No 2 and shot down into the sea, his body never to be found. Belfast Dundonald Cemetery Age 20

Archive Report Hurricane V6627



43 HarrisonJohn HowardPlt Off76577RAFVRBritish145Sqn

Hurricane I R4180MIA - Runnymede Memorial. Panel 81940-08-12Born on the 10th November 1917 at Mitcham, Surrey. Enlisted in 1937 trained at 13 E&RFTS at White Waltham. Awarded his 'A' flying licence on the 26th June 1939. Joined 145 squadron on the 31st July 1940. Son of Dr. Arthur William Harrison, M.D (died 18th January 1932 age 65)., and Lilian Jane Harrison (nee Hackett), died 08th August 1980 age 88) of 91 Devonshire Road, Collier's Wood, Merton, London, England. Both parents buried at St. Peter and St. Paul's Churchyard, Church Roadm, Mitcham. His step brother (mother being Laura Jane Harrison, nee Osborne died in 1908, age just 38) John William Hyde Harrison (‘N’ Company, 4th Battalion - Special Brigade, Royal Engineers) died of gas poisoning age 18 on the 13th November 1916 at the No. 43 Casualty Clearing Station, Warlencourt, France.

Archive Report




44 HonorDudley Sandry GartonFg Off40113British145Sqn

DFC
Hurricane9Died2007-12-27Joined the RAF July 1937. 18th September Honor posted to 6 FTS Netheravonthen joined 88 Sqd at Boscombe Down on 7 March 1938. Equipped with Fairey Battle light bombers, the squadron went to France at the outbreak of war as part of the AASF (Advanced Air Striking Force) and suffered heavy losses in the German blitzkrieg. For his services in France Honor was later awarded the DFC. After 88 was withdrawn from France in June 1940 he volunteered for Fighter Command. Force landed Hurricane I (V7422) 27 October 1940 near St Leonards, Sussex at 12:20hrs. Ran out of fuel after combat but he was unhurt. After converting to Hurricanes Honor was posted to 145 Squadron at Drem on 28th August 1940. Shared in the destruction of an Arado Ar196 floatplane on 12th October. Forced-landing at Hollington, near St. Leonards on the 27 October, after running out of fuel following a combat with Me109's. Hurricane, V7422 written off. On 2 December posted to 85 Sqd at Debden in the night-fighting role. On 29 January 1941 posted to 274 Sqd in Middle East as a Flight Commander. He joined it at Amriya on 6th April. Me109 destroyed on 1 1941 May, a Me109 destroyed and another three damaged on the 15 May and on the 20 May destroyed a Me110, which had just taken off from Mechili, as well as a Ju52 on the ground. On 25 May attacked the German-held airfield at Maleme. Destroyed a Ju52 and a SM79 but was then shot down by a Me109. Ditched in the sea where his Hurricane sank to 40 feet before he was able to escape from the cockpit. His German lifejacket, obtained during his service in France, inflated immediately and he surfaced.

Obituary

45 JohnsonWilliam JohnSgt (later commissioned)115410British145Sqn

DFC & Bar
Hurricane41996-02Born 15 July 1919 in Brandon, Suffolk. May 1939 joined the RAFVR as an Airman u/t Pilot. 5 OTU Aston Down on 1 September 1940. He crashed there on the 3 September, in Hurricane P3719, but was unhurt. Joined 85 Sqd at Church Fenton on 16 September. 145 Sqd at Tangmere on 18 October. On a cross-channel sweep on 26 January 1941 he shot down a Me109. Commissioned in January 1942, posted to 611 Squadron at Hornchurch. In March posted to Malta. Flew off the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle on 9 May to join 126 Sqd at Ta Kali. On the 14 May damaged a Me109, 30 May damaged a SM84. June 1942 Johnson flew back to Gibraltar then embarked on HMS Eagle and flew a Spitfire off to Malta on 15 July. Probable Me109 on the 18 July, a probable Ju88 on the 26 July, destroyed a Me109 on 31 Juy and shot down two Re2001's on 14 August during Operation Pedestal. 4 more probables. DFC (gazetted 22nd January 1943). May 1943 commanded 1449 Flight and served with it until November when he joined 197 Sqd at Tangmere. Commanded 257 Sqd on the Continent from July to October 1944. Bar to the DFC (gazetted 1st December 1944). He retired on 6 February 1959 as a Squadron Leader.
46 JottardAlexis Rene Isidore GhislainPlt Off82515RAFVRBelgian145Sqn

HurricaneKIA1940-10-27Flew with the Belgian Air Force in a Fiat CR23 before the Battle of Britain. He and his friend ( J.Offenberg) went to France when Belgium was over-run. Then after French signed the Armistice they went for North Africa. Smuggled from Casablanca to Gibraltar with some Polish Pilots. Joined 145 Sqd at Drem, in Scotland 17 August 1940. Shot down and killed in Hurricane I (P3167) by Bf 109 on the 27 October 1940 at 17:15hrs off the Isle of Wight. Runnymede Memorial Panel 8. Born on 11th August 1912 at Conneux, Belgium.

Belgium Aircrew Losses



47 KestinIan HerbertSub Lt (FAA)FAABritish145Sqn

HurricaneMIA1940-08-01Born 24 July 1917. Instructor at the London Aero Club. Joined the Navy on 15th September 1939. In early 1940 volunteered for a Fighter course and on 27 May was sent on one at HMS Raven. Attached to the RAF on 23 June and posted to 7 OTU Hawarden. Converted to Hurricanes, posted to 145 Sqd on 1 July. Attacked a Hs 126 ten miles south of Hastings on 1 August 1940. His Hurricane P3155 was hit by return fire and went down in the Channel 15.00 hrs. The Hs126 was shot down by P/O ECJ Wakeham DFC. MIA, commemorated on the FAA Memorial, Lee-on-Solent.

Fleet Air Arm Database


48 KwiecińskiJòzefSgt780691PAFPolish145Sqn

Krzyz Walecznych

Medal Lotniczy

Hurricane1MIA1940-08-12Joined 145 Sqd 4 August 1940. MIA following combat 12 August 1940 at 12:30hrs with Bf 110s and Ju 88s South of the Isle of Wight in Hurricane I (P3391) Polish War Memorial Northolt Age 23
Archiwum Database

Archive Report


49 LeggettPercival GrahamPlt Off86329RAFVRBritish245Sqn

46Sqn

145Sqn

96Sqn

249Sqn

73Sqn

32Sqn (CO)

Air Efficiency Award

Hurricane1.5Survived war26th May 2013Born 14 February 1921. Joined the RAFVR June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up 1 September 1939. Basic training then 5 OTU Aston Down in September 1940 for conversion to Hurricanes. 18 September crashed at Oldbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, unhurt. Joined 245 Squadron at Aldergrove on 28 September, then 46 Sqd at Stapleford on 18 October. Probable Fiat BR20 and shared another on 11 November. Posted to 145 Sqd in late November 1940 (?) and then 96 Sqd at Cranage on 18 December 1940. Late June 1941 joined 249 Sqd in Malta. Mc200 destroyed on 17 July. Shot down 21 December 1941, baled out and was admitted to hospital with slight abrasions. Joined 73 Sqd in North Africa in October 1942 until August 1943. Back in the UK, appointed Adjudant at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey after which he served in Ceylon. In 1949 he became CO of 32 Sqd on Havilland Vampires from Cyprus. Station Commander Dyce 1956/57. Retired from the RAF on 23rd May 1958 as a Squadron Leader.
50 MacháčekJiri JPlt Off (later F/O)82560RAFVRCzechoslovakia310Sqn Czechoslovakia

145Sqn

Hurricane1KIA1941-07-08Shot down 15 October 1940 in Hurricane I (V7337). Baled out over Christchurch with minor injuries, some splinters in his leg after combat with a Bf 109 at 13:00hrs. He had been flying as 'Tail end Charlie'. Hurricane crashed at New Milton. KIA on the afternoon of the 8 July 1941. Spitfire Va (R7128) was shot down while on 'Circus No 40'. Runnymede

51 MacLachlanJames Archibald FindlayFlt Lt39639RAFBritish145Sqn

73Sqn

DSO

DFC & 2 Bars
Hurricane16.5PoW Died from Injuries1943-07-31Born on 1 April 1919 at Styal, Cheshire. Student at Monkton Combe School from 1931 to 1936. Joined the RAF on a short service commission March 1937. Posted to 3 FTS South Cerney on 8 May 1937. Joined 88 Sqd at Boscombe Down 27 November. Hinds soon replaced by Fairey Battles. To France at the outbreak of war. Withdrawn to England in June 1940. DFC 16 July 1940. Posted to 145 Sqd at Drem on 18 August. Then to 73 Sqd at Castle Camps on 28 September 1940. 17 November he led six Hurricanes off HMS Argus for Malta, where they joined 261 Sqd at Ta Kali. 9 January 1941 destroyed two Macchi 200’s destroyed. On 19 January a Z506B, a Ju88, two Ju87s and a probable CR42. During the night of 8/9 February he destroyed two Ju88s. Bar to the DFC 11 February 1941. On 16 February 1941 he was hit by a Bf109 and severely wounded in the left arm. Baled. Arm amputated below the elbow. Returned to the UK. Detachable forearm and hand designed for use in a Hurricane. Returned to operations on 4 November 1941 commanding 1 Sqd at Redhill for night intruder operations over France. On the night of 26/27 April 27 1942 he destroyed a Do217 and damaged another, on May 3/4 he destroyed a Do17 and a He111 and on June 3/4 destroyed two Do217s and damaged two more. DSO gazetted 29 May 1942. On 31 July was posted to 59 OTU, Crosby-on-Eden, as an instructor then to lecture tour of the USA. June 1943 to the Air Fighting Development Unit at Wittering. On 29 June flying with Geoffrey Page, flew a Mustang on a daylight sortie, destroying two Hs126s, a Ju88 and shared a second with Page, who also destroyed two Hs126s. They went again on 18 July. Crossing the French coast he was hit by machine gun fire. Force-landed through an orchard. He survived the crash. As PoW taken to a German field hospital. Died there on 31 July 1943. Buried in Route de Caen Communal Cemetery, Pont L'Eveque, France. Second Bar to DFC gazetted 30 July 1943.



52 MatthewsPeter Gerald HughFg Off40247British1Sqn

73Sqn (CO)

74Sqn (CO)

145Sqn (CO)

111Sqn

DFC
HurricaneHis flying career included time with 1 Sqd, 73 Sqd (CO), 74 Sqd (CO), 145 Sqd (CO) and 111 Sqd. Matthews, flying Hurricanes with 1 Sqd, joined the Advanced Striking Force in France at the outset of the war. He was with 74 Sqd as commander from 7 February to 10 July 1942, while the unit was in the Middle East. During much of his time with 74 Sqd the unit was short of Spitfire aircraft when their replacement aircraft went down with a torpedoed cargo ship. He suggested that the pilots of 74 Sqd should be seconded to 73 Sqd until aircraft could arrive.

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