You searched for: “"74sqn"”
# | Name | First Names | Rank | Service No. | Air Force | Country of Origin* | Squadrons | Awards | Aircraft | Victories | Fate in Battle | Fate After Battle | DateOfDeath | **************Notes************** | Photo |
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1 | Skinner | Wilfred Malcom | Sgt (later P/O) | 68722 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() | DFC![]() DFM ![]() | Spitfire Vb W3208 ZP-U | 8 | PoW. Survived war | June 2003 | Archive report on the later loss
Joined 74 Sqd 10 June 1939 from No 5 E & R.F.T.S. at Hanworth. Scored over 8 victories during the Battle of Britain. Baled out of Spitfire I (X4022) after a collision while on patrol on 30 August 1940. Unhurt. Promoted to Pilot Officer and awarded DFC. At the time he was shot down and taken POW in July 1941 he was 74 Squadron's longest serving member. Made a PoW on the 6 July 1941 when shot down over France in Spitfire V (W3208). |
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2 | Mayne | Ernest | WO | 46329 | British | 74Sqn![]() | AFC![]() | Spitfire | Died | Flew with 74 Sqd until 11 August 1940. 40 years old and probably the only RFC pilot to fly Spitfires in the Battle. On this day he blacked out in a tight turn and his aircraft fell from 24,000ft to about 4,000. His ears suffered damage and it was his last sortie. | |||||
3 | McNair | Robin John | Sgt (later Sqd Ldr) | 112522 | British | 3Sqn![]() 249Sqn ![]() 87Sqn ![]() 247Sqn ![]() 124 Wing 74Sqn ![]() | DFC![]() | Hurricane | Completed his flying training in August 1940. Posted as sergeant pilot to 3 Sqd at Wick. This had suffered severe casualties in Battle of France and was defending Scapa Flow. Posted on September 15 to 249 Sqd at North Weald, under the command of John Grandy. Posted to 96 Sqd in December 1940. | ![]() |
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4 | Measures | William Edward Geoffrey 'Tink' | Flt Lt | 33198 | British | 74Sqn![]() 238Sqn ![]() | AFC![]() | Spitfire/Hurricane | Joined 74 Sqd in July 1937 from RAF Cranwell. Flew Spitfire I with them and with 238 Sqd in Hurricanes during the Battle. | ||||||
5 | Morrison | Neil | Sgt | 740636 | RAFVR | British | 54Sqn![]() 72Sqn ![]() 74Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | 2 | KIA | 1941-02-24 | Joined RAFVR September 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939. 7 OTU, Hawarden on 2nd September. Converting to Spitfires and joined 54 Sqd at Catterick on 17th September 1940. First flight was made on the 18th, a sector reconnaissance. Moved to 72 Sqd at Biggin Hill on 4th October and then to 74 Sqd, also at Biggin Hill, on the 26th. Probably destroyed a Me109 on 29th October, destroyed another over the Channel between Dover and Calais on 1st November and shared in the destruction of a Me109 on 2nd December, with S/Ldr. AG Malan. Shared in the destruction of a Me110 on 22nd February 1941. Two days later posted 'Failed to Return' after a patrol in Spitfire IIa P7618. His body was washed ashore at Lydd-on-Sea on 6th May 1941. Glasgow Eastwood New Cemetery Scotland Age 26 | ![]() ![]() |
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6 | Mould | Edward Anthony 'Tony' | Sgt (later FO) | 67599 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() 85Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | WIA | KIA | 1943-01-20 | Born in Mill Hill, Middlesex on 28 February 1917. Joined RAFVR February 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1 September 1939. Sent to 74 Sqd at Leconfield in May 1940. On 22 May he shared in destroying a Ju88. Flying patrol over France, brought down 24 May 1940. Returned to England by boat. On 8 July Mould damaged a Bf109 of JG51, which made a forced -landing on Bladbean Hill, Elham, Kent. Forced landing on 10 July 1940 after battle damage to Spitfire (P9446) whilst attacking 26 Dorniers escorted by fighters over a convoy near Dover. Shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 26 off Dover on the 28 July 1940 at 14:20 in his Spitfire I (P9336). Baled out and was wounded. Shot down by Bf109s in combat off Dover on the 28 July and baled out, wounded from Spitfire, P9336, which crashed on the roof at Buckland Mill, north of Dover. Commissioned in May 1941. Killed on 20 January 1943 as a Flying Officer with 85 Sqd, aged 26. Mosquito II came down in the Blackwater Estuary, cause unknown. Navigator, P/O W Fisher, was also killed. Brookwood Military Cemetery Age 26 | ![]() ![]() |
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7 | Mungo-Park | John Colin | Flt Lt (later Sqd Ldr) | 40008 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | DFC & Bar![]() | Hurricane/Spitfire | 11 | KIA | 1941-06-27 | Joined 74 Sqd 5 September 1939 Became Commander of the Squadron in April 1941. Killed by Bf 109 in a fighter sweep over France on the evening of the 27 June 1941 in Spitfire V (X4668). Adinkerke Military Cemetery Belgium Age 23 Archive Report Wikipedia Bio | ![]() ![]() Drawing by Eric Kenningon ![]() |
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8 | Murray | James | Sgt (later W/O) | 519400 | RAF | British | 610Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | 1.5 | KIA | 1943-04-03 | Joined the RAF March 1935 as an Aircrafthand. Accepted for pilot training. 7 OTU Hawarden on 2 September 1940 to convert to Spitfires. Joined 610 Sqd at Acklington on 16 September 1940. To 74 Sqd Biggin Hill on 28 October. Destroyed a Me109 and shared another on 5 December 1940. Killed in the Middle East on 3 April 1943 as a Warrant Officer with the Aden Communications Flight. Vickers Vincent K4678 struck a hill while low-flying along the Yemeni border near Harib. His body was not recovered. Alamein Memorial Column 269 Egypt North Africa Aden Communication Flight/Aden Communication Unit/Aden Protectorate Communications and Support Squadron. This was formed on 21 April 1942 under the control of Khormaksar as the Aden Communication Flight, being retitled HQ British Forces Aden Communication Flight on 21 March 1943. | ![]() ![]() |
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9 | Nelson | William Henry | Fg Off (later Flt Lt) | 39675 | RAF | Canada | 74Sqn![]() | DFC![]() | Spitfire | 5 | MIA | 1940-11-01 | Ace Born in Montreal, Canada 1917-04-02, son of Henry and Sarafina Nelson of 4885 Cote St, Catherine Rd. Educated at Baron Byng High and Strathcona Academy. Joined the RAF in 1937 after working his way to England. On September 8/9 1939 he took part as Captain of a bomber in the RAF’s earliest operation, with 8 Whitleys dropping leaflets in NW Germany. After other operations he also took part in raids on Sylt and over Dunkirk during the evacuation. DFC by the King at Buckingham Palace 1940-06-04. First Canadian Jew decorated in WW2. His citation read 'Nelson carried out many flights over enemy territory, always showing the greatest determination and courage. After one attack on Stavanger, Norway, he encountered a balloon barrage and sent a report to base HQ in time to warn following aircraft. He wrote home that “ I thank God that I shall be able to help to destroy the regime that persecutes the Jews…..” Volunteering for Fighter Command and returning before his leave expired, he flew Spitfires from Hornchurch with 74 Sqd , shooting down a Bf 109, Bf 110 and damaging another Bf 110 on August 11 1940 when he took on six Bf 109s singehanded; damaging a Do 17 on the 13 August and destroying three more Bf 109s on October 17, 27 and 29. Killed 1940-11-01 by a Bf 109 attack over Dover in Spitfire P7312 at 1400 hrs. and crashed into the Channel. Listed as missing on the 52nd RAF casualty list on Nov 14 1940 but officially presumed killed on May 26 1941. He was 23 years old, left a wife (Marjorie Isobel) and young son and his name is inscribed on the Runnymede memorial, panel 4. Battle of Britain Spitfire Ace, the Life and Loss of One of the Few, Flight Lieutenant William Henry Nelson DFC, by Peter J. Usher ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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10 | Pease | Arthur Peter | Plt Off | 72447 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() 603Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-09-15 | Son of Sir Richard Pease from Richmond, Yorkshire. Studied at Eton and Cambridge Universities until he joined the R.AF. Joined 603 Sqd in July 1940 at Dyce near Aberdeen. Friends with Richard Hillary and D.M.Crook. 30 July 1940 he was credited with a half share in a He 111. 10 August 1940 Squadron moved to Hornchurch into the thick of the action. Shot down a Bf 109 on 3 September 1940 in the same action as his friend, Richard Hillary was wounded. Had lucky escape 7 September 1940, his Spitfire damaged in action over London and he made a forced landing at Hornchurch. Shot down and killed in Spitfire I (X4324) 15 September 1940 at 15:05hrs by a Bf 109 over Kingswood in Kent while he was attacking a formation of He 111s. Crashed a few miles South East of Maidstone. Archive Rerport Middleton Tyas St Michael Churchyard Age 22 | ![]() ![]() |
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11 | Ricalton | Alan Leslie | Plt Off | 70872 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-10-17 Age 26 | Shot down in Spitfire II (P7360) over Maidstone, Kent by Bf 109 on 17 October 1940 at15:40hrs. Sittingbourne Cemetery England | ![]() ![]() |
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12 | Rogowski | Jan (Aleksander?) | Sgt (later W/O) | 780965 | PAF | Polish | 303Sqn Polish![]() 74Sqn ![]() | Virtuti Militari![]() Krzyz Walecznych (x3) ![]() Srebrny Krzyz Zaslugi z Mieczami ![]() Medal Lotniczy (x2) ![]() | Hurricane/Spitfire | 2 + 5 x V1 | Died | 1977-08-17 | Ipswich Old Cemetery Age 60 Archiwum Database | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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13 | Saunders | Cecil Henry 'Fishy' | Plt Off | 42893 | British | 92Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() 145Sqn ![]() 154Sqn (CO) ![]() 145Sqn (CO) ![]() | Spitfire | 5.5 | WIA | Survived war | 1st September 1992 | Wounded 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 . | ![]() ![]() |
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14 | Scott | John Alan | Sgt | 745385 | RAFVR | British | 266Sqn![]() 611Sqn ![]() 74Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-10-27 Age 22 | Born in 1918 at Greenford, West London. Joined RAFVR in March 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1 September 1939. 7 OTU Hawarden in early September 1940. Joined 266 Sqd at Wittering on 23 September. Moved to 611 Sqd at Tern Hill 27 September and then to 74 Sqd at Biggin Hill 23 October. Scott was shot down and killed in Spitfire II (P7526) in combat with Bf 109s over Maidstone on 27th October 1940. Crashed and exploded at Dundas Farm, Elmsted near Ashford. Alperton Cemetery England | ![]() ![]() |
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15 | Matthews | Peter Gerald Hugh | Fg Off | 40247 | British | 1Sqn![]() 73Sqn (CO) ![]() 74Sqn (CO) ![]() 145Sqn (CO) ![]() 111Sqn ![]() | DFC![]() | Hurricane | His 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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16 | Smith | Arthur Joseph | Plt Off | 42657 | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | WIFA. Survived war | 22nd December 2004 | Born 8 November 1920 in New Barnet England. His father was 'Joey' Smith, British and European Lightweight Boxing Champion. Educated at Denmead School, Woking and King Edward VI Grammar School, Guildford. RAF on a short service commission on the 15 June 1939. Posted to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 28 April 1940 for Hurricane conversion. To RAF Uxbridge on 15 May to await a posting to France. In France his train was bombed by Stukas and he was evacuated by ship to UK. 7 OTU Hawarden for Spitfire conversion. Joined 74 Sqd at Coltishall on 30 September 1940. At the end of October posted to ferrying duties for a few months and was then allocated to flight testing duties. On 9th April 1942 he had just taken off from a Scottish airfield when his engine cut, almost certainly due to water contaminated fuel. He crashed into the trees that bordered the airfield. Smith was taken to hospital, so badly injured that his family was sent for. He endured months of operations, resulting in him losing two inches in height due to the removal of leg bone. Ground duties for the rest of his service and was released in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.![]() | ![]() |
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17 | Smith | Denis Norman Evelyn | Plt Off | 79524 | Canadian | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-08-11 | 11 August 1940 shot down and killed in Spitfire I (R6962) East of Harwich by Bf 110s at 12:15hrs. Oostende New Communal Cemetery, Plot 9. Row 3. Grave 22. Belgium | ![]() |
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18 | Soars | Harold John | Sgt | 134228 | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | Died | ![]() | ||||||
19 | Spurdle | Robert Lawrence | Plt Off | NZ/2454 | RNZAF | New Zealander | 74Sqn![]() | DFC![]() | Spitfire | At least 5 | Safe | Died on the 05th March 1994, age 76 and now rests in the Mercury Bay Cemetery, Waikato, New Zealand. | Born Wanganui, New Zealand on 3 March 1918. Attended Wanganui Collegiate School before being accepted early in 1939 for the last short service commission course. Sailed for Britain early June 1940 to join a Spitfire OTU before joining 74 Sqd on 21 August 1940. Shared in a He III on 14 September. He destroyed five enemy fighters, probably three more and damaged a further four plus several probably destroyed bombers before he was posted in mid-April 1941 to join 91 Sqd. He probably destroyed another Bf 109 on 7 May 1941 and damaged another on the 23 May 1941. As far as is known Bob Spurdle, John Gibson and Michael Herrick were the only three New Zealand pilots to destroy enemy aircraft in both the Battle of Britain and the Pacific.
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20 | St John | Peter Cape Beauchamp | Fg Off | 40230 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire IIa P7431 Hurricane | KIA | 1940-10-22 | Joined 74 Sqd 7 May 1940 from 501 Sqd. KIA 22 October 1940. Spitfire II (P7431) shot down by a Bf 109 over South Nuttfield, Surrey at 15:30hrs. Amersham Consecrated Cemetery Age 23
Born on the 25th May 1917. Son of Robert Henry Beauchamp St.John (died 01st February 1956), his first wife Mary Agnes Sybil (married 01st October 1901 - née Shelton - died in September 1915 age 43) and Edith Mary St.John, (married on the 09th September 1916 - née Hutton - later Whall). Brother of Margaret Mary St.John (died 14th December 1975, age 56) and step brother of Dorothy Mary Beaufort St.John (died in March 1997, age 94), of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England.of Notting Hill, London. |
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21 | Stephen | Harbourne Mackay 'Steve' | Plt Off | 78851 | RAFVR | British | 605Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() 130Sqn ![]() 234Sqn (CO) ![]() | CBE![]() DSO ![]() DFC & Bar ![]() | Spitfire | 9 | Survived war | 22nd August 2001 | Joined RAFVR in 1937. Joined 605 Sqd first but moved to 74 Sqd on 1 March 1939. Flew Spitfires with the Tigers during the Battle. Claimed a Bf 109 on 28 July 1940 and another on the 20 October 1940. Total score was 9 confirmed and 8 shared. ,br>Born in Elgin, Scotland 18 April 1916. Educated at Shrewsbury. Joined RAFVR April 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Trained at 13 E&RFTS White Waltham. He began training at 11 Group Fighter Pool at St. Athan in early September 1939 and after converting to Hurricanes was posted to 605 Sqd at Tangmere on the 20 September 1939 as a Sergeant-Pilot. On 28th March 1940 he was flying in Yellow Section when a He111 was sighted, 605’s first encounter with the Luftwaffe. The section leader damaged the bomber and 43 Sqd later shot it down. Commissioned in April, posted to 74 Sqd at Hornchurch on the 7th and joined it on the 10th. Over Dunkirk on 24th May shared a Hs126 and a Do17, on the 26th shared another Hs126 and on the 27th destroyed a Me109 and shared a Do17. On 28th July Stephen damaged a Me109, on 11th August he destroyed a Me109, probably destroyed two Me109s and two Me110s and damaged a Me109 and a Me110, on the 13th he probably destroyed a Do17, on 11th September destroyed a Ju88 and damaged a Me109, on 1st October damaged a He111 and on the 5th shared a Do17. Me109 destroyed and probably another on 20th October, a Me109 destroyed on the 27th, three Ju87s destroyed on 14th November, a Me109 damaged on the 15th, two Me109s shared on the 17th and 30th, a Me109 probably destroyed on 2nd December and two Me109s destroyed and another shared on the 5th. DFC 27 August 1940. Bar to DFC 15th November 1940. DSO 24th December 1940. On 30th November 1940 Stephen and F/Lt. JC Mungo-Park shared the shooting down of the 600th German plane credited to RAF Biggin Hill. The combat occurred at 34,000 ft. which was at that time a record altitude for air combat.11th January 1941 posted away to 59 OTU Turnhouse as CFI, but this was altered to secondment to the RAE Farnborough. June 1941 posted to Portreath to form 130 Sqd. Took command of 234 Sqd at Warmwell in late July. On 12 August 1941 damaged a Ju88 and on 15 October shared a Me109. He led 234 until early 1942, when he was posted to the Far East. Baled out of an aircraft which caught fire at 4000 feet. He landed safely at Karapara, twelve miles NE of Barapore, near Calcutta. He was Wing Leader at Dum Dum and then Jessore, he later commanded 166 Fighter Wing, went to HQ 224 Group, Fighter Ops and then to Air Command South East Asia, as Ops A. Released from the RAF in 1945 as a Wing Commander. CBE in 1985. | ![]() ![]() ![]() Portrait by Eric Kennington |
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22 | Stevenson | Peter Charles Fasken 'Paddy' | Plt Off (later Flt Lt) | 33521 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | DFC![]() | Spitfire | KIA | Baled out Spitfire I (P9393) near Dover 11 August 1940 after combat with Bf 109s at 08:10hrs. Picked up unhurt by MTB. Claimed Bf 109 shot down on the 28 July 1940. Runnymede Panel 121 | ![]() |
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23 | Szczęsny | Henryk 'Sneezy' | Plt Off (later Sqd Lrd) | 76781 | PAF | Polish | 74Sqn![]() 317Sqn Polish ![]() | Virtuti Militari![]() DFC ![]() Krzyz Walecznych (x4) ![]() Medal Lotniczy (x2) ![]() Wound Badge (x2) | Spitfire | 9 | Died | 1996-07-25 | Born in Warsaw and went to college there. Army cadet before joining the Polish Air Force at Deblin. Married with 2 sons. Fought the Germans in Poland and wounded. Escaped to Malta by ship and arrived at Eastchurch via France. Joined 74 Sqd in August 1940 after converting to Spitfires and learning English. Also known as 'Henry the Pole'. His tally of kills was 8 confirmed 3 shared 1 probable and 2 damaged. He attained the rank of Squadron Leader. Later in 317 Sqd. Szczesny was appointed Squadron Leader Flying of the Polish Wing at Northolt on 28 December 1942. He was leading the Wing on 4 April 1943, escorting USAAF bombers over France, when, on the way back, they were attacked by FW 190s. Szczesny shot one down but collided with another. He baled out and was captured by a German patrol. He was freed in April 1945 and returned to Britain. He stayed in the RAF, retired in 1965 as a Flight Lieutenant, retaining the rank of Squadron LeaderDied in London. Gunnersbury Cemetery Age 87 Archiwum Database | ![]() ![]() |
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24 | White | Blair Eustace Galloway | Flt Lt | 41510 | AAF | British | 73Sqn![]() 504Sqn ![]() 74Sqn ![]() 130Sqn ![]() 1435 Flight 185Sqn (CO) ![]() 229Sqn (CO) ![]() | Hurricane, Spitfire | 2 | MIA | 1943-06-05 | Born in 1915, probably in India. Selwyn College, Cambridge. RAF October 1938. To 73 Sqd at Digby 1939-08-24. To 504 Sqd at Digby 1939-09-03. Recovered from sickness, to 74 Squadron at Hornchurch. Rejoined 504 Sqd Debden, on 1940-01-25. To France 1940-05-12. 1940-05-14 from Lille-Marcq, engaged Me109s between Mons and Ath in Hurricane L1916: damaged, force-land, wounded. 1940-05-2020 from Norrent-Fontes, hit by ground fire while attacking enemy columns between Cambrai and Arras. Force-landed, wounded. Left France in the last ship to leave Dieppe. Rejoined 504 Sqd at Castletown 1940-08-09. To Hendon 1940-09-05. Probably destroyed Me109 1940-09-07. Destroyed a Do215 and damaged a Me109 1940-09-14. To Filton Sep 26. Sep 27 destroyed a Me110 during a German attack on the Bristol area. Damaged a He111 Sep 30. Wounded in the legs by Me109 1941-05-11: forced-landing near Wellington. To 130 Sqd at Portreath as a Flight Commander. October 1942 to Malta with 1435 Flight at Luqa as a Flight Commander. CO 185 Squadron at Hal Far on 3rd November 1942. Jaundice January 1943 and gave up his command in February. CO 229 Squadron at Krendi, Malta May 1943 on ops over Sicily, making offensive sweeps and bombing attacks. White was reported 'Missing' on 5th July 1943 after failing to return from one of these sorties. See Allied Losses database for details See Allied Losses Database Blair White for 1943 Based Malta, bounced by Fw 190s over Sicily. Spitfire Vc JG838 | ![]() White with 504 Sqd 1940 ![]() White with 229 Sqd Malta 1943 ![]() Malta Memorial |
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25 | White | FL | Sqd Ldr | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | |||||||||
26 | Young | James Hugh Roumieu | Plt Off | 42670 | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-07-28 | Shot down and killed near Goodwin Sands 28 July 1940 by Oberleutnant Hans-Joachim Müncheberg flying a Bf 109 from III Gruppe of JG 26 at 14:20 in Spitfire I (P9547). Shot down by a BF 109 while flying Spitfire P9547 which crashed in the Channel near Goodwin Sands. Aged 22. Pihen-Les-Guines War Cemetery, 1. E. 2. France | ![]() |
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27 | Carter | Leslie Raymond | Flight Sergeant | 754236 | RAFVR | British | 66Sqn![]() Later 74Sqn | Spitfire Vb W3176 | Missing - believed killed | 1944-07-06 | Born on the 15th April 1920 at St. Albans, the son of Albert William and Jeanetta Caroline Carter, of Shenley, Hertfordshire, England. |
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28 | Eley | Fredrick William 'Tiger Tim' | Sgt | 745677 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-07-31 | Shot down and killed over Folkestone 1940-07-31 at 16:00hrs in Spitfire I (P9398) after combat with a Bf 109 from IV Gruppe of JG 51. Wrenbury St Margaret Churchyard England | ![]() |
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29 | Bartley | Anthony Charles | Plt Off | 41816 | RAF | British | 92Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() 65Sqn ![]() 111Sqn (CO) ![]() | Spitfire | 12 | Survived war | April 2001 | Born on 28 March 1919 at Dacca in India. His father, Sir Charles Bartley, was an Irish barrister who served as a judge in the Calcutta High Court. He grew up in Swanbourne, living with his parents at The Cottage, opposite the Old House. He was educated at Stowe School (Buckingham) and in 1938 learned to fly at the West Malling Flying Club in 1938. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and did his elementary flying at 6 E&RFTS Sywell from 23rd January 1939. To No. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge on 1st April 1939 and was posted to 13 FTS Drem on the 15th. Posted to 92 Sqd (East India) in November 1939 based in Sussex with the fighter version of the twin engine Bristol Blenheim. The squadron began to convert to Spitfires in March 1940. 23rd May shot down a Me109 and a Me110 shot down over Dunkirk, on the 24th two Me110's damaged and on 2nd June four He111's damaged. On 10th July, when 92 was at Pembrey, Bartley may have shared in the destruction of a Ju88. On 8th September the squadron moved to Biggin Hill. On the 14th Bartley damaged a Do17 and a Me109, on the 15th he shot down a Do17 and probably a second, on the 18th another Do17 and on the 27th he claimed a Ju88. DFC 25th October 1940, the citation crediting him with at least eight enemy aircraft destroyed. On 1st November 1940 Bartley shared a Me109, claimed two more on the 5th and 15th and shot down a He111 on 3rd February 1941. Posted to 74 Sqd in March 1941, as a Flight Commander. May 1941 to 56 OTU Sutton Bridge, moving soon afterwards to 53 OTU Heston. In June he served briefly at 61 OTU as an instructor. In July he was posted to Vickers-Supermarine as a production test pilot. During this time he performed the acrobatics for the film 'The First of The Few' (1942) which chronicled the life of the Spitfire's designer, RJ Mitchell, played by Leslie Howard. At Vicker-Supermarine, Bartley forged a fruitful relationship with Jeffrey Quill, who had been the second pilot to fly Mitchell's prototype and was now senior test pilot. Quill particularly welcomed Bartley's combat experience of the Spitfire's early 20mm cannon installations, which had proved problematic. On one occasion Quill refused to provide Bartley with a Spitfire to return to Worthy Down from a party at Heston airfield in London. Quill was horrified to discover that Bartley, large though he was, had instead crammed into the confined cockpit of a Spitfire with another bulky officer, putting both their lives and the aircraft at risk. Bartley returned to operations in February 1942, as a Flight Commander with 65 Squadron at Debden. On 27th April he damaged a Fw190 on a sweep over France. In early May he took command of the squadron after the CO was killed. In July 1942 he went to CGS Sutton Bridge for a course and in August he was given command of 111 Squadron at Kenley. The squadron was destined for overseas service and on 20th October sailed for Gibraltar. Bartley led the squadron off on 11th November and flew to Algiers, moving to Bone three days later. On the 16th he claimed a Mc202, on the 25th two Ju87's probably destroyed, on the 29th and 4th December two Me109's and on the 28th one Me109 shot down and another damaged. In mid-January 1943 Bartley was posted from the squadron and on the 29th he left Gibraltar, in a Liberator, for the UK. Following the loss of two engines, the aircraft made a crash-landing on a Welsh airfield. Bartley was awarded a Bar to the DFC (gazetted 16th February 1943) and was posted in May to HQ 83 Group Redhill, to help train squadrons in ground attack and army support. In early October he sailed for America, for a course at the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, moving in February 1944 to the School of Air Tactics at Orlando, Texas. After returning to Britain in the Queen Elizabeth in April, he was posted, as Liaison Officer, to the 70th Fighter Wing of the US Ninth Air Force. On 24th October 1944 he went to RAF Transport Command, to set up staging posts in Europe. Bartley volunteered for service in the Far East and sailed from Liverpool on the Mauretania on 3rd July 1945. He reached Sydney on 8th August and was posted a week later to the Palau Islands, to set up a Transport Command staging post. He requested repatriation, was granted leave, and returned home in a DC-4, which was returning to England for a major overhaul. On 28th November 1945 Bartley married film actress Deborah Kerr. After release from the RAF in 1946 he joined Vickers Armstrong as a test pilot and sales executive.
Stories are recorded (Reading 1994) of Anthony sometimes passing low or performing victory rolls over the village school (if he was flying over North Bucks) to the great delight and cheers of the schoolchildren of Swanbourne. When based at Biggin Hill, Squadron 92 gained something of a reputation for hard partying when on leave in London, a distance quite close to base, sometimes with fast cars fuelled up on high octane aviation fuel! Smoke Trails In The Sky Autobiography swanbournehistory.co.uk Bio 92 Sqd Bio> | ![]() ![]() |
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30 | Boulding | R J E | Fg Off | 742295 | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | ||||||||
31 | Brzezina | Stanisław 'Breezy' | Flt Lt | P-76782 | PAF | Polish | 74Sqn![]() | Virtuti Militari![]() Krzyz Walecznych ![]() Medal Lotniczy (x4) ![]() | Spitfire | 2 | Died | 1946-02-13 | Joined 74 Sqd in August 1940. Baled out of Spitfire I (N3091) over the Thames Estuary 1940-08-13, at 07:05, landed safely. Aircraft had been hit by return fire from a Do 17. Crashed in a Douglas DC-3 Dakota in Orpington near London, holding rank of Colonel. Orpington (St Mary Cray) Cemetery England Age 41 See Allied Losses Database Archiwum Polish Database | ![]() ![]() |
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32 | Buckland | Frank William | PO | 84959 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | 1940-10-08 | Joined 74 Sqd in during September 1940. Killed in a collision with P/O D. Hastings. Brighton Woodvale Crematorium England Age 20 | ![]() |
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33 | Burnard | Fred Percy | Flt Sgt | 45461 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() 616Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | 0.5 | 27 April | Born on 9 March 1915 in Scarborough. Joined the RAF in January 1930 as an Aircraft Apprentice and passed out, in December 1932, as a Metal Rigger. He served in Iraq and Egypt. Applied for pilot training and became a Sergeant-Pilot. On 3 July 1940, flying a Spitfire of 616 Sqd shared in a Do 17. On 1 September probably destroyed a Bf 109 and damaged another. Joined 74 Sqd on 27 October 1940. Surprised by Bf 109s over Dover on 1 November, his aircraft was damaged, but he got back safely. Moved to 85 Sqd. Commissioned in March 1941, became an instructor. Served in India. Released from the RAF in 1947 as a Squadron Leader. Trained as a teacher and worked in the East Riding of Yorkshire, becoming deputy head teacher at Hilderthorpe Junior School. He died on 27 April in Newtonmore in the Scottish Highlands. He was buried in Laggan churchyard. | ![]() |
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34 | Carlson | D | Sqd Ldr | RAF | New Zealander | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | 2 | Born in Owhango, New Zealand on 1912-10-04. Joined RAF in August 1937. By the outbreak of war he was an experienced pilot and by 1941 was a flight commander with 74 Sqd. On sorties in June and July 1941 he shot down two Bf 109's with two listed as probables and one damaged. | ||||||
35 | Chesters | Peter | Plt Off | 84960 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIFA | 1941-04-10 | Southend on Sea Sutton Rd Cemetery England Age 21 | ![]() |
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36 | Churches | Edward Walter Gillies | Plt Off | 39900 | RNZAF | New Zealander | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | 3 enemy aircraft destroyed, 1 shared, destroyed, 2 probable and 2 shared probabl | MIA | 1941-04-19 | Archive report on the later loss
Born on the 17th July 1921 in Cambridge, New Zealand. Educated at Auckland Grammar School. Worked as a telegram messenger for the New Zealand Post and telegram department in Auckland prior to service. Enlisted on the 26th of October 1939 at Levin. Trained at No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School, New Plymouth, No. 2 Flying Training School, Woodbourne, where, on the 23rd April, 1940 he was awarded his wings. On the 28th May awarded a commission. Left for England on the 07th June 1940 on the RMS Rangitata. Arrived on the 19th July 1940 and then joined No. 7 Operational Training Unit, Hawarden, Cheshire,. Joined 74 squadron on the 21st August 1940 Son of Sydney Reuben Ross Churches (died 29th September 1942 in Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, age 44) and Flora Ann Catherine Kelly Churches (nee Sydney, later Sharp - died 23rd November 1965 age 63) of 32 Shackleton Road, Mt. Eden, Auckland, New Zealand. | ![]() Courtesy Auckland Library Heritage Collection |
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37 | Cobden | Donald Gordon | Plt Off | 41552 | RAF | New Zealander | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-08-11 | Joined RAF in 1937/38. Forced landing 1940-07-10 in Spitfire (P9399) whilst attacking 26 Dorniers escorted by fighters over a convoy near Dover. On 1940-08-11 he was shot down and killed in Spitfire I (R6757) during combat with Bf 110s East of Harwich at 12:15hrs. Oostende New Communal Cemetery Belgium Age 26 | ![]() |
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38 | Dowding | The Hon. Derek Hugh Tremenheere | Plt Off | 33422 | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | 1.5 | Died | 22 November 1992. | The son of Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding. Educated at Winchester College. Flight Cadet at the RAF College, Cranwell in 1937 and was posted to 74 when he graduated in 1939. Patrols were flown over France from 20 May 1940 and the squadron covered the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk. On 24 May Pilot Officer Dowding probably destroyed a Do 17 and a Ju 88 and on the 27th he got a Do 17 after chasing it for 20 miles into France and coming under intense anti-aircraft fire. On 6 July 1940 he damaged a He 111 and two days later he shared in the destruction of another. He was posted away to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge on 6 August, to be an instructor. In 1941 he became a Flight Commander with 135 Sqd. Test pilot in the Middle East from 1942 to 1945 and retired from the RAF on 17 November 1956, as a Wing Commander. On 15 February 1970 he became the second Baron Dowding on the death of his father. | ![]() |
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39 | Draper | Bryan Vincent | Sgt (later Sqd Ldr) | 76309 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1945-02-28 | Force landed Spitfire II (P7355) 1940-10-20 after combat with a Bf 109 at 13:00hrs. He escaped injury. Killed 1945-02-28 Taukkyan War Cemetery Burma (now Myanmar)Age 28 | ![]() |
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40 | Duckenfield | Byron Leonard | Plt Off | 43368 | RAF | British | 32Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() 501Sqn ![]() 66Sqn (CO) ![]() 615Sqn (CO) ![]() 19Sqn ![]() | AFC![]() Queen's Commendation Valuable Service ![]() | Hurricane | 4 | Died | 2010-11-19 | Allied Losses Database Later with 615 Sqd in Burma, lost, captured and repatriated in 1945 Born on 15th April 1917 in Sheffield. He joined RAF on 25th November 1935 . Elementary flying training at the Civil Flying Training School at Brough (4 E&RFTS). Moved on to 10 FTS Ternhill on No. 1 Course. Posted to 32 Squadron. Commissioned 1st April 1940, joined 74 Squadron at Hornchurch on 6th April and then to 501 Sqd at Tangmere on 5th May. Sqd flew to France on 10th May, Duckenfield followed with the rear party the next day in a Bombay transport. As it prepared to touch down at Betheniville the aircraft's nose went up and the pilot went round again. On the second approach the same thing happened, the pilot appeared to lose control and the Bombay, L5813, went into a tail-slide and crashed. Three passengers were killed and six injured, including Duckenfield. Treated at the Casualty Clearing Station at Epernay and sent back to Roehampton Hospital. Posted to No. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge as non-effective sick. Rejoined 501, then at Middle Wallop, on 23rd July 1940. On the 29th July he claimed a share in a Ju87, on 16th August damaged a Do17, on the 28th destroyed a Me109 and on 8th September a Me110. Posted away to AFDU Northolt on 15th September 1940 on instructional duties and awarded the AFC. October 1941 he took command of 66 Sqd at Perranporth and in February 1942 command of 615 Sqd at Fairwood Common. To the Far East in March 1942. He failed to return from an attack on Magwe airfield on 27th December 1942. His engine failed over the target, he forced-landed in a creek and was captured by the Japanese. Released from captivity in Burma in May 1945. He then commanded 19 Sqd with Meteors, receiving the Queens Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Retired from the RAF on 28th June 1969 as a Group Captain. | ![]() |
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41 | Ayers | David Hart | Sgt | 740696 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-09-23 | Abandoned Spitfire P7362 during a routine patrol near Southwold for a cause unknown. His body later recovered from sea. Left 600 Sqd in August 1940 to No 74 Sqd. Baled out of Spitfire II (P7362) into the sea on 1940-09-23 while on a routine patrol and was killed. His body was washed up ashore 1940-10-04. Ipswich New Cemetery Age 26 | ![]() |
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42 | Francis | Clarence William 'Bill' | Sgt | 115712 | British | 74Sqn![]() 3Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | ||||||||
43 | Franklin | Walter Derrick Kerr | Fg Off | 40217 | RAF | JAM | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | 1 | Died | October 2000 | Born 14 September 1916 in Jamaica. Joined RAF 23 August 1937. 12 E&RFTS Prestwick. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge for a short induction course, then 9 FTS Hullavington. Joined 142 Sqd at Andover on 20th August 1938. On 2nd September 1939 the squadron flew its Battles out to France. It suffered heavy losses in May 1940 and was withdrawn to Waddington on 15th June. Volunteered for Fighter Command. Joined 74 Sqd 21 August at Kirton-in-Lindsey. Shared damed Do17 September. Ju87 destroyed on 14th November. On 30th December 1940 to CFS Upavon for an instructors course. He was instructing until 1945, when he went for a course at the Empire Test Pilots School at Cranfleld, after which he was posted to Farnborough. Franklin returned to Jamaica 1947 to run the family-owned hotel. Later sold it and returned to England. Died in October 2000 in Southampton. | ![]() ![]() |
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44 | Freeborn | John Connell | Fg Off | 70854 | British | 74Sqn![]() | DFC & Bar![]() | Spitfire | 8.5 | Died | 2010-08-28 | Official Ace. born in Middleton near the city of Leeds in December of 1919. He joined the RAF in 1938 at the age of 18. Following his training, he joined 74 Sqd (Tigers) at RAF Hornchurch in October of 1938. Within days of the declaration of war, flying Spitfires, Freeborn and other members of his squadron engaged what they thought was an enemy force. Sadly, it was a Hurricane Squadron and Freeborn and another pilot of 74 Sqd shot down the first two British airplanes of the Second World War (the so-called Battle of Barking Creek). The ensuing court martial absolved Freeborn and his mate, but caused deep wounds within the squadron when their Flight Leader, 'Sailor' Malan testified against them. Despite the outcome, Freeborn continued with 74 Sqd as did Malan, and when Malan became the squadron commander he often let Freeborn lead, such was his respect for his fighting skill. Freeborn became an ace in the Battle of Britain, and was awarded a DFC in August at the height of the Battle. Throughout the rest of 1940 and into 1941, he increased his score and led the squadron on occasion. In February of 1941, he was awarded a second DFC and then went on to an instructor’s course. This was followed by an appointment as an RAF liaison officer with the RAF’s training program in the United States—specifically in Alabama and Florida. It was here that he test flew the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt. In December of 1942, he returned to England to take command at RAF Harrowbeer and then Bolt Head. In February 1943, he was added to the already full strength of 602 City of Glasgow Sqd, leading the squadron escorting bombers. Later that year, he took command of 118 Sqd at RAF Coltishall and led them for six months. He returned to an Operational Training role, and then took command of 286 Wing in Italy. After the war, he remained connected to the RAF until 1954, and then went into the business world. He died in 2010. Joined 74 Sqd 1938-10-29 from No 8 FTS. He was an 'A' Class Reservist and the first to join the Tigers. Made a forced landing 1940-07-10 after battle damage to Spitfire (K9863) whilst attacking some 26 Dorniers escorted by fighters over a convoy near Dover. DFC 1940-07-31. He shot down Bf 110 on 11 September 1940 from II Gruppe of ZG 76 which crashed off Dungeness with its crew were picked up by the German rescue outfit, Seenotdienst. 1 December 1919 – 28 August 2010 Wikipedia Bio ![]() Hurricanes of No 32 Squadron and Spitfires of No 74 Squadron engaging Messerschmidt Bf 110s over the Kent coast. Freeborn's aircraft ZP-C is shown on the cover artwork. | ![]() ![]() |
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45 | Freese | Laurence Eric | Sgt | 742568 | RAFVR | British | 611Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | 3 | KIA | 1941-01-10 Age 24 | Barking Rippleside Cemetery England Age 24 Born Ilford in June 1917. Joined RAFVR about November 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939. Completed training at 18 EFTS and 5 FTS, converted to Spitfires at 7 OTU Hawarden and was posted to 611 Squadron at Tern Hill on 29th September 1940. Joined 74 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 26th October. 14th November claimed a Ju87 destroyed and another damaged and on the 15th he destroyed a Me109 and probably another. On 10th January 1941 the squadron went on an anti-shipping strike but they were sent too far out and ran out of fuel on the return trip. Freese was fatally injured attempting to make a forced-landing at Detling in Spitfire IIa P7561. | ![]() ![]() |
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46 | Glendinning | John Nixon | Sgt | 740032 | RAFVR | British | 54Sqn 74Sqn | Spitfire | KIA | 1941-03-12 | Newcastle on Tyne West Rd Crematorium England | ![]() |
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47 | Gunn | Harold Raymond | Plt Off | 43067 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | Hurricane | KIA | 1940-07-31 | Shot down and killed over Folkestone 1940-07-31 at 16:00hrs in Spitfire I (P9379). after combat with Bf 109 from IV Gruppe of JG 51. Oostende New Communal Cemetery Belgium Age 27 | ![]() |
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48 | Hastings | Douglas | PO | 42406 | RAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1940-10-08 | Killed in collision with P/O Buckland. Tynemouth Preston Cemetery England | ![]() |
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49 | Hilken | Clive Geoffrey | Sgt | 745482 | RAFVR | British | 74Sqn![]() | Air Efficiency Award![]() | Spitfire | WIA | PoW Survived war | 30th June 2005 bronchial pneumonia and heart failure | Wounded 20 October 1940. Baled out Spitfire II (P7426) after combat with Bf 109 over South London at 15:00hrs. PoW 27 June 1941 when he was shot down over St Omer. Born 14 September 1919 Hull England. Joined RAFVR March 1939 as a pilot under training. Called up 1 September that year. Training at 5 FTS and 6 OTU. Posted to 74 Sqd on 21 August 1940 as a Spitfire pilot. Mid-October 1940 the squadron moved from Kirton-in-Lindsey to Biggin Hill. Shot down on 20 October over south London and he baled out, wounded, his aircraft P7426 coming down at Cowden, Kent. After parachuting into an orchard, the pilot was confronted by a farmer armed with a shotgun who thought he was a German. Orpington Hospital for treatment. Baled out from Spitfire P7614 shot down by Me109s on 21 April 1941 over Ashford. On 27 June 1941 he was shot down near St. Omer and taken prisoner. The squadron CO, JC Mungo-Park, was also lost on this sortie, being killed when his aircraft came down in Belgium. Badly wounded, he landed in a field and was just about to be rescued by French villagers when he was set upon by enemy soldiers. Hilken remembers: 'Having twice survived being shot down….I swore that no enemy would get on my tail again without my knowledge. This resolution held good until 27 June 1941 when I flew to France as top cover, escorting a bombing sortie to the Lille district. The chap who should have been behind me had not taken off because of engine trouble, leaving me as the back man of my section. At 2,500 feet over France our squadron became separated on a weaving turn from the other squadrons of the Wing. Our CO applied full throttle in an attempt to regain his place in the formation but in the process the rest of us found ourselves spread over the sky up to two miles behind the main formation. Now, to weave and watch your tail meant losing the formation. The only way to catch up was to do what our CO had done – go full bore. We did this – then cannon shells whipped into my Spitfire. No warning. Nothing seen. Wireless dead, glycol streaming out behind. Elevator stuck and a piece of metal in my ankle which was bleeding at full speed. I bailed out only to find my parachute pack waving about by my side. I pulled it in and undid the snap fasteners, letting the chute out a yard or two before the wind caught it and it opened to let me down, cursing my fate yet again, to France, hospital and a POW camp.' Released from the RAF 1945 as Warrant Officer. After the war Hilken turned to teaching. | ![]() |
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50 | Howard | John | Plt Off | 86628 | RAFVR | British | 54Sqn![]() 74Sqn ![]() | Spitfire | KIA | 1941-05-06 | Marquise Communal Cemetery France Age 22 | ![]() |
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51 | Kelly | Dillon Piers Denis Gerard | Flt Lt | 33168 | British | 74Sqn![]() | DFC![]() | Spitfire | Died | Joined 74 Sqd 15 July 1940. | |||||
52 | Kirk | Thomas Brian | Sgt | 808416 | RAF AAF | British | 74Sqn![]() | Spitfire | WIA | 1941-07-22 | Baled out Spitfire II (P7370) badly wounded after combat with Bf 109s over Maidstone, Kent 20 October at 14:55hrs. Died in July 1941. East Harlsey St Oswald Churchyard England Age 22 | ![]() |
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53 | Malan | Adolph 'Sailor' | Flt Lt (later Grp Cpt) | South African | 74Sqn (CO)![]() | DSO & Bar![]() DFC & Bar ![]() Croix de Guerre (Belgium) ![]() War Cross (Czechoslovakia) ![]() Legion d'Honneur ![]() Croix de Guerre (France) ![]() | Spitfire | 32 | Died | 1963-12-17 | Served in Merchant Navy before joining RAF in 1935. Joined 74 Squadron in 1936 on Gauntlets from Hornchurch. Flight commander flying Spitfire September 1939. First victory 21 May 1940 over Dunkirk. Dar to DFC for destroying two Heinkel 111s at night. Stern disciplinarian, his 'Ten Rules of Air Fighting' were circulated within Fighter Command. By end of 1940 he scored 18 victories and received the DSO. Early 1941 became Wing Leader of Biggin Hill squadrons. Undertook sweeps and escort missions over France. June Malan destroyed nine Bf 109s. When his score was 32, taken off flying. Retired from the RAF and returned to South Africa. ![]() 3D Promotional card | ![]() ![]() |
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