You searched for: “"debden"”
# | 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 | Rayner | Roderick Malachi Seaburne 'Roddy' | Plt Off (later W/C) | 40138 | RAF | British | 87Sqn | DFC | Hurricane | 6 | Died | 1982 | Flew with 87 Sqd Hurricanes in France and during the Battle. The squadron went to France at the outbreak of war. On 17 May 1940 destroyed a Me110, on 19 May destroyed a Me109 and a Do17 and shared a He111 and on 20 May destroyed a Me110 and a Me109. Squadron withdrew to Debden on 22 May. Me110s destroyed on 25 July and 15 August. Baled out of Hurricane V7204 on 23 December 1940 in bad weather near Brize Norton. By that time the squadron had gone over to night-fighting duties. In January 1941 Rayner was made 'A' Flight Commander. DFC 11 February 1941. During the night of 10 April 1941 he attacked and damaged an unidentified enemy aircraft in the Gloucester/Tewksbury area. | ||
2 | Lee | Richard Hugh Antony 'Dickie' | Flt Lt | 33208 | RAF | British | 85Sqn | DSO DFC | Hurricane | 9 | KIA | 1940-08-18 | Opened the score for 85 Sqd in World War II. He was Lord Trenchard's Godson. Born in London in 1917. Educated at Charterhouse School. Cranwell in September 1935 as a Flight Cadet and graduated in July 1937. On 1 June 1938 joined 85 Sqd at Debden. Went to France at the outbreak of war. He destroyed a He111 over Boulogne on 21 November 1939, 85s first victory. DFC 8 March 1940. On 10 May 1940 he claimed a Hs126 destroyed, shared a Ju86 and damaged a Ju88. On 11 May shot down two enemy then shot down by flak and captured. Escaped and made his way back to his squadron. Flying with 56 Sqd over Dunkirk on the 27 May shot down into the sea. Rescued. DSO 31 May 1940). Back with 85 Sqd in August 1940, last seen in pursuit of an enemy formation thirty miles off the east coast on the 18 August. Killed while on patrol on 18 August 1940. Lost in Hurricane I (2923) after chasing three Bf 109s off the east coast, at 17:50hrs. Runnymede Panel 6 Dickie Lee and Albert Lewis, good friends on 85 Sqn until Lee went missing during the Battle of Britain. Albert Lewis went on to become a high scoring ace during the war. The drawing by Steve Teasdale has been signed in pencil by the artist and 23 veterans of the Battle of Britain. The signatures are: Roy McGowan, Bob Doe, Wilf Sizer, Len Davies, Bob Foster, Vivian Snell, Terry Clark, Ken Lusty, Ken Wilkinson, Tom Neil, Jack Toombs, Albert Gregory, John Ellacombe, Robert Haylock, Ken Lee, Nigel Rose, Basil Stapleton, Jocelyn Millard, Arthur Piper, CE Smith, Keith Aldridge, Ben Bent and Bill Green. (Courtesy battleofbritainbooks.co.uk | ||
3 | Lockhart | James | Plt Off (later Flt Lt) | 74708 | RAFVR | British | 85Sqn 213Sqn (CO) | Hurricane | KIA | 1942-04-05 | Possibly born China 1916. Commissioned in the RAF in November 1939. 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 14th May 1940 to convert to Hurricanes. To 85 Sqd at Debden, where they had withdrawn from France three days earlier. Moved to 213 Sqd at Tangmere on 16th September 1940, staying with them until November 1941 when he was appointed CO. In January 1942 he was posted to 258 Sqd in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In the big attack by Japanese carrier-borne aircraft and subsequent air battle over Colombo on 5th April 1942 Lockhart was shot down and killed in Hurricane IIB BD701. He was 26 and is buried in Kanatte cemetery, Colombo. Commissioned RAF in November 1939, posted to 85 Sqd 24 May 1940. Slightly wounded 24 August 1940 by the Dover A.A. Moved to 213 Sqd at Tangmere 16 September 1940 where he became its commander from November 1941 to January 1942. Moved to 258 Sqd and on 5 April 1942 killed. Kanatte Cemetery at Columbo, Sri Lanka Age 26 | ||||
4 | Marshall | James Eglington 'Nigger' | Fg Off (later Sqd Ldr) | 70809 | British | 85Sqn | DFC | Hurricane | KIA | 1942-04-18 Age 23 | A veteran survivor of France as well as the Battle. 18 August 1940 took off without orders from Debden, coming back late he apologised for damaging the wing of his Hurricane. Ran out of ammunition and rammed a Heinkel 111 of III Gruppe from JG 53 off Southend at 18:00hrs. Maidstone Cemetery England | ||||
5 | Mitchell | Lancelot Robert George | Fg Off | 70469 | RAF | British | 257Sqn | Hurricane | MIA | 1940-09-07 | Pupil pilot in the Reserve of Air Force Officers on 31 May 1937. Commissioned August 1937. Later granted an RAF short service commission and joined 85 Sqd at Debden in July 1938. Posted to 611 Sqd at Duxford on 5 September 1939. Joined 257 Sqd when it was reformed at Hendon in May 1940. Initially allocated Spitfires, but got Hurricanes instead. 19 July shared a Do 17. ‘B’ Flight Commander on 8 August. Damaged a Ju 88 on 13 August, damaged a Do 17 on the 20th and destroyed a Bf 110 on the 31st. Shot down in an action over the Thames Estuary at about 5.30pm on 7 September in Hurricane V 7254. He was believed to have crashed into the sea and was reported “Missing”. Also missing after the engagement was Flight Lieutenant Hugh Beresford of 257 whose remains would be found in 1979. Killed 7 September 1940 at 17:30hrs. Hurricane I (P3049) was shot down over the Thames Estuary. Runnymede Panel 6 Age 24 | ||||
6 | Nicholls | Douglas Benjamin Fletcher | Sgt | 114121 | RAFVR | British | 87Sqn 242Sqn 151Sqn 258Sqn | DFC | Hurricane | Survived war | 6th December 2014. | Landed safely after Hurricane X (P5182) damaged in battle with Ju 88 over the North Sea at 07:30hrs on the 30 September 1940. Born near Swansea Wales 5 February 1919. Educated South Parade School and St James School, in Grimsby. Joined RAFVR in September 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Elementary flying training at 6 EFTS Sywell. To 8 FTS Montrose for No. 19 Course from 6th May to 16th August 1940. 5 OTU Aston Down on the 17 August but moved to 7 OTU Hawarden 2 daysn later. Converting to Hurricanes, joined 85 Sqd at Castle Camps on 4 September 1940. To 242 Sqd at Coltishall on the 11 September and he finally joined 151 Sqd at Digby on 21 September. On 30 Septemeber shared a Ju88 and returned to Digby but Hurricane P5182 was severely damaged by return fire. August 1941 to 258 Sqd at Martlesham Heath. To Debden 3 October for overseas deployment. Squadron pilots went to Abbotsinch on the 30 October and two days later sailed in HMS Athene for Gibraltar, with Hurricanes with wing-detached on board. After arriving the aircraft were due to be unloaded and taken by HMS Ark Royal to Malta later. However the carrier was sunk returning to Gibraltar so other plans were made. The 258 pilots left on Christmas Eve 1941 on the Athene. They berthed at Takoradi on 1st January 1942, disembarked, and the Athene left, taking their Hurricanes with her. On the 3rd they flew on the ferry route to the Middle East in a DC3, arrived at Port Sudan, from where they sailed in HMS Indomitable on the 9th, with Hurricanes aboard. They flew off on the 28th and later in the morning arrived at Airfield P2 at Palembang, Sumatra. In the afternoon they went on to Seletar airfield, Singapore and flew their first operation on 31st January. On 10th February 1942 the three surviving Hurricanes of 258 were withdrawn to Palembang. Of the fifteen surviving pilots, six were required to remain behind to fly with a reformed 605 Sqd. One was nominated, two volunteered and the other three were selected by cutting cards. Nicholls was one of the nine evacuated from Java to Ceylon in the SS Kota Gede. 258 Sqd was reformed at Ratmalana on 1st March 1942. Nicholls rejoined it on 7th March. Commissioned in December 1941, DFC 19th May 1944. August 1944 to HQ 224 Group, Burma as Squadron Leader Tactics. Returned to the UK in October 1945 and was released from the RAF in March 1946 as a Squadron Leader. After spells in Uganda and Botswsana he returned to Grimsby in 1978 and for four years taught at a local school before retiring. On 11th November 2011 he was present when a plaque on which he was honoured was unveiled at St. James School. | |||
7 | Niven | Hugh Glen 'Nuts' | Plt Off | RAF AAF | Canadian | 601Sqn 602Sqn | Hurricane/Spitfire | Died | 2008-04-08 | Born in Toronto, Canada in 1919. Moved to Scotland in June 1937. Joined 602 Sqd, Auxiliary Air Force at Abbotsinch on 7th May 1939 and began his training in Avro Tutors. Posted to 11 EFTS Perth on 25th October 1939. 15 FTS Lossiemouth on 23rd March 1940. 5 OTU Aston Down on 17th August to convert to Hurricanes. Rejoined 602 Sqd at Westhampnett, on 1st September 1940 but, having had no Spitfire experience, posted to 601 Sqd at Debden three days later. After much complaining he rejoined 602 Sqd on 21st September. Spitfire, X4603, was damaged in combat with Me109s over Maidstone on 29th October. Apart from a few days with 603 Squadron in late July 1941, Niven was serving with 602 until 23rd September 1941. Admitted to Horton Emergency Hospital on the 24th, suffering from TB. He was invalided out of the RAF on 12th March 1942 as a Flying Officer. He spent some years in hospital. When 602 Squadron was reformed in June 1946, Niven rejoined as a civilian clerk. 'Nuts' Niven found an aircraft filling his sights on 29 October 1940 and opened fire only to find out that it was fellow Glaswegian, F/L Donald MacF Jack, in his Spitfire Mk Ia. During the same sortie, Niven's port wing tip and aileron were damaged over Maidstone and, as he spiralled down, said his prayers, 'Our Father, which art in heaven, get this sod off my tail'. He continued to drop until he reached 5,000ft and managed to land at his airfield. | |||||
8 | Palliser | George Charles Calder 'Titch' | Sgt | 64891 | British | 17Sqn 43Sqn 249Sqn 605Sqn | DFC Air Efficiency | Hurricane | 13 | Survived war | 24 September 2011 in Black Rock, Victoria, Australia | Came from 43 Sqd when he joined 249 Sqd at RAF North Weald on 14 September 1940. He had a narrow escape on 29 October. When he was taking off from the former airfield and came under attack by bombers, debris hit Hurricane Mk I GN-H, damaging the propeller. With the aircraft shaking violently, he managed to circle the airfield and land. Palliser claimed 8 victories during the Battle of Britain. Born in West Hartlepool England 11 January 1919. Educated at Brougham School and later attended a Technical School. Joined AFVR in 1939 as an airman under training as a pilot. Sergeant pilot at the outbreak of war. Posted to No. 3 ITW Hasting, moved to No. 11 EFTS Perth on 5 Dec 1939 and went to No. 6 Flying Training School at RAF Little Rissington in April 1940. Converted to Hurricanes at No. 6 OTU at RAF Sutton Bridge in July 1940. Joined 17 Sqd at RAF Debden on 3 August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Moved to 43 Sqd at RAF Tangmere on 18 August 1940 and then 249 Sqd at RAF North Weald on 14 September 1940. During the Battle of Britain, claimed eight victories. Commissioned in April 1941 and embarked with 249 Sqd on HMS Furious on 10 May and sailed for Gibraltar. On arrival the squadron transferred to HMS Ark Royal. The squadron flew to Ta' Qali on 21 May 1941 to take part in the Siege of Malta. During that battle, he claimed a further five victories. In January 1942 posted to 605 Sqd as flight commander. DFC 30 January 1942. He left Malta on 26 February 1942 as one of the island's longest serving pilots. He was quoted as saying: 'But I wasn't there for medals. It was like a job. Fly, fly, shoot one down... start again the next day. I only said my prayers sometimes when I took off... when it was a tight battle... But that parachute on my back was like an angel by my side.' No. 25 Air School at Standerton, South Africa on 28 March 1942 to be an instructor at the school. Posted to No. 62 CFS, Bloemfontein on 17 July, to 2 EFTS Randfontein on 19 October and then to 4 EFTS Benoni on 2 September 1943. Admitted to Baragwanath Military Hospital in Johannesburg on 21 January 1944 and remained there until leaving for Great Britain on 24 May 1944. Instructed at No. 15 EFTS at RAF Kingstown from September 1944. He moved to No. 10 FTS at RAF Woodley on 19 September 1945, where he instructed until 16 March 1946. Instructor at the CFS at RAF South Cerney until October 1946, when he was posted as an instructor to No. 23 Flying School at Heany, Southern Rhodesia. In October 1947, retired from the RAF at the rank of flight lieutenant. | |||
9 | Porter | Owen Wells | Sgt (later F/O) | 745146 146316 | RAFVR | British | 111Sqn | Hurricane | KIA | 1944-07-31 | Battle of Britain. Born 1920 in Ilford, Essex. Joined the RAFVR March 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939,. Training at 6 FTS Little Rissington. 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 3rd August 1940. Converted to Hurricanes and joined 111 Squadron at Debden on 31st August.
Flight Sergeant 'in Canada in 1942'. Posted to a flying school there as an instructor. CWGC entry stating 'husband of Joan M Porter of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada'. Commissioned in February 1943. Killed on 31st July 1944 as a Flying Officer with 21 Squadron, on Mosquitos from Thorney Island. Mosquito VI NS935 was shot down on a night intruder sortie while attacking a train. Porter, aged 23, and his navigator F/O JA Garrett were both killed and are buried in Morgny-la-Pommeraye churchyard, NE of Rouen, France. Sgt. Owen Wells Porter(111 Sq.) later a F/O (Mosquito pilot)) with 21 Sq. KIA July 31, 1944. There is no mention of his final flight (or his aircraft #) in .21 Sq. ORB. Original RAF number was 745146.(in September 1939 it was 146316.) Buried Morgny la Pommeraye Churchyard France Age 23 | ||||
10 | Jowitt | Leonard 'Joey' | Sgt | 562160 | RAF | British | 85Sqn | MiD | Hurricane | 1 | KIA | 1940-07-12 | Born in Failsworth, Lancashire in1911. Joined the RAF in January 1928 to be an aircraft apprentice at Halton. In December 1931 Jowitt passed out as a fitter airframes/engines and from January 1932 to March 1934 he served with No 20 (Army Co-operation) Squadron in India on the North-West Frontier. Mohmand Clasp to the India General Service Medal. Applied for pilot training and was accepted. Sergeant-Pilot on 20 August 1938, posted to 85 Sqd. Flew to France six days after war was declared. 'Joey' was one of several pilots who took off to intercept He 111s attacking the airfield at Lille-Seclin on 19 May 1940. At 7,000 feet he attacked a bomber which had broken away from its formation. It caught fire and he followed it down to see it crash and explode in the fork of a railway junction. Withdrawn to Northolt on 20 May and moved to Debden. On 12 July 1940 Sergeant Jowitt was shot down flying in defence of Convoy Booty and crashed into the sea off Felixstowe. Flying patrol 12 July 1940 in Hurricane I (P2557). He crashed into the sea off Felixstowe at 08:50 after attacking a Heinkel He 111 of II Gruppe of KG 53 and was killed. Celebrated for a sketch he performed with Woody Woods-Scawen featuring a French General awarding medals, along with much kissing. His body was never recovered. Runnymede Age 28. He received a Mention in Despatches on 1 January 1941. | ||
11 | Richards | Duncan Hamilton | Sub Lt (FAA) | FAA | British | 12Sqn 111Sqn 73Sqn 803 Naval AirSqn 784 Naval AirSqn 809 Naval AirSqn (CO) 781 Naval AirSqn (CO) | Hurricane | Survived war | 2nd September 1955 London | Born in 1920. Air Branch of the Royal Navy 11 September 1939. Flying training at 24 EFTS Sydenham, Northern Ireland. No. 1 FTS Leuchars for No. 8 Course. After training attached to the RAF on 29 June and he went to 12 OTU Benson, to convert to Fairey Battles, after which he joined 12 Sqd at Eastchurch on 30 August 1940. Joined 111 Sqd at Drem on 22 September. To 73 Sqd at Castle Camps on 5 November 1940. For a move to the Middle East it left Debden on the 9 November for Birkenhead. Embarked on HMS Furious. On 29 November the squadron flew its Hurricanes off at Takoradi. To Heliopolis, via Lagos, Accra, Kano, Maidugari, Khartoum,Wadi Halfa and Abu Sueir. During December 1940, attached to 274 Sqd in the Western Desert. Joined 803 NAS Sqd (FAA) at Dekheila, Egypt on 12 December as part of the Naval Fighter Wing in the Western Desert, flying Hurricanes. Returned to the UK in late 1942 and joined 784 NAS at Donibristle. Commanded 809 NAS and later led 781 NAS. | |||||
12 | Robinson | Maurice Wilbrahim Sandford (Wilbraham?) | Sqd Ldr (later Air Commodore) | 26189 | British | 73Sqn | CBE Krzyz Walecznych | Hurricane | Survived war | 2nd April 1977 | Born 20 September 1910 in Broadgreen area of Liverpool England. Educated Liverpool College. 20 December 1930 commissioned in RAF as a Pilot Officer and posted to 111 Sqd at Hornchurch. 4 April 1932 posted to 60 Squadron at Kohat in India. When he returned to the UK on October 22nd 1934 he was posted to the staff of No 3 Flying Training School at Grantham. 28 September 1938 rejoined 111 Squadron at Northolt as a Flight Commander. On the 1st December 1938 he was promoted to Squadron Leader and took command of 29 Sqd at Debden on Hawker Demons and Blenheim 1Fs, training in night fighting. February 1939 No 7 OTU at Hawarden. 73 Sqd at Church Fenton on 31st July 1940 taking command on August 8. Thursday 15 1257 hrs the whole squadron was called to readiness as 50 unescorted Ju88s were plotted crossing the coast at Flamborough Head, from Kampfgeschwader 30 or KG30, part of Luftlotte 5 that had taken off from Aalborg in Denmark with a mission to bomb Driffield airfield. Six Hurricanes from 'B' Flight were ordered to intercept at 19000 feet along with 12 Spitfires from 616 Sqd. According to the summary of events of the Operational Record Book for 73 Squadron, 7 enemy aircraft were confirmed destroyed, 3 unconfirmed and 3 damaged. S/Ldr. Robinson, flying as Yellow 1, was to claim one of the Ju88's as probably destroyed and 2 damaged The morning of Wednesday 11th September was overcast and there was little enemy activity. The afternoon's weather improved and the Luftwaffe bombers started to form up en-route for London again, accompanied by more than 200 fighters. Unfortunately for them the Me109's of LG2 and JG51 had used up too much fuel waiting for the Heinkels of KG26 to form up and had to return to their bases leaving the bombers unprotected. Sixty Hurricanes and Spitfires from six squadrons including 73 attacked them. Seven bombers were shot down and ten damaged but six RAF pilots were killed that day. S/Ldr. Robinson claimed a Me110 as destroyed over the Thames Estuary at 1600hrs. This aircraft was code number 3231 and part of 9/ZG26( 'Horst Wessel') which crashed at Barnes Cote, Harvel, of the crew Oberst. J Junghans was killed and Gefr. P Eckert was missing. With 73 Sqd flying Hurricanes. On 14 September 1940 baled out of Hurricane I (L2039) after combat above Tonbridge at 16:00hrs. Advanced to AOC Scotland, and Air Attaché in Washington amongst other postings. He retired as Air Commodore CBE On the 23rd August 1943 the High Commissioner of New Zealand Mr W Jordan, in company with the Polish Air Attache to the Polish Embassy, visited Northolt and were conducted around the station by S/Ldr. Robinson both being greatly impressed with the station’s record. This visit was reported in the Times and the BBC. On the 21st January 1944 a letter was sent to the Air Ministry from the Polish Embassy stating that the Polish Cross of Valour (KW) was to be conferred upon A/GpCapt. Robinson. This was recorded in the London Gazette of 10th March 1944. As well as mentioning the Ramrod operation on the 4th May 1943, the citation went on; 'During a Ramrod 240 flight in a fight with an enemy wing, this officer attacked a Focke Wulf 190 with great courage and skill. In all these flights and others he displayed great courage and was an example to the remaining pilots in spite of his advanced age and possessing the sight of only one eye' | ||||
13 | Robinson | Peter Trevor | Sgt | 742005 | RAFVR | British | 257Sqn | Hurricane | Survived war | 3rd October 1975 in Huntingdon. | Born 28 November 1918 in West Derby, Lancashire England. Joined the RAFVR in September 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Posted to 15 OTU for conversion to twin-engined bombers. 12 July 1940 transferred to 6 OTU Sutton Bridge for conversion to Hurricanes and then joined 257 Sqd at Northolt on 3 August. First operational sortie on the 15 August, a section scramble. On 7th September he returned to Debden with damage sustained in combat over the Thames Estuary in Hurricane P3709. On the 15th he probably destroyed a Do17. Final sortie with 257 was on 16th September 1940. Posted to Bomber Command. No further details | ||||
14 | Smyth | Ronald Henry | Sgt | 103514 | British | 25Sqn 111Sqn 249Sqn | AFC | Hurricane | Survived war | October 26 2017 Shrewsbury England | Born 1922 Fought as a 19-year-old in the closing stages of the Battle of Britain and later in the war was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his work in a photo reconnaissance Spitfire.He also ferried communications between London and Winston Churchill at Biarritz and Clement Attlee in Berlin for the Potsdam Conference in 1945. Born near Croydon airport, he was fascinated by the comings and goings of the Imperial Airways flights, and with war clouds gathering, applied to join the RAF Volunteer Reserve.He did his training in Tiger Moths and Hawker Hart biplanes, finishing around August 1, 1940, when the Battle of Britain was in full swing. Initially he converted onto twin-engined Blenheims, but volunteered to go onto single-seat fighters and within two days joined 111 Squadron at Debden. He was to recall: '111 Squadron had Hurricanes. The CO there was rather shattered when I arrived at Debden and had never flown a Hurricane. I had to go on a Hurricane course.' By the time the then Sergeant Smyth rejoined his squadron in the climactic period of the Battle of Britain in September 1940, it was at Drem in Scotland, recovering from its losses, reforming and gaining new pilots.But at the end of September he was pitched into the heart of the Battle of Britain, being posted to join another Hurricane squadron - 249 - at North Weald. 'We saw a bit of action from there, being in London, mainly pursuing bombers. I was 19. I helped shoot two or three down. There was a 109, and a Heinkel 59, and something else. Other people claimed them as well. You will often find that two or three people claimed the same aircraft.' There were however no feelings of triumph. 'I don’t like shooting people,' he said. 'At the so-called end of the battle at the end of October, what I remember best was Armistice Day. I flew over London at 11 o’clock on November 11. I looked down on London and thought here we are, 20 years after the Armistice, trying to defend our capital. Where do we go from here? At the time people had no idea what future they might have. Every day might be their last. That applied to civilians on the ground just as much.' With the Battle of Britain over, he then flew with 615 squadron, where he recalled there were seven Free French pilots, three Poles, two Czechoslovakias, and a South African, as well as British. Later he became a flying instructor, and then was teaching people how to fly gliders.'In spring 1943 I packed up that and I volunteered to do a second tour of operations.' Now he was at RAF Benson flying unarmed photo reconnaissance Spitfire XIs and XIXs. 'I flew all over Europe - France, the Low Countries, Germany,' he said. 'I went to Berlin once. Quite a lot of it was looking at the bombing and looking out for flying bomb sites and rocket sites, other times looking at ports and mysterious places on the ground that the intelligence people wanted to check up on. I was usually flying at about 27,000 to 30,000ft. It was nice being alone and high up and nobody else in sight.' It was during this period that he won his DFC, and also had his closest shave, when his path crossed that of an armada of Flying Fortress bombers. 'Their Mustang escorts saw me and luckily I saw them in time. They were firing at me. I just took evasive action.' Leaving the RAF in January 1946 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant, he was not to fly again until about 1980, when he flew on a holiday jet, and by special arrangement was allowed onto the flight deck. 'I felt very much at home looking down on the Mediterranean from 30,000ft.' Smyth (on left on wing) with sqauadron colleagues Plate from 'Men Of The Battle Of Britain' by Ken Wynne | ||||
15 | Storrar | James Eric 'Jas' | Plt Off (later W/C) | 41881 | British | 145Sqn 73Sqn 421 Flt | DFC | Hurricane | 6 | Survived war | 29 March 1995 | Born 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. | |||
16 | Webster | Ernest Reginald 'Reggie' | Sgt | 158315 | RAF | British | 73Sqn | Hurricane | Born in 1917, joined RAF September 1939. Posted to 85 Sqd at Debden 24 May 1940. He was later promoted to Flying Officer and served until 1947. | ||||||
17 | Wellum | Geoffrey Harris Augustus 'Boy' | Plt Off | 42925 | British | 92Sqn 65Sqn | DFC | Spitfire | 2.25 | Survived war | 18 July 2018 | Born 4 August 192. Educated at Forest School, Snaresbrook before serving in the RAF. Aged eighteen, Wellum signed up on a short-service commission with the RAF in August 1939. Wellum's first solo flight was on 1 September 1939. Two days later Britain declared war on Germany. After successfully completing the course he then went on to fly the North American Harvard at RAF Little Rissington with 6FTS. In May 1940, before his flight training was complete, posted to 92 Sqd on Spitfires. It was at 92 Squadron that he first encountered a Spitfire, and flew the aircraft for the first time. Later, in First Light, he wrote of the experience: 'I experienced an exhilaration that I cannot recall ever having felt before. It was like one of those wonderful dreams, a Peter Pan sort of dream'. His first commanding officer was Roger Bushell. He was shot down and captured almost immediately after Wellum's arrival, and was later murdered by the Gestapo in the aftermath of the 'Great Escape'. Wellum recalled: 'After I joined the squadron they went to Dunkirk and by the end of that day we'd lost five people, four of whom I'd met the night before in the officers’ mess. I thought, ‘Hold on a minute, this is bloody dangerous!’ He saw extensive action during the Battle of Britain. At just 18, he was the youngest pilot to fight in the battle, and was nicknamed 'Boy' by his colleagues. On 9 September 1940 92 Squadron was posted to RAF Biggin Hill in Kent, in the centre of the fighting. Of the numerous Bf 109 fighters which escorted the German bombers, Wellum wrote 'God, is there no end to them? The sun glints on their wings and bellies as they roll like trout in a stream streaking over smooth round pebbles. Trout streams, water meadows, waders, fast-flowing water, the pretty barmaid at the inn. Dear Jesus why this? Wellum claimed a Heinkel He 111 shot down on 11 September, and a quarter share in a Junkers Ju 88 downed on 27 September 1940. Two (and one shared) Messerschmitt Bf 109s were claimed 'damaged' during November 1940. In the summer of 1941 Wellum participated in more than 50 sweeps over occupied France (also known as Circus offensives) flying escort for Blenheim and Stirling bomber formations, taking the war to the enemy. He claimed a Bf 109 shot down on 9 July 1941 over France, DFC August 1941. By this time most of Wellum's original colleagues at 92 Sqd had been killed or captured; he survived owing to a combination of luck and skill. Later, he recalled: 'You make yourself a difficult target. Never stay still, never fly straight and level, chuck it around. Quite often you'd find yourself surrounded by aeroplanes and then the sky would be empty. ‘Where's everybody gone?’ It was then that you were in danger. It was the German you didn't see who shot you down.' In the summer of 1941 Wellum was taken off active duty, and assigned to a training squadron: No 52 Operational Training Unit at Aston Down, flying Hawker Hurricanes. Disappointed to be leaving frontline service, Wellum initially found the experience to be almost unbearable. Eventually, Wellum relaxed: "I found a new peace and...gradually I seemed to unwind. I even began to enjoy [teaching] pupils". In February 1942 he was re-assigned to combat duties in 65 Sqd based at Debden, where he was appointed a Flight Commander in March 1942. By now, the Luftwaffe was flying a new fighter aircraft, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, superior in all but turn radius to the Spitfire V, and the squadron took heavy losses. 'Quite simply, the FW190 outclasses our Spitfire 5Bs. It is 40mph faster, has very good armament and a very high rate of roll'. In air combat over France, Wellum's number two, Freddie Haskett, was killed by a Fw 190, and Wellum himself survived only by 'throwing the Spit all over the sky without really looking round'. At this time he began to develop severe headaches, 'a splitting headache pain across my eyes'. In July 1942 he participated in Operation Pedestal, a convoy mission to carry supplies for the relief of the besieged garrison at Malta. Wellum led a flight of eight Spitfires to be carried on aircraft carrier HMS Furious, sailing from the Clyde to the Mediterranean, and then land them on the island. On 11 August 1942, Wellum led his flight of eight Spitfires, flying without ammunition to save weight (the bullets were replaced with cigarettes), and landed at Luqa airfield on Malta, joining 145 Sqd on air defence duties. On Malta, Wellum was diagnosed with severe sinusitis and battle fatigue, after three years' of intensive frontline flying. After surgery, he returned from Malta to Britain via Gibraltar, and later became a test pilot for new aircraft, such as the new Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber, based at Gloster Aircraft. After his return to England, Wellum did not return to combat duties, instead finishing the war as a gunnery instructor. Life for Wellum at the end of his career as a fighter pilot would never be quite the same. I am certain that my time came with my three years as an operational fighter pilot in our nation's finest hour. My only regret is that it had to happen so early in life'. Signed envelope His brilliant biography is First Light Excellent Interview> | L-R: Brian Kingcome, Geoffrey Wellum. Biggin Hill 1941 |
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18 | 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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19 | Dixon | Christopher Alexander Wilfred | Sgt | 124628 | British | 601Sqn | Hurricane | Survived war | 23 July 1977 Saskatchewan Canada | Born 1919 in Northampton England. Joined the RAFVR June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939. 7 OTU Hawarden in mid-August 1940. Converted to Hurricanes, joined 601 Sqd at Debden on 4th September. Commissioned in April 1942 but nothing else recorded until he left RAF early 1944. | |||||
20 | Bartlett | Leonard Harold | Sgt | 102959 | RAF | British | 17Sqn | DSO Legion of Merit (USA) | Hurricane | 4.5 | Survived war | 2017-02-11 in Australia Aged 100 | Born in Muswell Hill, Middlesex on 20 June 1916, joined the RAFVR in May 1939, as an Airman u/t Pilot. Completed his training and went to 7 OTU, Hawarden on 1 July 1940. After converting to Hurricanes, he joined 17 Sqd at Debden on 15 July. Shared in the destruction of a Ju 88, on 5 September he shared a He 111 and on the 19th he shared a Ju 88. On 28 October he damaged a Do 17, on 8 November he destroyed a Ju 87 and probably a second and on the 11th he shot down a Ju 87 and probably another. On 17 March 1941 Bartlett was shot down over Chiddingly, Sussex, north west of Hailsham, in Hurricane Z 2704. He was wounded and took to his parachute. Commissioned in July 1941, Bartlett was posted to 137 Sqd in February 1942. On 6 July he damaged a Ju 88. September 1942 he was given command of 253 Sqd at Hibaldstow. Went to North Africa in November. Destroyed a Ju 88 on 10 January 1943. Moved to Monte Corvino, Italy in October. Bartlett was posted away in January 1944 and he was awarded the DSO on 3 March 1943. Appointed military commander of the island of Vis, in the Adriatic, where an airfield had been constructed. He was given the US Legion of Merit for organising the rescue of USAAF crews who had ditched in the Adriatic Sea. In 2005 he was quoted as saying about the Battle of Britain: 'We were young and didn’t really think about what we were doing. I don’t think any of us really understood the importance of the battle at the time.' | ||
21 | 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> | |||
22 | Carthew | Gerald Charles Trewalla | Plt Off | 42484 | RAF | Canadian | 253Sqn 85Sqn 145Sqn | Hurricane | 0.5 | Died | 2013-07-12 | Born 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 | |||
23 | Cock | John Reynolds | Fg Off | RAF | Australian | 87Sqn | DFC | Hurricane | 10.5 | Died | 1988 in Australia | Born in Renmark, South Australia 3 March 1918. Educated at Renmark High School, Prince Alfred College, Adelaide and Roseworth Agricultural College. He learned to fly privately. Early 1938 came to England, joined the RAF on a short service commission. Early 1939 posted to 87 Sqd at Debden, moving to France with the squadron when war was declared. On 10 May 1940 he claimed a Ju 88 destroyed and a Do 17 and a Bf 110 damaged, on the 12th a He 111 destroyed, a Bf 109 on the 14th, possibly a Ju 88 on the 16th, a Ju 87 destroyed and another damaged on the 18th and a Hs126 shared on the 19th. Squadron withdrawn to Debden and quickly moved to Church Fenton to refit. Early in July a further move, to Exeter. Soon after midnight on the 26th July shot down a He 111, which fell at Smeatharpe, near Honiton. On 11 August he shot down a Ju 88 and a Bf 109 and probably shot down a Bf 110 and another Ju 88. In this engagement his Hurricane was hit by a Bf 109 and he baled out, slightly wounded. A Bf 109 fired at him under his parachute, but was shot down by Pilot Officer Dennis David of 87. Cock landed in the sea off Portland Bill, swam ashore at Chesil Beach and was taken to hospital. Rejoined 87 on 11 September. On the 26th he claimed a Ju 88 destroyed and a Bf 109 damaged, on the 30th a Ju 88 destroyed and probably a Bf 109 and on 10 October he claimed another probable Bf 109. After his engine cut out on patrol on October 24, he was unable to avoid colliding with Pilot Officer D T Jay. He made a forced-landing but Jay was killed while attempting to bale out. Cock suffered shock as a result of this accident and spent some time non-effective sick. DFC on 25 October and became an instructor and then a Flight Commander on 453 Sqd. After time in Australia, he returned to the UK and did a tour with 3 Sqd in France, flying Tempests. Released from the RAF in February 1948, as a Squadron Leader. In 1983 saw the wreckage of his Hurricane, shot down on 11 August 1940, being lifted from the sea. First Australian to shoot down an enemy aircraft in WW II. Baled out of Hurricane I (V7233) safely after being shot down off Portland Bill 1940-08-11 at 10:50hrs by Helmut Wick in a Bf 109. Swam ashore slightly injured. Hurricane I (V7233) LV-K was recovered in 1983 and was on display at Tangmere Aviation Museum. | |||
24 | Coke | The Hon. David Arthur | Fg Off | 73042 | RAFVR | British | 257Sqn 33Sqn 80Sqn | Hurricane | 2 + 2 probable | KIA | 1941-12-09 | David Arthur Coke, born 4th December 1915 in Londonen. The family seat was Holkham Hall, Norfolk. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. University Air Squadron and was commissioned in the RAFVR in June 1939. Called up on 1st September 1939, 5 OTU Aston Down on 20th April 1940. Converting to Hurricanes, to 257 Sqd, arrived on 14th May. On 12th August Hurricane P3776 was severely damaged in combat over Portsmouth. Admitted to the naval hospital at Haslar where a finger was amputated. To Debden on 12th September but returned to 257 on the 27th. Destroyed a Me109 over the Channel on 27th October. On 29th December 1940 posted to 46 Sqd. 33 Sqd in the Greek campaign and by late 1941 was serving with 80 Sqd in the Western desert. Killed aged 26 on 9th December 1941 when his Hurricane was shot down by fighters during a squadron sweep in the El Adem area. He is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya. Posthumous DFC (gazetted 26th December 1941) for an attack on enemy transport on the El Adem - Acroma road in November 1941. DFC citation: This officer participated in an attack on enemy transport on the El-Adem-Acroma road one day in November, 1941 in which a large number of vehicles, tanks and mechanised transport were bombed and machine-gunned. The damage inflicted played a very large part in the blocking of the road. By his skill and leadership, F/Lt. Coke contributed materially to the success achieved. In addition to the low flying machine-gunning operations which have been carried out, F/Lt. Coke has led the Squadron with great success in air combat. During an engagement 2 days later the Squadron shared in the destruction of 5 Messerschmitt 109s.'Wounded when Hurricane I (P3776) badly shot up over the Channel off Portsmouth at 13:00hrs 1940-08-12. Aircraft was repaired and used again. Later killed over Libya. Buried Knightsbridge War Cemetery Acroma Libya Age 26 | |||
25 | Currant | Christopher Frederick 'Bunny' | Flt Lt (later W/C) | 43367 | RAF | British | 605Sqn | DSO DFC & Bar Croix de Guerre (Belgian) MiD Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav | Hurricane | 9 | Survived war | 2006-03-12 | Official Ace. Commissioned in March 1940, posted from 151 Sqd to 605 Sqd's Hurricane. Shot down 9 during September and October 1940 . DFC. Later became a Squadron Commander then Wing Commander Ibsley Wing 1942. Commanded 122 Wing 2TAF 1944 Born in Luton England on 14th December 1911. Educated at Rydal School. Joined the RAF in 1936 as a direct-entry Airman u/t Pilot. He began training on 6th January. He was serving with 46 Squadron at Kenley in 1937 and with 151 Squadron at North Weald in 1939, both operating Gauntlets.Commissioned on 1st April 1940, Currant joined 605 Squadron the same day. On 1st April 1940, Currant joined 605 Squadron. On 22nd May he shot down a He111 on a patrol south of Arras. His Hurricane P3575 was hit by return fire and he made a crash-landing, breaking his nose. After burning his aircraft, he made his way to Calais on foot and returned to England by sea. Currant rejoined his squadron at Hawkinge. On 15th August 1940 Currant claimed two He111's destroyed and probably another, on 8th September a Me109 and a Do17 damaged, on the 9th he shared in the destruction of a Me109 and a Me110, on the 11th he claimed a He111 destroyed and four others damaged. He was appointed 'A' Flight Commander on 5th September and promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant on the 13th. On 12th September Currant shared a Do17, on the 15th he claimed a Me109 and two Do17's destroyed and a He111 and three Do17's damaged, on the 27th a Me110 destroyed and a Me109 damaged and on the 28th another Me109 destroyed. On 4th October and 8th October he shared Ju88's and on 15th October he damaged two Me109's. Currant was awarded the DFC 8th October 1940 and Bar 15th November 1940. When Squadron Leader McKellar was killed on 1st November Currant took temporary command of 605. He destroyed a Me109 on 15th November. Currant relinquished his temporary command of the squadron on 29th November when the new CO came. He destroyed a Me109 on 1st December. In early 1941 Currant was posted to 52 OTU Debden and in July he was CFI. A return to operations came on 14th August 1941 when he took command of 501 Squadron at Ibsley. He appeared briefly as himself in the film 'The First of the Few', filmed at Ibsley (with David Niven). Currant damaged a Me109 on 8th November 1941 and destroyed another on 17th April 1942. On Circus 113 to Marzingarbe on 9th March he engaged three German fighters and his Spitfire Vb W3846 was shot up. The instrument panel was destroyed and a bullet struck the back of his head but Currant managed to escape at low level. In great pain he landed at Lympne but his aircraft turned over on to its back due to the undercarriage tyres having been shot through. He was trapped in the petrol-soaked cockpit but was soon rescued from the wreckage. After a month in hospital he returned to flying with fragments of shrapnel still in his head. He was promoted to Acting Wing Commander in June and appointed to lead the Ibsley Wing. He was awarded the DSO (gazetted 7th July 1942). From 15th February 1943 until 24th July 1944 Currant commanded 122 Wing 2TAF. | Courtesy battleofbritainbooks.co.uk |
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26 | Darley | Horace Stanley 'George' | Sqd Ldr | 32191 | RAF | British | 609Sqn | DSO | Spitfire | 3 | Survived war | 1999 Age 86 | Official Ace. Born in November of 1913, was CO of 609 Sqd in 1940 during the early stages of the Battle of Britain. He joined the RAF in 1932 and began his flying career in relatively little known and ungainly biplanes known as Fairey Gordons, Vickers Vincents and Fairey IIIBs. He flew these aircraft in Yemen and British Somaliland. He fought in the Battle of France and then with 609 Sqd at RAF Northolt in the Battle of Britain. In the three months that he commanded 609, the pilots scored 85 victories with the loss of just 7 of their own aircraft. Darley was awarded the DSO during this period, the first to be awarded for leadership in the Battle of Britain. During his 27-year career with the RAF, he commanded 11 RAF Stations and flew 65 different types. Cover produced for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Cover depicts Hurricanes of 1, 17, 46 249 257 and 310 Squadrons in action over Colchester, a Heinkel III shot down by Blenheim of 25 Squadron on 4th September 1940 and BF110s of 6 Staffel attacking the factories of Vicker and Hawker at Brooklands. Signed by George Darley. Born on November 3 1913 at Wandsworth, Darley joined the RAF in August 1932. He carried out his training at 2FTS, Digby and afterwards joined 207 Squadron at Bircham Newton on August 20 1933. He was posted overseas on February 9 1935, going to 8 Squadron at Khormaksar, Aden and later Somaliland. Darley was granted a Permanent Commission in 1936. He returned to the UK and on January 2 1937 went to CFS, Upavon for an instructor's course, after which he was posted to 7FTS, Peterborough, as a Flight Commander. On June 61938 Darley was appointedadjutant and flying insructor at 602 Squadron, AuxAF at Abbotsinch, moving on December 21938 to 611 Squadron, AuxAF at Speke. Soon after the outbreak of war Darley was made Controller at Debden and on May 9 1940 he was posted to Merville as Controller. After returning to England in late May he went as supernumerary Squadron Leader to 65 Squadron at Hornchurch and on June 22 he took command of 609 Squadron at Northolt. On August 8 Darley claimed a Bf 110 destroyed, on the 15th a probable Ju 88, on the 25th a Bf 109 and a Bf 110 and on September 25 a Dq 17. He was posted away on October 41940 to become Station Commander at Exeter. He was awarded the DSO (22.10.40). Darley was posted to Air HO Singapore on May 17 1941, on Fighter Defence. He went to RAF Kuala Lumpur on December 11 as Station Commander, returned to 224 Group, Singapore on January 8 1942 as Ops 1, moved to 226 Group, Sumatra on February 3 and after the inevitable collapse caused by the Japanese advance he arrived at RAF Depot, Karachi on March 16. Appointed Station Commander at RAF Risalpur on October 7 1942, Darley remained there until February 7 1943, when he was posted to 221 Group, Calcutta. On June 11 he returned to Risalpur to command 151 OTU there, as a Group Captain. Darley returned to the UK in July 1944 and was given command of 62 OTU, Ouston. He was made Station Commander at RAF Cranfield on June 15 1945 and went to RAF Staff College, Bracknell in August for a course. Group Captain Darley then held a series of appointments and commands before he retired from the Royal Air Force on June 15th 1959. During a long and distinguished flying career he flew sixty six different types of aircraft. | ||
27 | David | William Dennis | Fg Off (later Grp Cpt) | 40805 | RAF | British | 87Sqn 213Sqn | CBE DFC & Bar AFC MiD | Hurricane | 20 (probably 27+) | Survived war | 25th August 2000 | Born in Surbiton, Surrey England on 25 July 1918 and spent his early childhood at Tongwynlais, a village near Cardiff. Official Ace. Flew Hurricanes 87 Sqd in Battle for France until October 1940 and then joined 213 Sqd. He shot down 8 enemy and 5 unconfirmed in France and 7 confirmed in the Battle of Britain. Group Captain. One of the highest-scoring RAF pilots of the first half of the Second World War, Dennis David notched up the astonishing total of 11 combat victories in May 1940, before the Battle of Britain had even begun. His Hurricane squadron, No 87, had been posted to France in the early days of the war, as part of the Air Component of the British Expeditionary Force. There, throughout the 'Phoney War' months, September 1939 to April 1940, it saw little of the enemy apart from the odd reconnaissance machine. All this was to change with dramatic suddenness on the 10th of May 1940, when the full fury of the German Blitzkrieg burst on the frontiers of Holland, Belgium and France. David was in action from the opening hours of the German invasion, performing with incredible coolness against Luftwaffe pilots, many of whom had honed their combat techniques in the Spanish Civil War. Joined RAF in 1938. Joined 87 Sqd at Debden, near Saffron Walden flying Hurricanes. Posted to France together with 85 Sqd in September 1939 as part of No 60 Wing in the Air Component of the British Expeditionary Force. Stationed at Lille, near the Belgian Border, and saw little action until the German Army began its blitzkrieg through the Netherlands, Belgium and North Eastern France. During May 1940 the RAF in France was greatly outnumbered, often 10 to 1 or worse. During this period Dennis David shot down 14 aircraft before suffering from exhaustion due to the intense fighting and was repatriated to England by air ambulance. Upon returning he rejoined 87 Sqd at Exeter, reforming in preparation for the Battle of Britain. In action from July to October 1940 and during this time his score climbed to 20, with many others unconfirmed, as he was always attacked by other enemy fighters before firm claims could be made. David continued to fly during the Battle of Britain, for which 87 Squadron was moved to Exeter, where it saw heavy fighting and took a severe toll of the enemy. David continued his remarkable run of combat victories. He shot down two aircraft on the 11th of August, a Ju88 and a Messerschmitt 109. He was credited with two more, a Ju87 "Stuka" and a Messerschmitt 110 twin-engined fighter, besides having a half share in another Me110 on the 15th of August; this was the day of Germany's heaviest losses in the air, and was ever after referred to in Luftwaffe circles as 'der schwarze Donnerstag' (Black Thursday). 87 played its part in repelling the 1,786 sorties that were launched at Britain that day. David's third "two-kill" day was the 25th of August, when he shot down another Ju88 and a Messerschmitt 109. In October, he was posted as a flight commander to 213 Squadron, another Hurricane squadron, also based at Exeter. David's final kill was on the 19th of October when he shot down a Ju88 to bring his score to 20.In October 1940, Dennis David posted to be a Flight Commander in 213 Sqd, Tangmere where he damaged a Ju88 so badly, that it crash landed in Northern France, taking his tally to over 20 victories. In November 1940 he was posted to command a Flight of 152 Sqd, Warmwell flying Spitfires. From 1941 to 1943 rose to the rank of Wing Commander and was then posted to the Middle East to command 89 Sqd flying night-fighting Beaufighters, at Tobruk and Tripoli. In November 1943 moved to the Far East where he was promoted to Group Captain and took part in the liberation of Burma as SASO 224 Group. Continued to serve in the RAF until his retirement in 1967. During which time he was appointed Honorary Aide to the Viscount Trenchard, the ‘Father of the Royal Air Force’, from 1954 until the Viscount’s death. He was also Her Majesty’s Air Attache in Budapest at the time of the Hungarian Uprising and became responsible in assisting 400 people to escape from Hungarian and Russian Secret Police, for this he was knighted by the exiled ruler of Hungary, Grand Duke Arpad of Hapsburg. | ||
28 | Allgood | Harold Henry | Sgt | 565462 | RAF | British | 85Sqn 253Sqn | Hurricane | KIFA | 1940-10-10 Age 25 | Pilot Hurricane L1928 of 253 Sqn crashed into houses at Albion Place, Maidstone. Born in Cambridge in 1915. Educated at the Central School Cambridge. He left at sixteen, joined RAF at Halton as an apprentice metal rigger in September. Volunteered for pilot training and was accepted on 13th September 1938 but did not begin his training until 1939. No.11 Fighter Training School, Shawbury, Shropshire from 25th September until 6th April 1940. After converting to Hurricanes, posted to 85 Sqd at Lille-Seclin in France on 14 May 1940. Two days later in Hurricane L1898 bound for Merville when he was shot down shortly after take-off, possibly by Oberleutnant Bolz, Staffelkapitän of 5th Staffel of Jagdgwaffe 52. Crash-landed and overturned north-west of Lille. Wounded, or possibly hospitalized. When 85 Sqd was withdrawn to Debden on the 21 May, Allgood was not with them. Reported back on June 22nd and re-joined 85 Sqd at Martlesham Heath in early July. On 11 August 1940 got a Bf 109E but the same day returned to base with his mainplane damaged by a Messerschmitt Bf 110, engaged over a convoy off the east coast. Escaped unhurt from Hurricane P2827 when he crashed making a dusk landing at Church Fenton on 9 September. The Hurricane was damaged but repairable. Posted to 253 Sqd at Kenley on 28th September. At 15.20 hrs on Thursday 10 October 1940 nine Hurricanes of 253 Sqd took off from RAF Kenley. Allgood was tail-end Charlie. At 20,000 feet over the Eastern outskirts of Maidstone when Hurricane L1928, went into a steep dive and crashed into 59 and 61 Albion Place, Maidstone, the aircraft immediately bursting into flames. The pilot, two adults and six children were killed. The cause of the crash was never established but possibly oxygen failure. Witnesses said he appeared to attempt to level out just before hitting the ground, but it was too late. Cambridge St. Mark Cemetery Sadly, for the Allgood family, his brother Edwin was also lost on active service over the North Sea on 29th May 1942 whilst serving on a Liberator, Serial No. AM924, with 120 Sqd. He was one of three, out of a crew of seven, lost on a reconnaissance mission searching for the Tirpitz. The Liberator was attacked by three Messerschmitt Bf 109’s and Edwin, an air gunner, was killed before the aircraft ditched in the sea west of Moskenessøy, the southern most major island in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. An inscription was added to Harold’s gravestone: ‘To the memory of his elder brother who has no known grave, Flight. Sgt. Edwin A. Allgood, killed in action over the North Sea, 28th May 1942.’ Story of the crash at Maidstone | Aftermath of crash 59 & 61 Albion Place Maidstone. (Photos courtesy Kent Battle of Britain Museum) |
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29 | Dunn | Ian Love | Sgt | 49222 | RAF | British | 29Sqn 235Sqn 272Sqn 254Sqn 201Sqn 190Sqn 210Sqn | Blenheim | Survived war | 2nd March 2004 | Born 5 June 1920. Joined RAF as a direct-entry Airman u/t Observer on 6 February 1939. Posted to No. 1 AOS on 20th June, to 9 AOS Penrhos on 1st August. Joined 29 Sqd at Debden 6 September 1939. Gunnery Leader at CGS Warmwell. Posted to 235 Sqd at Bircham Newton on 22 May 1940. On 19 November 1940 Dunn's flight was posted to Aldergrove, where it combined with a flight from 236 Sqd to reform 272 Sqd for anti-shipping operations. To 254 Sqd at Sumburgh on 11 April 1941. 14 July posted to 2 (Coastal) OTU Catfoss. Commissioned June 1942. 4 December 1942 joined 201 (Flying Boat) Sqd in Sunderlands from Lough Erne. 30 October 1943 joined 190 Sqd flying Catalinas at Sullum Voe. This became 210 Sqd in January 1944. Became a Qualified 1st Class Civil Air Navigator. Permanent commission in 1945, the first navigator to be awarded one after the war. Graduate of the RAF Staff College. Retirement on 23 December 1964 as a Wing Commander. Settled in Canberra Australia | ||||
30 | Fuller-Good | Wg Cdr | British | Debden Sector | |||||||||||
31 | Gilbert | Humphrey Trench | Fg Off (later Sqd Ldr) | 40530 | RAF RAFO | British | 504Sqn 601Sqn 1442 Flight 71Sqn (Eagle) 222Sqn (CO) 65Sqn (CO) | DFC | Hurricane | WIA | KIFA | 1942-05-02 Age 22 See Allied Losses & Incidents Database | Baled out Spitfire I (V7260) 31 August 1940 at 13:40hrs. Shot down by a Bf 109 over the Thames Estuary but was not hurt. 1940-09-06 wounded in combat with Bf 109 over Mayfield at 09:30hrs. Baled out of Spitfire I (V6647). >Educated at Durnford School and was at Cheltenham College from January 1934 to July 1937. RAF on a short service commission in early December 1937.Ab-initio course at 7 E&RFTS, Desford on February 18th 1938, to No 1 RAF Depot, Uxbridge. To 9 FTS, Hullavington on March 5th. Pilots wings June 1st 1938. 73 Sqd at Digby on September 17th. CFS, Upavon on October 23rd and qualified as an instructor on December 22nd 1938. To 504 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force as Flying Instructor. On 3rd August 1940 he was posted from 9 FTS to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge. Converting to Hurricanes joined 601 Squadron at Debden on the 16th. Gilbert shared in the destruction of a Ju87 on August 15th, shared a He111 on the 30th, destroyed a Me110 on the 31st and was himself shot down over the Thames Estuary, in Hurricane V7260. He baled out, unhurt. Destroyed a Me110 on September 4th. Two days later he was shot down by a Me109 over Mayfield. Again he baled out but this time he was wounded. He landed at Pembury and his Hurricane, V6647, crashed at Kippings Cross, near Pembury. April 1941 Gilbert 'B' Flight Commander. Temporarily attached to 1422 Flight at Heston for night sorties in a Hurricane, accompanying a Havoc in what were early tests on Turbinlite aircraft. Posted to 71 (Eagle) Squadron at Martlesham Heath on September 3rd 1941 as a Flight Commander. CO 222 Squadron at North Weald on November 1st and on December 23rd 1941 he moved to Debden CO 65 Squadron. When the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau made their Channel Dash on February 12th 1942, the squadron was involved in combat with the German fighter cover. Gilbert destroyed a Me109 and damaged another. On a Boston escort to Hazebrouck on April 12th, he shot down a Fw190. Crashed on May 2nd 1942, attempting to take off from Debden in a Spitfire BL372 YT-Z with Flight Lieutenant David Gordon Ross the Controller on his lap. They were said to have been going to a party. Both men were killed. Saffron Walden Cemetery England | Courtesy IWM |
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32 | Hoare-Scott | James Hammond | Plt Off | 87673 | RAFVR | British | 601Sqn | KIA | 1940-11-20 Age 29 | Born on 18 June, 1911Chislehurst in Kent England. Cambridge University. Joined the Cambridge University Air Squadron, but when war broke out was in a reserved position as a director of Scott’s Shipbuiliding. In September 1940 owing to the shortage of trained pilots, James was allowed a 6 month leave from the firm to become a fighter pilot in the RAF. 5 OTU Aston Down on 17 August 1940. Converting to Hurricanes he joined 601 Sqd at Debden on 1st September. Shot down and killed on 20 November near Exeter. Frensham St Mary Churchyard England | |||||
33 | Honor | Dudley Sandry Garton | Fg Off | 40113 | British | 145Sqn | DFC | Hurricane | 9 | Died | 2007-12-27 | Joined 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.
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34 | Hubbard | Thomas Edward | Flt Lt | 90138 | RAF AAF | British | 601Sqn | Hurricane | 4 | Survived war | 10th April 1985. | Born 27 December 1911. Educated at Eton. Joined 601 Sqd 1937. Commissioned 7th May. Full-time service 25 August 1939. Attacked the Luftwaffe seaplane base at Borkum on 28 November 1939. Twelve Blenheims took off from Bircham Newton, six from 25 Sqd and six from 601 Sqd. All aircraft returned safely to Debden. Three Heinkel 115s destroyed and three more damaged. It was the first fighter attack of the war on a target in Germany. 16 May 1940 Hubbard with 'A' Flight of 601 to France, to reinforce 3 Sqd. On 19 May he destroyed a He111 and was then himself shot down. Forced-landing at Noyelles, south of Arras, set his Hurricane on fire and then made his way back to 601 at Merville. On 27 May he destroyed a Me110 west of Dunkirk. Withdrawn to Middle Wallop on 1st June. On 7 June 1940, on a patrol over France, Hubbard shot down a Me109 and was himself shot down, in Hurricane P3484, and reported ‘Missing’. Next day he was reported safe by No. 8 Port Detachment. When Max Aitken took command of 601 on 7th June Hubbard was made 'B' Flight Commander and promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant. He reverted to Flying Officer when F/O WH Rhodes-Moorhouse took over 'B' Flight. Shared in the destruction of a Ju88 off St. Catherines Point on 16th July and shared in destroying a He59 and damaging a Do17 south of Selsey Bill on the 20th. With Pilot Officers MD Doulton and T Grier, he had attempted to escort the floatplane back to land but it was abandoned by its crew of four, who baled out too low for their parachutes to open. The aircraft went into the sea. Transferred to the Administrative and General Duties Branch on 24th September 1941. Released from the RAF in mid-1943, as a Squadron Leader. | |||
35 | Jefferies | Jerrard | Flt Lt | 39286 | RAF | British | 310Sqn Czechoslovakia 1455 Flight 106Sqn | DFC Czechoslovakia Military Cross | Hurricane | 4 | 1943-04-05 Age 27 | Born Sutton Coldfield England September 1916. Educated at Warwick School. Joined the RAF October 1936. To 3 FTS, Grantham on 11 January 1937. To 17 Squadron at Kenley on 7 August 1937. On a sweep over Holland 11 May 1940 shot down a Hs126 at Delft-Hague. To France and joined 85 Sqd at Lille/Seclin on 17 May. ‘B’ Flight Commander and Acting Flight Lieutenant. On 19 May he probably destroyed a Me109. Withdrawn to Debden on 22 May. 9 July posted to 310 Squadron with Czechoslovakia pilots at Duxford, as a Flight Commander. On 31st August and 3rd September Me110s destroyed, on 7 September he damaged another, on the 15th he destroyed a He111 and shared three Do17s and on the 18th he destroyed a Do17. DFC 1st October 1940 and the Czechoslovakia Military Cross 24th December 1940. January 1941 he took command of the squadron. On 1st March Jefferies changed his name to Latimer by deed poll, for reasons unknown. 27 March 1941 he damaged a Ju88 and during the night of April 8/9th he probably destroyed a Ju88. Left 310 in June 1941 and on 7th July went to Tangmere to form and command 1455 Flight, a Turbinlite Havoc night fighter unit. He led the Flight until January 1942. Killed on 15th April 1943, as a Squadron Leader with 106 Sqd, flying in a Lancaster from Syerston on a sortie to Stuttgart. See Allied Losses Database ED752 DFC for shooting down 4 enemy aircraft and damaging 2 others. Shown with his dog ‘Hero’. He was a flight commander in the Czechoslovakia fighter squadron of the Royal Air Force, which was led by RAF personnel. DFC Citation: 'This officer has led his flight with skill and gallantry. His determined leadership and skillful training have contributed largely to the success of his squadron. He has destroyed four enemy aircraft and severely damaged another two'. Shown in CWGC as Sqd Ldr Jerry Latimer RAF. Sauvillers-Mongival Communal Cemetery France |
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