Notes by Drew Davidson:

"As a novice in military research, I was dismayed by the lack of information in the media regarding my second cousin, who now can be seen, was in action before, throughout and after the Battle of Britain and ultimately gave his life on the 5th December 1940.

I would urge anyone, who is related to one of the ‘Few’ or has an interest in the Battle of Britain, to make an effort to accurately record the career of those ‘Few’ who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Battle of Britain Historical Society has over the years managed to give us a great amount of details about this unique event and we must applaud their efforts. There are also many Squadron Associations and Museums but they cannot provide all the individual's details.

67 Years On - In March 2007, In a massive Milestone the Young family received 4 awards entitled to Cecil nearly 67 years after his death. They are as follows":

The 1939 - 45 Star, The Battle of Britain Clasp, The Aircrew Europe Star, The War Medal.

Beryl Pockett:

As previously stated Beryl Pocket married Flying Officer Gordon Green in 1942. Their daughter has provided assistance and given approval to what we have included regarding Beryl. Both Beryl and her husband's own accounts of WWII makes fascinating reading.

Beryl was the WAAF Officer in Charge at Tangmere, and was there throughout the Battle of Britain.

The photo below shows all the Tangmere WAAFs taken in the August of 1940 outside Westgate House, which was requisitioned to accommodate them after a big raid on the station that month. The WAAF officers mess was at Fontwell cottage.

WAAFs at Tangmere August 1940 Beryl is front row centre (courtesy Green family collection)

Beryl being based at Tangmere had regular contact with the pilots of the 601 Sqn who were based there. Notably her tunic is lined with the red silk the signature of this unique Millionaire Squadron.

Gordon and Beryl Green 1942 - Beryl's Tunic - Gordon Green (courtesy Green family collection)

Books:

"Men of the Battle of Britain" by Kenneth K Wynn. "RAF Fighter Command Victory Claims of WWII Part One" by John Foreman. "Battle of Britain, The Forgotten Months Nov. & Dec. 1940" by John Foreman. "Twelve Days in May" by Brian Cull, Bruce Lander with Heinrich Weiss. "Battle over Britain" by Francis K. Mason. "JG26 War Diaries Pt 1" by Donald Caldwell. “Battle of Britain" by Norman Franks

Websites/Organisations:

The Battle of Britain Historical Society. Battle of Britain. Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum. 12 O'clock High. Service and other records - Ministry of Defence - Air Historical Branch (RAF). Combat Reports and Operational Record Books - The National Archives of the UK. 46 Squadron Photographs by P/O. Karel Mrazak REF: L88 - Royal Air Force Museum

Individuals That Should Be Mentioned:

Crispin Whiting for published and compiling information from area around the crash site at Broughton. Andy Sauders for his guidance, initial crash-site search and for making contact with the crash witness. Mr R.T. Philpott for his account of the crash and pinpointing the location. Christopher Dawkins the Felsted School archivist for providing Cecil's schooling information. Barry Weekley for the use of his painting "Red Section Scramble 615 Squadron" in our website. Kevin Moffat for his great sketch of Charlie.

Copyright:

I hope that these pages will be useful for future generations to understand the sacrifices made by so many young men to maintain the freedom of the British Isles. You can use extracts or pictures from these pages, for educational purposes only, provided you acknowledge their respective owners.

The content copyright of this website is the property of the Davidson, Young and Green families and should not be used without their permission. Excerpts from official documents or books are the copyright of their respective owners therefore please seek their permission before reproducing them. Photographs used in this website are with the permission of the respective owners, their copyright remains with them and we request that you do not make copies.

List of Chapters:

Loss with 46 Squadron

1> Growing up, pre RAF and training

2> His period with 601 Squadron

3> 615 squadron and France

4> 607 Squadron

5> Pilot Officer Charles Young and Miss Beryl Pockett

6> Summary and Acknowledgments

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is owned or managed by Aircrew Remembered and should not be used without prior permission.
© Aircrew Remembered 2012 - 2025 Last Modified: 12 March 2021, 09:12