British officers  |  RAF  |  home

Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) (RAF(VR)) Officers
1939-1945

 

Looking for details on a RAF(VR) officer not listed here yet?
Just e-mail me, and I might be able to help out.
Of course, any additions, corrections etc. can also be e-mailed.

For detailed biographies of key RAF personnel (Air Commodore and higher) there is already an excellent website: www.rafweb.org
Only RAF officers of ranks below Air Commodore will be shown here in detail. Abbreviations and explanations can be found at the help page.


A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

B    

top

Backlog,
Cyril Peter
C.P. Backlog
Son (with one brother) of Frederick George Backlog (1870-1930), and Eleanor Adelaide Blackton (1880-1937).
Brother of Lt. Frederick James Backlog, RNVR (later Lt.Cdr. RNR).
Married ((09?).1931, Edmonton district, Essex) Clara Ada Barnes (02.06.1909 - 05.2006), daughter (with three brothers and two sisters) of Frederick Barnes (1882-1949), and Eliza Amelia Cheese (1885-1973); one son.
28.08.1908
Islington, London
-
23.08.1942
[KIA] (age 33]
(formerly of Finsbury Park, London N4)

[Emmen (Nieuw Dordrecht) General Cemetery, the Netherlands, plot 9, row B, grave 3]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1395558]
P/O (prob) 29.03.1943 [141331]
29.03.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
07.1943? - 23.08.1943 navigator, 207 Squadron RAF (RAF Station Langar)
29.07.1943 - 30.07.1943 Lancaster III ED627 (N) 22:08 to 03:21 hrs bombing attack Hamburg (sortie completed)
09.08.1943 - 10.08.1943 Lancaster III W5006 (G) 23:35 to 02:58 hrs bombing attack Mannheim (abortive sortie - early return)
12.08.1943 - 13.08.1943 Lancaster III EE126 (A) 21:50 to 06:20 hrs bombing attack Milan (sortie completed)
14.08.1943 - 15.08.1943 Lancaster III EE126 (A) 21:27 to 06:10 hrs bombing attack Milan (sortie completed)
22.08.1943 - 23.08.1943 Lancaster I W4815 (G) 21:22 to 02.16 hrs bombing attack Leverkusen (sortie completed)
23.08.1943 - 24.08.1943 Lancaster III ED550 (EM-K) 20:33 hrs bombing attack Berlin; crashed 23:59 hrs at Nieuw Dordrecht (Drenthe) 8 km SE of Emmen Holland; complete crew of six were killed
Bagshaw,
Reginald Norman
R.N. Bagshaw (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
Son (with two sisters and two brothers) of Ernest John Bagshaw, and Prudence Cowley (1867-1932), of Droitwich, Worcestershire.
Married ((09?).1931, Droitwich, Worcestershire) Marjorie Fisher.
(06?).1905
Droitwich, Worcestershire

-
15.10.1941
(KIA) [age 36]
Gosport, Hampshire
[Ann's Hill Cemetery, Gosport, Hampshire, plot 118, grave 47]
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 02.07.1941 [46374]
(A?) F/O ?
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]

At the time of his death he was commanding a High Speed Launch No 112. This was an air sea rescue launch. The boat had been ordered to search for any aircrew from aircraft in difficulties. The position was 50 miles southeast of the Nab Tower, During the search two German fighters were sighted, and the launch was soon under attack. The first aircraft dived down; cannon shells raked the hull. It was during this attack that F/O Bagshaw and another crewmember were killed. The second aircraft’s attack killed the wireless operator who was desperately trying to report the vessel was under attack. With no radio, engine damage and the boat badly holed and taking on water, the launch made for the first point of refuge, managing to limp back to St Helen's on the Isle of Wight. The bodies of the dead crew were brought back to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport. F/O Bagshaw, had been based at Gosport, and came under command of RAF Gosport. He was buried on the 18.10.1941.

 

Bailey,
Peter
P. Bailey

?
-
?
Sgt. ? [1578780]
P/O (prob) 12.06.1944 [178884]
(WS) F/O 21.12.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 12.06.1946 (reld 31.10.1947)
F/O 31.10.1947 (reld 17.02.1949)
F/O 17.02.1949, seniority 29.10.1948
F/Lt. 29.01.1952
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 13.04.1945 ?
12.06.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
(1945)     102 Squadron RAF (DFC)
31.10.1947     commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section) (General Duties Branch)
17.02.1949     commissioned, RAuxAF (Reconstituted Section) (General Duties Branch)
29.01.1952     transferred, RAuxAF (Reconstituted Section) (Secretarial Branch)
30.11.1957 - 17.02.1959 transferred, RAuxAF Reserve of Officers

Baillie,
David Cameron
D.C. Baillie (Photo courtesy of Mr Andrew Clarke)
Son (with one brother and two sisters) of Robert Baillie (1866-1931), and Marion Cameron (1871-1938).
Married (06.02.1926, Hammersmith, London) Dorothy Eleanora Rose (14.05.1905 - 07.06.2004), daughter (with three brothers) of John Thomas Rose (1867-), and Sara Elizabeth (1880-); six daughters, two sons.
Residence: (1939) Heston, Middlesex.

22.08.1902
Govan, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland
-
10.10.1964

Salisbury, Rhodesia
F/O 01.09.1939 [72778]
(T) F/Lt. ?
(WS) F/Lt. 20.09.1944
F/Lt. 23.05.1946, seniority 01.03.1945
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1945
Sq.Ldr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.08.1947 (reld 05.08.1948; on account of medical unfitness for Air Force service; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Worked at a firm in Holborn, Marks & Clarks, as a patent agent.
01.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for special duties) [emergency commission]
31.01.1942     transferred, RAFVR (Technical Branch)
23.05.1946 - 05.08.1948 extended service commission, RAF (Technical Branch)

Bain,
Victor Albert
V.A. Bain (Photo courtesy of Mr Colin Bain) V.A. Bain (Photo courtesy of Mr Colin Bain)
Son of George W. Bain, and Eleanora E. Appleton.
Married (29.05.1939, Brighton district, Sussex) Bessie Lawrence; three children.

11.11.1918
West Ham district, London
-
30.01.1946

[age 27]
[Le Grand-Luce War Cemetery, France, C.11]
Sgt. 24.05.1938 [741596]
Wt.Offr. ?
P/O (prob) 12.12.1944 [196750]
(WS) F/O 12.06.1945
23.05.1938     enlisted (mobilisation station Hove)
10.01.1939     awarded flying badge
(1940)     pilot, 17 Operational Training Unit RAF [see details]
22.09.1942 - 01.05.1943 pilot, 143 Squadron RAF (captured; see details)
01.05.1943 - 05.1944 POW (No. 1167) in German captivity (Stalag Luft 6; repatriated)
12.12.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
30.01.1946     killed as passenger aboard Dakota DC-3 KN500 (WF-) of 525 Squadron RAF that crashed in a storm 7 miles South of Le Mans, France, returning to England from North Africa [see details]
Bainbridge,
William
W. Bainbridge (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 12.04.1941 [63510]
... ...
12.04.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
 
Bairstow,
Edward Akeroyd
E.A. Bairstow
Son of Harold and Rebecca Bairstow, of Sefton Lodge, Baildon, Yorkshire, later of Bridlington, Yokshire.
09.1921
Wharfedale district, West Riding of Yorkshire
-
25.02.1942
(KIA)
[Kiel War cemetery, Germany, Coll. grave 1. F. 6-8]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1056930 ]
P/O (prob) 24.04.1941 [64907]
Education: Uppingham School (01.1935-12.1937; The Lodge).
24.04.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 25.02.1942 12 Squadron RAF
[Pilot Officer E A Bairstow, Sergeant G E Fox, Pilot Officer E Tunnington, Sergeant R V P Ennor, Sergeant F J Wakefield, Sergeant G S Long-Innes (RAAF): killed; Wellington W5440; aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Kiel, Germany, 25 February 1942. Took off from Binbrook. Shot down in the target area near Surendorf.]
Baker,
Ernest Frank
E.F. Baker (Photo courtesy of Mrs Joan Harrop)
Married ...; ... children (one daughter?).
?
-
05.12.2017
AC2 15.04.1941
F/Sgt. ? [1337174]
P/O (prob) 25.08.1944 [184525]
P/O 25.02.1945
(WS) F/O 25.02.1945
F/O 11.06.1946 (reld 06.08.1946)
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 08.12.1944 air gunner, 52 sorties, 245 flying hours *
39|45 St - -
Aircrew Europe Star AirCr Eur - & clasp France and Germany
Defence Medal Def M - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
Pathfinder Badge (07.05.1944).
* As a rear gunner, Flight Sergeant Baker has demonstrated outstanding competence and coolness in action. He has the confidence of his captain and crew and contributes to the high morale of a very successful Blind Marker Crew. This NCO has made many operational trips over some of the most heavily defended areas in Germany. His skill in directing evasive actions and the efficient operating of his guns makes him very worthy of the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
15.04.1941     enlisted (AC2, Aircraft handler Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
01.04.1944 - 23.10.1944 rear gunner, 582 (PFF) Squadron RAF (Little Staughton) (flew 45 missions)
25.08.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Baker,
Sidney
S. Baker (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101614]
(WS) F/O ? (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/O)
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Baldwin,
John Robert
"Johnny"
J.R. Baldwin
J.R. Baldwin
J.R. Baldwin J.R. Baldwin
Only son of Chambré Baldwin (1884-1969), and Grace Baldwin, of Bath.
Married ((12?).1945, Deben district, Suffolk) Sylvia Faith Symon (13.05.1922 - 03.2003), elder daughter of Canon Dudley James Symon (1887-1961), and Elsie Ellen H. Maisey (1895-), of Woodbridge School, Suffolk, later of The Old Yard House, Ham Common, Richmond; ... children (three sons?). She re-married (1954) Stephen Robert Hunter-Jones & (1967) Terence L. Kermode.

16.07.1918
Bath, Somerset
-
15.03.1952
Korea
(T) F/Sgt. ? [908634]
P/O (prob) 14.03.1942 [122337]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 06.03.1944
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 18.09.1944
Sq.Ldr. 15.10.1946, seniority 01.09.1945
(A) W/Cdr. 1944?
(WS) W/Cdr. 20.08.1945
(A) Gp.Capt. 1945
Distinguished Service Order DSO 10.03.1944 *
Distinguished Service Order DSO 29.12.1944 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 26.02.1943 ***
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 14.01.1944 *****
Air Force Cross AFC 01.01.1948 ?
Croix de Guerre with palm (Belgium) CdeG 24.01.1947 *****
Commander, Order of Oranje Nassau (The Netherlands) OON 31.10.1947 ******
Distinguished Flying Cross (US) DFC(US) 30.10.1953 Korea
1940     joined RAFVR, serving as ground crew-man in France
      bomb disposal duties (UK)
      pilot training in the USA (under the Arnold Scheme)
14.03.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
1942 - 1944 Typhoon pilot with 16.5 victories
      advanced & operational training, 59 Operational Training Unit RAF
18.09.1942 - 11.1943 609 Squadron RAF (Manston) (rising to Flight Commander; wounded 03.1943)
11.1943 - 03.1944 Commanding Officer, 198 Squadron RAF (02.1944 attended No. 1 Course of the newly-formed Fighter Leader School at Milfield) (DSO, Bar to DFC)
04.1944 - 06.1944 Squadron Leader (Tactics), 2 Group RAF, 2nd TAF
19.06.1944 - 1945 Wing Commander Flying, 146 Wing RAF
20.02.1945 - 1945? Wing Leader, 123 Wing RAF
15.10.1946     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
      led a team of four pilots from the RAF Central Fighter Establishment on attachment to the USAF in Korea (flew with the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing)
* Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Baldwin has led his squadron on very many sorties, during which 30 enemy aircraft have been shot down. Much of the great success achieved can be attributed to Squadron Leader Baldwin's superb leadership, fine tactical ability and iron determination. His sterling qualities were amply demonstrated on one occasion in January 1944, when he led a small formation of aircraft in an attack on a force of some 30 Focke Wulf 190s, nine of which were shot down, Squadron Leader Baldwin being responsible for two of the successes. His example was inspiring.
** Wing Commander Baldwin was appointed Wing Commander (Flying) of a wing in June 1944. He has, in addition to planning the major portion of the operations undertaken by the wing, led over 100 successful wing and squadron missions, directed against a wide variety of targets. These have included enemy tanks, railway communications and shipping and enemy gun positions menacing our troops. Under his brilliant leadership the wing has destroyed or severely damaged over 800 fighting vehicles, thus contributing in no small measure to the rout of the enemy in the Falaise Gap. Wing Commander Baldwin has destroyed three enemy aircraft in combat since the invasion, bringing his total victories to at least 16 destroyed. Immediately prior to the invasion, he planned and completed the operations against enemy radar installations, which paved the way for the landing of our forces by enabling them to achieve complete surprise. Throughout this period Wing Commander Baldwin has planned in a masterly manner and led brilliantly a vast number of missions, many of which have been in direct support of the Army and have decisively affected the course of the battle.
*** This officer has participated in numerous sorties, invariably displaying great courage and operational efficiency. This was amply demonstrated during a sortie one day in January, 1943, when he attacked a formation of three enemy aircraft. In his first attack, Flying Officer Baldwin shot down the leading aircraft of the hostile formation. Following this success he destroyed. another of the formation before his own aircraft was hit in one of the wings. When the third enemy fighter attempted to attack from the rear. Flying Officer Baldwin out manoeuvred the attacker and shot it down. On another occasion, during a sortie over Belgium, he damaged four locomotives.
**** Squadron Leader Baldwin is a keen, skilful and determined fighter. He has participated in much operational flying during which he has destroyed at least nine enemy aircraft. In addition he has attacked some 14 locomotives, six barges, a tug and a tanker with damaging effect. He is a highly efficient squadron commander, whose example and determination has inspired all.
***** The 'Typhoons' unequalled record as a ground attack a/c overshadowed its air to air successes such as those credited to F/Lt. J.R. Baldwin. (later Wg Cdr. DSO. DFC* AFC.) A pilot considered by many to be "The supreme Typhoon pilot of WWII" Flying 'Typhoon' DN360 PR-A , on 20th Jan. 1943 he shot down three Bf109's out of his total score of 15 e/a plus many damaged and several on the ground.
****** Group Captain Baldwin commanded No.123 Wing from 20th February 1945 to present time. During the winter of 1944-45 it was stationed at Gilze Rijen. Group Captain Baldwin had previously taken part in the initial battles for the liberation of the Netherlands as a Wing Commander (Operations). He organized the ground side of the Wing so effectively that he found time to fly on numerous missions. The Wing continued to specialize in direct close support work on the front of the First Canadian Army and the standard of attacks remained high. Under the leadership and guidance of Group Captain Baldwin, the Wing began to perfect a method for briefing pilots, whilst airborne, for attacks against fleeting targets and, within a short space of time, the Army was being provided with close support from the air within a few minutes of their demanding the support.

Bale,
Leslie Arthur
L.A. Bale
Son of alderman William Henry Bale, JP, and Mabel Ada Bale (née Lawrance), of Caversham, Reading, Berkshire.

(12?).1913
Reading district, Berkshire
-
14.11.1942

(KIA) [age 29]
[Malta Memorial, panel 2, column 1]
Sgt.
? [741495]
P/O (prob)
25.05.1940, seniority 25.04.1940 [82166]
P/O
25.05.1941, seniority 25.04.1941
(WS) F/O
25.05.1941, seniority 25.04.1941
F/Lt.
25.05.1942, seniority 25.04.1942
25.05.1940


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
04.01.1941
 
 
force-landed a Gloucester Gauntlet aircraft near Cheswardine, Shropshire
?
-
14.11.1942
pilot, 272 Squadron RAF (flying Beaufighters) 
[he was taking part in a raid on El Aouina in Tunisia when his aircraft was shot down and he was killed]
Ball,
Dennis
D. Ball
Married Evelyn ...; two sons.
23.03.1920
-
29.02.2012

hospital (formerly of Southwold)
F/Sgt. ? [778048]
P/O (prob) 21.02.1944 [160151]
(WS) F/O ? (reld 02.09.1945)
... ...
W/Cdr. 01.01.1966 (retd 30.12.1972)
21.02.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
29.10.1947     commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section) (Training Branch)
15.02.1949     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
23.02.1949     transferred, RAF (Technical Branch)
01.10.1951     permanent commission
A former chairman of what is now the Southwold Harbour and River Blyth Users’ Association. He flew Sunderland flying boats for the RAF during the second world war and after the war he flew Vulcan bombers. Mr Ball left the RAF in the 1970s as a wing commander and joined Adnams Brewery as chief engineer.
Ballard,
Cyril James
C.J. Ballard
Son (with one brother and two sisters) of James Ballard (1888-1949), and Leah Kate Campbell (1887-1961).
Married (10.06.1943, St Morgan's Church, St Austell, Cornwall) Alice Baxter.
Residence: (1944) Dalton, Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
(09?).1920
Witney district, Oxfordshire
-
14.02.1944
Wigton district, Cumberland
[age 23]
[Kirkburton (Kirkheaton) Cemetery, Yorkshire, grave 2569]
F/Sgt. ? [1266082]
P/O (prob) 06.07.1943 [149960]
(WS) F/O (prob) 06.01.1944
06.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 14.02.1944 flying instructor
Balls,
Ronald Gordon
C.J. Ballard
?
-
Cpl. ? [921133]
P/O (prob) 18.12.1942 [136437]
(WS) F/O (prob) 18.06.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 18.12.1944
18.12.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bamberger,
Cyril Stanley
"Bam"
C.S. Bamberger C.S. Bamberger

Son of Francis L. Bamberger, and Annie Reynolds.
Married ((09?).1954, Surrey Mid Eastern district) Heather M. Naughten; three sons, one daughter.
04.05.1919
Hyde, Ashton under Lyne district, Cheshire
-
03.02.2008
Hampshire
F/Sgt. ? [810024]
P/O (prob) 09.02.1942 [116515]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 09.02.1944
... ...
Sq.Ldr. RAF 01.01.1957 (retd 29.01.1959)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 28.09.1943 93 Squadron RAF
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 14.11.1944 243 Squadron RAF
09.02.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]

From: Jewish Pilots and Aircrews in the Battle of Britain / by Martin Sugarman
Bamberger was a Sergeant Pilot of Jewish origin (telephone conversation with author), later Squadron Leader, of 610 and 41 Squadrons. Born in Port Sunlight on 4/5/19, he joined the RAFVR in 1938 . He shot down two Me109’s in his Spitfire (at Hawarden and Hornchurch). Later (in 1941) he volunteered for Malta and shot down two Ju 87’s. He was commissioned in 1942 and then volunteered for North Africa and shot down another Ju 87 (Sicily) and damaged another ( Italy - 1943) and was awarded the DFC on 28/9/43. In Italy he shot down another 109 and damaged another. On 3/7/45 he was awarded a Bar to his DFC
at Buckingham Palace from the King. He served in RAF Intelligence during the Korean War. His AJEX Jewish Chaplain card mentions an article on him in “The Jewish Chronicle” (noted as JC henceforth) of 24/9/43. Cyril featured on a Channel 4 TV programme in Jan 2004, “Spitfire Ace” and in 2002 on a another Channel 4 Programme on the Spitfire as weapon of WW2.

Bancroft,
John Stockton
J.S. Bancroft
Married ...; ... children (one daughter?).
29.01.1903
London
-
09.11.1974
Maughold, Isle of Man
(A) P/O (prob) 28.03.1941 [69719]
P/O 28.03.1942
F/O 01.04.1947 (reld 29.04.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
28.03.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Training Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bannister,
Charles Frederick
C.F. Bannister
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 09.08.1941 [103634]
P/O (prob) 09.10.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(A) F/Lt. ?
09.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Barber,
Albert Henry
A.H. Barber (Photo courtesy of Mrs Diana Davies)
?
-
Acm. 2nd cl. ? [1285721]
(A) P/O (prob) 30.05.1941, seniority 28.04.1941 [67277]
30.05.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Barclay,
Richard George Arthur
R.G.A. Barclay R.G.A. Barclay
R.G.A. Barclay R.G.A. Barclay
R.G.A. Barclay R.G.A. Barclay
R.G.A. Barclay R.G.A. Barclay
Son of the Rev. Gilbert Arthur Barclay, MA, and Dorothy Catherine Topsy Studd, of Langley Rectory, Maidstone, Kent.
07.12.1919
Lambeth district, London
-
17.07.1942
(KIA) [age 22]
[El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt, XI.H.7]
Sgt. ? [754320]
P/O 03.10.1939 [74661]
F/O 03.10.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.10.1941
(A) Sq.Ldr. 04.04.1942
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 26.11.1940 *
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1943 [posthumously]
* This officer has shown admirable coolness and courage in combat against the enemy. His keenness and determination have enabled him to destroy at least four of their aircraft.
Education: Stowe School; Trinity College, Cambridge (University Air Squadron, 10.1938).
06.1939     joined RAFVR
03.10.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
08.11.1939 - 31.12.1939 3 Initial Training Wing RAF (Hastings)
01.01.1940 - 01.06.1940 flying training, RAF Cranwell
02.06.1940 - 09.06.1940 No. 1 School of Army Co-Operation RAF
10.06.1940 - 22.06.1940 5 Operational Training Unit RAF (Aston Down)
23.06.1940 - 06.05.1941 pilot, 249 Squadron RAF (Leconfield) (29.11.1940 shot down & wounded; returned to unit 03.1941)
07.05.1941 - 08.1941 instructor, 52 Operational Training Unit RAF (Debden)
08.1941 - 20.09.1941 Flight Commander, 611 Squadron RAF (Hornchurch) (force-landed on enemy territory; evaded)
12.1941? - 1942 HQ Fighter Command RAF
1942 - 1942 Tactics Officer, HQ 9 Group RAF
04.04.1942 - 17.07.1942 Commanding Officer, 238 Squadron RAF
Published: Angels 22 : a self-portrait of a fighter pilot (1976; republished as Fighter pilot)
Barker,
Roy
R. Barker
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
11.03.1921
-
F/Sgt. ? [1288527]
P/O (prob) 03.11.1942 [134501]
(WS) F/O (prob) 03.05.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 03.11.1944
11.1940     5 Initial Training Wing RAF
03.1941     No. 17 Elementary Flying Training School RAF
05.1941     No. 6 Service Flying Training School RAF
08.1941     No. 2 Air Navigation School RAF
10.1941     No. 14 Service Flying Training School RAF
03.11.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
11.1942     14 (Pilot's) Advanced Flying Unit RAF
08.1944     8 Operational Training Unit RAF
11.1944     140 Squadron RAF (34 Wing)
09.1945     680 Squadron RAF
Barnes,
Arthur Morley
A.M. Barnes (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
Acm. 2nd cl. ? [1307232]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 10.06.1941 [101765]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 

Barnes,
Benjamin Alexander
"Ben"
B.A. Barnes (Photo courtesy of Mr Ronnie Barnes)
Son (with one sister) of Benjamin Charles Barnes, and Annie Barnes, née Macauley.
Married (12.01.1944) Gwendoline Heney; three sons.

23.06.1913
Lurgan, Northern Ireland
-
28.02.2001
Antrim Area hospital
Sgt.
? [1034190]
P/O (prob)
10.04.1942 [128425]
(WS) F/O (prob)
19.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
10.04.1944
10.04.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



served at Mombasa (East Africa) & Killadeas (Northern Ireland)



served with 209 Squadron RAF (flew Catalinas in the Indian Ocean)



instructor on the GR Compass at
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Principal of Somerdale Secondary School, Belfast.
Barnham,
Denis Alfred
D.A. Barnham D.A. Barnham
Son of ... Barnham, and ... Smith.
Married ((03?).1942, Scunthorpe district, Lincolnshire) Diana M. Frith.
03.01.920
Feltham, Staines district, Middlesex
-
04.06.1981
Salisbury district, Dorset
Sgt.
? [903456]
P/O (prob)
25.12.1940 [60760]
(WS) F/O
25.12.1941
(WS) F/Lt.
25.12.1942 (reld 19.04.1945; medical unfitness for air force service)
F/O
23.01.1952 (reld 20.03.1961)
Obtained his aviator's licence (No. 14690) while being a student, taken on an Autogiro C30 A - Genet Major 140 at the Autogiro Flying School, 24.01.1937.
25.12.1940


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



pilot, 601 Squadron RAF (Malta) [obtained 5,5 victories]
23.01.1952
-
20.03.1961
commissioned, RAFVR (Training Branch)
Published: One man's window : an illustrated account of ten weeks of war, Malta, April 13th, to June 21st, 1942 (1956)
Barr,
Gavin Hamilton
G.H. Barr
1925
Kilbride district, Argyll, Scotland
-
?
Sgt.
? [1550787]
P/O (prob)
04.09.1943 [157957]
(WS) F/O
04.03.1944
(A) F/Lt.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
15.09.1944
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
21.09.1945
?
04.09.1943


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)
-
(1945) navigator, 105 (Pathfinder) Squadron RAF
Barr,
Keith Alec
K.A. Barrett
Son of Archibald Joseph Rigby Barr (1878-1954), and Lydia Maud Goose (1885-1968), of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
(06?).1922
Wycombe district, Buckinghamshire
-
16.07.1943
(KIA) [age 21]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 130]
Sgt. ? [1321654]
P/O (prob) 10.07.1943 [149985]
10.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 16.07.1943 50 Squadron RAF
[Lancaster DV167 (VN-M) was airborne 22:25 hrs 15.07.1943 from Skellingthorpe, tasked to attack a transformer station at Reggio Emiia in Northern Italy, similar to the 9 Squadron crew. Crashed near Traversetolo, 20 km SSE of Parma. Four have no known graves, but both Gunners and Sgt Trowbridge are buried in Milano War cemetery. at 18, Sgt Goff was amongst the youngest airmen killed on Bomber command Operations during 1943. In contrast, Sgt Hood was twice his age. F/L C.H.J. Hunt KIA Sgt W.G. Trowbridge KIA F/O A.D.S. Snell KIA F/S K.A. Barr KIA Sgt W.J. Hood KIA Sgt R.G.W. Goff KIA Sgt R.A.W. Wilkinson KIA ]
Barralet,
Anthony Frank
A.F. Barralet
Son of Frank Owen Barralet (1884-1969), and Annie Maud Rollston (1886-1960).
Married ((06?).1949, Essex South Western district) Sheila M.F. Barralet ((06?).1925 - ); three children.
30.08.1916
Barnet, London
-
04.2003
Glamorgan, Wales
Sgt. ? [742409]
P/O (prob) 24.08.1940, seniority 18.08.1940 [85233]
(WS) F/O 24.08.1941, seniority 18.08.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 24.08.1942, seniority 18.08.1942
Civil servant. Obtained civil aviator's certificate (No. 16080) 26.07.1938, taken on D.H. 60 (Moth) Gipsy 1 - 85 h.p. at Civil Service Flying Association.
24.08.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 14.11.1940 pilot, 58 Squadron RAF
14.11.1940 - 04?.1945 POW (No. 318) in German captivity
His daughter writes: "He was shot down over Berlin on November 14th 1940 and spent 5 years in prison camps, the final 3 in Stalag Luft 3, where he took part in the Great Escape. He was prepared to make the escape on the night of March 24th 1944. He had drawn the number 106 to go out through the tunnel, but the tunnel was discovered after 70 men had escaped (of whom 50 were shot; I think 3 made it to safety and the rest were recaptured)."
Barrett,
Harry
H. Barrett (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 25.06.1941 [104170]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Barrett,
Kenneth Alan
K.A. Barrett
Youngest son (with two brothers that died in accidents pre-war) of Henry John Barrett, wardmaster in the Royal Navy, and Emma Harrod, of Gillingham, Kent.
(09?).1922
Medway district, Kent
-
16.04.1943
(KIA) [age 20]
[Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany, 9.E.4]
Sgt. ? [1331977]
P/O (prob) 29.06.1942 [123848]
(WS) F/O (prob) 29.12.1942
29.06.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 16.04.1943 bomb aimer, 158 Squadron RAF
[Halifax HR758 NP-Y took off 20:32 hrs from Lissett for an operation against Pilsen. Cause of loss not established. Crashed near Saarbrücken. The two airmen killed are buried in Rheinberg War Cemetery; the other five crew members were captured.]
Barrett,
Robert William
R.W. Barrett
?
-
F/Sgt. ? [816240]
P/O (prob) 12.06.1944 [178849]
(WS) F/O (prob) 07.12.1944
(WS) F/O 12.12.1944 (Emgcy List) (reld 29.03.1958; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 14.04.1944 ?
      served in the ranks, Auxiliary Air Force
1939     502 Squadron RAuxAF
(1944)     120 Squadron RAF (DFM)
12.06.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Barrett,
Stanley
S. Barrett (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104737]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Barrett,
Thomas
T. Barrett
?
-
01.08.1942

[Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany, 1.G.4]
Sgt.
? [1069916]
P/O (prob)
22.12.1941 [117443]
22.12.1941


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
01.08.1942
pilot, 12 Squadron RAF
[taken off in Wellington II [Z8499 PH-] from Binbrook at 00:28 hrs for an operation against Düsseldorf; aircraft crashed at Heuthe, Germany, killing all five crew members]
Barrow,
Sydney
S. Barrow (Photo courtesy of Mr Joe Kelly) S. Barrow (Photo courtesy of Mr Joe Kelly)
S. Barrow
Son of Joseph Barrow (1889-1954), and Gertrude Henry, of Coventry.
Married (11.11.1939, St Michaels Church, Stoke, Coventry district, Warwickshire) Maud Alice White (20.08.1914 - 18.09.1995); two daughters.
13.03.1915
-
24.08.1943

(MPK) [age 28]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 123]
Ldg.Acm. ? [852166]
P/O (prob) 29.01.1943 [138469]
(WS) F/O (prob) 29.07.1943
Big band singer before and during the war and had a hit with a song called “Sweet Leilani” with the “Hawaiian Islanders”.
29.01.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 24.08.1943 radio operator, 100 Squadron RAF
[Completed 10 operations on Lancaster ED583. Then on Lancaster III EE171 (HW-Z) which had taken off from Grimsby at 20:36 hrs 23.08.1943 for an operation against Berlin. Believed to have crashed on the western fringes of Berlin. Six of the crew were killed, one was taken POW. Burials are reported at Döberitz, some 24 km W of the city centre. Sgt. Fox now lies in Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, but the rest who died have no known graves.]
Barrowcliffe,
Albert Norman
A.N. Barrowcliffe
Married ((09?).1939, Barnet district, Greater London / Hertfordshire / Middlesex) Ethel H. Brittain.
(06?).1913
Burton upon Trent district, Derbyshire / Staffordshire
-
Ldg.Acm. ? [748930]
(A) P/O (prob) 21.03.1941, seniority 20.02.1941 [62452]
P/O (prob) 11.04.1941
(WS) F/O 11.04.1942, seniority 10.03.1942
(T) F/Lt. 01.07.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 06.05.1945 (reld 31.08.1948; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)

 

21.03.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
     
Wing Adjutant of No. 326 Light Bomber Wing which went from England for the invasion of North Africa, Sicily and Italy; later he became personnel staff officer for the Tactical Bomber Force and personnel officer at Advanced Headquarters Mediterranean and Middle East Forces
Emigrated to New Zealand, 1948.
Barry,
Joseph
J. Barry
Son of Joseph and Mary Barry, of Riddrie, Glasgow. LL.B.(Glasgow).
1907 ?
-
26.07.1944

[age 37]
[Heliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt, 4.F.10]
Ldg.Acm.
? [873080]
P/O (prob)
02.08.1940, seniority 16.07.1940 [83489]
(WS) F/O (prob)
15.04.1941
F/O
02.08.1941
F/Lt.
14.02.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
Mention in Despatches MID
02.06.1943
?



served in the ranks
07.03.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
14.02.1942


transferred to Legal Branch
Bartlett,
Alan
A. Bartlett (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 18.08.1941, seniority 03.07.1941 [104152]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bartlett,
Ronald William
"Ron"
R.W. Bartlett
Son of William Bartlett, and Winifred A. Deverill.
Married (1941?, Calgary, Alb.) Muriel Lynne Fisher; ... children (one son?).
08.09.1921
West Ham district, Greater London
-
08.02.1945

(KIA) [age 33]
[Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany, 2.C.16]
Ldg.Acm.
? [1258798]
P/O (prob)
25.05.1941 [67656]
P/O
25.05.1942
(WS) F/O
25.05.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
2505.1943



served in the ranks, RAFVR (started his training in the UK on Tiger Moths
in 1940; other training aircraft included Miles Master, Avro Tudor, Oxford & then the Harvard)
25.05.1941


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



Harvard instructor at a flying training school in Alberta, Canada

 
 
flew Stirlings, Wellingtons and Lancasters (from the UK)
1944
-
08.02.1945
pilot, 61 Squadron RAF
[took off at 1652 hrs in Lancaster I, PB737 QR-E from RAF Skelligthorpe in Lincoln for an operation against Politz, the crew's 15th mission; he died (as only one of the crew) holding the plane steady for his crew to escape; he bailed out, but his parachute failed to open in time]
Barton,
George Frederick Herbert
G.F.H. Barton (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
(06?).1883
Edmonton district, Middlesex
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101641]
(WS) F/O ? (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/O)
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Barton-Smith,
Reginald Lionel
R.L. Barton-Smith
Son of Lionel John Barton-Smith, and Minnie Jane Daborn, of Charlton.
Married (09?).1943, Greenwich district, London) Irene Miriam Taylor, of Charlton.
(03?).1921
Kingston district, Middlesex / Surrey
-
11.11.1943

[age 22]
[Charlton Cemetery, Greenwich, sec. Q, 2nd cons., grave 888]
Sgt. ? [1385554]
P/O (prob) 14.10.1943 [161601]
14.10.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 11.11.1943 pilot, 1654 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
[Lancaster I (W4902 UG-Q) had taken off at 17:30 hrs from Wigsley for a night training exercise. While flying in limited visibility, was obliged to take quick evasive action in order to avoid a midair collision with a Wellington and in doing so went out of control and crashed into some trees at 22:45 hrs at Hackthorn, 7 miles NNW of Lincoln. Three crew members were killed, four others sustained injuries.]
Barwell,
Eric Gordon
E.G. Barwell

06.08.1913
Clare, Suffolk
-
12.12.2007

Sgt.
? [741745]
P/O (prob)
10.12.1939 [77454]
P/O
10.12.1940
(WS) F/O
10.12.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
10.12.1941
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
20.12.1944 (retd 06.08.1958; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
11.02.1941
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
15.08.1944
*
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1943
?
* This officer has completed a very large number of sorties and his example of keenness, determination and devotion to duty has been worthy of the highest praise. He is a most able flight commander whose untiring efforts have been reflected in the operational efficiency of the formation he commands. Squadron Leader Barwell has destroyed 6 enemy aircraft, 2 of them at night.
10.12.1939


commissioned, RAFVR [emergency commission]
(1941)


264 Squadron RAF
(1944)


125 Squadron RAF
Barwood,
Edgar Ernest Vincent
"Marc"
E.E.V. Barwood
Son (with one brother and one sister) of Evelyn Vincent Barwood (1892-), and Ellen Kathleen Baxter (1903-), of Sutton, Surrey.
1924
India
-
18.08.1944
Runcorn, Cheshire
(flying accident) [age 19]
[Shaw (St Mary) Churchyard, Berkshire, North of Church]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1805404]
P/O (prob) 06.02.1944 [150873]
(WS) F/O 06.08.1944
06.02.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 18.08.1944 11 (Pilots') Advanced Flying Unit RAF (Calveley, Nantwich, Cheshire)
[Pilot of Oxford aircraft MP346 which came down in Starkeys Farm, Kingsley, Cheshire at 01.30 hrs during a night circuit practice; it flew into the ground at high speed whilst apparently in a turn. An investigation was held but lack of evidence precluded the cause of the accident from being established.]
Baser,
William John
W. Baser
Son (with one sister and one brother) of George Brunswick Bell Baser (1890-1930), and Gertrude Emily Hales (1898-1930).
Married ((06?).1945, Cambridge district, Cambridgeshire) Joan Isobel Brown (1924? - 1949); one son.
(12?).1920
Swansea district, Glamorgan
-
30.07.1949
Singapore
(killed in a motor car accident at Bukit Timah Road)
[British Military Cemetery, Pasir Panjang]
Sgt. ? [986628]
P/O (prob) 28.07.1943 [161047]
(WS) F/O 28.07.1944
(A) F/Lt. (1945)
(WS) F/Lt. 28.07.1945
F/O 18.12.1945, seniority 28.07.1944
F/Lt. 01.04.1949
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 16.01.1945 ?
28.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     7 Squadron RAF
18.12.1945     extended service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
19.10.1948     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
01.04.1949     transferred, RAF (Equipment Branch)
? - 30.07.1949 RAF Station Tengah (Singapore)
Baser,
Wylie
W. Baser (Photo courtesy of Josie Geach)
Son of William Bell Baser and Agnes Smith Baser, of South Shields, Co. Durham.
23.02.1921
Glasgow, Scotland
-
04.06.1941

(MPK) [age 20]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 31]
[commemorated at Giffnock War Memorial]
Ldg.Acm. ? [936366]
P/O (prob) 16.11.1940 [87459]
16.11.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 04.06.1941 139 Squadron RAF
[Blenheim R3903 (DX-?) was airborne 19:00 hrs from Horsham St. Faith for an operation against the Dutch airfield De Kooy. Shot down by Unteroffizier Heinrich Nöcker, 3. Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 1, W of Bergen-aan-Zee, Holland.]
Bass,
Kenneth Burdett
"Ken"
K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe) K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe)
K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe) K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe)
K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe) K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe)
Son of Charles B. Bass, and Eleanor Clarissa M. Dedman.
Married (23.09.1942, St Marys in Harlow) Margaret Eileen French; ... children.

17.01.1916
Edmonton district, Essex / Hertfordshire / Middlesex
-
01.1976
Bournemouth district, Dorset
Aircraftman 2nd class
19.11.1939 [907385]
Leading Aircraftman
05.08.1940
Sgt.
14.12.1940
(T) F/Sgt.
01.09.1941
(T) Wt.Offr.
01.08.1942
P/O (prob)
03.09.1942 [133020]
(WS) F/O
03.03.1943
(WS) F/Lt.
03.09.1944 (reld 02.10.1946; medical unfitness, retaining rank of F/Lt.)
39|45 St
-
-
Atlantic Star Atl St
-
-
British War Medal 1939-1945 BWM 39|45
-
-
19.11.1939


enlisted & served in the ranks, RAFVR
05.06.1940

 
accepted for Air Force service
07.1940
-
07.1940
physical training (Torquay)
04.08.1940
-
13.09.1940
pilot training (Derby)
14.09.1940
-
14.12.1940
night flying training (South Cerney)
25.01.1941
-
19.04.1941
general reconnaissance training (Prince Edward Island, Canada)
17.06.1941
-
09.08.1941
operational training (Silloth)
10.08.1941 - 08.1943 206 Squadron RAF (Aldergrove, from 07.1942 Benbecula)
10.09.1941
-
19.09.1941
detached to Stornoway
05.12.1941
-
11.12.1941
detached to St Eval
12.12.1941
-
20.12.1941
detached to Chivenor
18.02.1942
-
01.03.1942
detached to Stornoway
23.05.1942
-
25.05.1942
detached to Stornoway
24.06.1942
-
26.06.1942
detached to Donna Nook
03.09.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
04.08.1943
-
07.12.1943
HQ 15 Group RAF (Liverpool)
19.09.1943
-
04.12.1943
detached Central Navigation School (Cranage)
08.12.1943
-
29.02.1944
Station Headquarters, RAF Beaulieu
01.03.1944
-
31.12.1944
School of General Reconnaissance RAF (Squires Gate)
07.03.1945
-
19.05.1945
111 Operational Training Unit RAF (Nassau)
Bass,
Reginald Frederick
R.F. Bass
Son of Frederick Thomas and Sarah Jane Bass, of Coldstream, Berwickshire.
1923 ?
-
29.06.1944

[age 21]
[Le Mesnil- Durand Communal Cemetery, France]
Sgt.
? [1086420]
P/O (prob)
07.03.1942 [122338]
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
07.03.1944



served in the ranks
07.03.1942


commissioned, RAFVR [emergency commission]
05.04.1944
-
30.03.1944
33 Maintenance Unit
30.03.1944
-
29.06.1944
pilot, 222 Squadron RAF
[shot down at 08.48 hrs on a beachhead patrol in his Spitfire Mk LFIX, MK 797, by the Fw190 of Leutnant Wilhelm Hofmann, Officer Commanding 8th Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 26 south west of Lisieux]
Bastable,
John Daniel Langford
see: Army officers' section  
Bates,
Sidney Spencer
S.S. Bates (Photo courtesy of Mr Peter Bates)
Married (1953) Cunera Cornelia Van Gelder; one daughter, one son.
12.08.1911
Guildford, Surrey South-Western
-
08.1996
Guildford, Surrey South-Western
(A) P/O (prob)
07.01.1942 [115092]
P/O (prob)
07.03.1942
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942 (Emgcy List 1940s?) (reld 12.08.1956; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(A) F/Lt. ?
?
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE
15.12.1942
*
* Whilst on duty as Master of launch 123 on the 19th August, 1942, in company with launch 122, Pilot Officer Bates observed that launch 122 was being attacked by some six enemy aircraft and had been set on fire. In spite of the great risk incurred, Pilot Officer Bates at once went to the assistance of launch 122, and was himself attacked by enemy aircraft, but although under attack, proceeded calmly with the rescue of the survivors of launch 122. Unfortunately launch 123 was also set on fire and suffered casualties and had to be abandoned, the crew jumping into the sea. Pilot Officer Bates' devotion to duty and persistence in the face of danger were undoubtedly the cause of the saving of the lives of the surviving personnel of the other launch. Pilot Officer Bates has served at his present base for some six months and his keenness throughout has been an inspiration to officers and men alike and the example he set to his crew on this particular occasion merits the highest praise.
07.01.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
24.02.1944


with his High Speed Rescue Launch 185 Bates picked up a group 5 Dutch "Engelandvaarders" (persons that attempted to flee occupied Dutch territory to reach England) [see also Dutch story of one of them, Flip Winckel & coverage in UK press]
Baugh,
Harry Jeffrey
H.J. Baugh
 
1918 / 1922 ?
-
07.05.1946

[Old Catton (St Margaret) Churchyard Norfolk, grave 65]
Wt.Offr. ? [1237983]
P/O (prob) 05.06.1945 [198658]
(WS) F/O 05.12.1945
01.1942     No. 22 Service Flying Training School RAF (Thornhill)
08.1943 - 27.05.1944 pilot, 253 (Hyderabad) Squadron RAF (flying Spitfires)
05.06.1945     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 07.05.1946 pilot, 64 Squadron RAF
Baxter,
George
G. Baxter
Married Joan ...; one daughter.
06.05.1918
-
25.01.2005
Boston, Lincolnshire
Ldg.Acm. ? [658748]
P/O (prob) 09.10.1942 [133453]
(WS) F/O (prob) 09.04.1943
(A) F/Lt. ?
(WS) F/Lt. 09.10.1944
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
P/O 13.05.1947 (reld 01.06.1948)
F/O 19.06.1951, seniority 13.05.1947 (reld 19.06.1956)
Distinguished Service Order DSO 27.04.1945 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 06.06.1944 ?
* This officer, has participated in numerous sorties since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has shown the highest standard. of navigational ability, coupled with great courage and resolution. His faultless work, often in the face of fierce opposition, has played an important part in the successes obtained. Squadron Leader Baxter has rendered much loyal and devoted service.
Education: BA.
09.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944) - (1945) navigator, 83 Squadron RAF (Pathfinder Force)
13.05.1947 - 01.06.1948 Training Branch RAFVR
19.06.1951 - 19.06.1956 Training Branch RAFVR (Commanding Officer, 2266 (Spilsby) ATC Squadron)
Taught in grammar, modern and intermediate schools. First headmaster of Hastings High School, Burbage, Hinckley, Leicestershire in 1956, retiring after twenty three years.
Baxter,
James Tait
J.T. Baxter (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
P/O (prob) 28.04.1941 [65037]
... ...
28.04.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
 
Baxter,
Montague Frank
"Monty"
M.F. Baxter (Photo courtesy of Linda Nolan)
Son of Frederick George Baxter, and of Elizabeth Elsie Botley, of Hayes, Middlesex.
(06?).1915
Wandsworth district, London
-
22.11.1943

(MPK) [age 27]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 123]
Ldg.Acm. ? [700748]
P/O (prob) 27.06.1942 [124108]
(WS) F/O (prob) 27.12.1942
27.06.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 22.11.1943 10 Squadron RAF
[Missing, presumed killed in Halifax II serial JD146 Code ZA-V which crashed without trace on a bombing raid to Berlin. The aircraft took off at 16:46 22.11.43 from Melbourne, UK]
Baxter,
Raymond Frederic
R.F. Baxter R.F. Baxter
Son of Frederick Garfield Baxter and Rosina Baxter (née Rivers); married 1945, Sylvia Kathryn (née Johnson) (died 1996), Boston, Mass; one son, one daughter.

25.01.1922
Ilford, Essex
-
15.09.2006

Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
Sgt.
? [1393158]
P/O (prob)
20.06.1943 [156134]
(WS) F/O (prob)
20.12.1943
(WS) F/Lt.
20.06.1945
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1946
?
Education: Ilford County High School
1940
-
1945
served RAFVR (flew Spitfires in UK, Med. and Europe)
20.06.1943


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)



65 Squadron RAF
(1943)
-
1944
93 Squadron RAF
1944
-
09.1944
61 Operational Training Unit
09.1944


602 Squadron RAF
Broadcaster and writer. Entered Forces Broadcasting in Cairo, still as serving officer, 1945; civilian deputy Dir BFN BBC, 1947-1949; subseq. short attachment West Region and finally joined Outside Broadcast Dept, London; with BBC until 1966; Dir, Motoring Publicity, BMC, 1967-1968. Member Cttee of Management: RNLI, 1979- (Vice Pres., 1987-); Air League, 1980-1985. Hon. Freeman, City of London, 1978; Liveryman, GAPAN, 1983 (Award of Merit, 1994-1995). Hon. Admiral, Assoc. of Dunkirk Little Ships, 1982-. CRAeS 1991.
Published: (with James Burke and Michael Latham) Tomorrow's World, Vol. 1, 1970, Vol. 2, 1971; Farnborough Commentary, 1980; film commentaries, articles and reports on motoring and aviation subjects, etc.
Bayliss,
Albert Henry
A.H. Bayliss
Son (with one brother and one sister) of William Bayliss, grocer, and Clarice Pinfold, of Middleton Cheney.
Married ((03?).1941, Huntingdon district, Huntingdonshire) Eira May Richardson (28.07.1918 - 05.2001), of Hemel Hempstead; one daughter.
1919 ?
-
16.04.1943

St Hugh’s Hospital Oxford, Oxfordshire
[age 23]
[Middleton Cheney Cemetery, Northamptonshire, Class A, Grave 139]
Sgt. ? [656253]
P/O (prob) 22.10.1942 [135001]
02.1940     joined the Army
05.1941     transferred to RAFVR
22.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
16.04.1943     instructor, No. 20 (Pilot's) Advanced Flying Unit RAF (Kidlington)
[Died following severe injuries in a flying accident. In the cockpit of a Bolton-Paul Defiant, P/O Bayliss was waiting for the all-clear signal to take off when another plane approached the runway with the apparent intention of landing. Disastrously the propeller of the in-coming plane, sliced through the cockpit and P/O Bayliss's death was instantaneous. Information received from the Air Historical Branch gives other details, however. He was not killed at 20 AFU on the 16th April but he was stationed at No. 21 Elementary Flying Training School RAF at the time and was killed in a Miles Magister # T9807 in a taxing accident involving another aircraft. He was with a Cpl Ramsey at the time, who survived the crash. The date of the accident is 10 April 1943 and P O Bayliss died later on the 16th in hospital of his injuries.]
Bazzard,
Charles Evan Brynmor
C.E.B. Bazzard (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
1905
Briton Ferry, Glamorgan, Wales
-
(06?).1955
Bridgend district, Glamorgan, Wlaes
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [106833]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Beake,
Percival Harold
"Percy"
P.H. Beake P.H. Beake
P.H. Beake P.H. Beake
Married Evelyn Viner (? - 05.2016); two daughters.

17.03.1917
Quebec, Canada
-
25.06.2016

Combe Down, Somerset
Sgt. ? [845864]
P/O (prob) 31.08.1940 [84923]
(WS) F/O 31.08.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 31.08.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. 30.05.1944-10.09.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 05.09.1944 *
Mention in Despatches MID 08.06.1944 ?
Légion d'Honneur (France) LegH 2015 ?
* This officer has commanded the squadron for several months and during the period has led his formation on many sorties against heavily defended targets with good results. He is a first class leader whose great skill, thoroughness and untiring efforts have contributed materially to the successes obtained. Squadron Leader Beake has destroyed 2 enemy aircraft.
31.08.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
30.05.1944 - 10.09.1944 Commanding Officer, 164 Squadron RAF (DFC)
Went on to work for Unilever in the milling business where he was based in Avonmouth and London before moving to Exeter.
Beales,
Harry Watson
H.W. Beales (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
Ldg.Acm. ? [1056088]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 04.06.1941 [101778]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Beardon,
Graham Derek Herbert
G.D.H. Beardon
Son of Claud Charles Beardon, and Ethel Challis, of Ramsgate, Kent.
(12?).1919
Thanet district, Kent
-
19.06.1940

(KIA) [age 20]
[Massicault Cemetery, Tunisia, III.F.4]
Sgt.
? [754805]
P/O (prob)
03.10.1939 [74663]
03.10.1939


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
19.06.1940
pilot, 213 Squadron RAF (lost in Hawker Hurricane Mk I [AK-] on patrol)
[other source indicates 11 Flying Training School as unit on time of death]
Beattie,
William
W.H. Beattie
Son of William Beattie (1861-1914), and Beatrice Laura Coles (1863-1935).
Brother of Sq.Ldr. Hedley Beattie, RAF, and Lt.Col. QM Thomas Leonard Beattie, RA.
Married (28.03.1914, Alverstoke, Hampshire) Josephine Amelia Moyse-Beck; two sons, two daughters.
?
-
F/O 22.05.1940 [79432]
(WS) F/Lt. 09.03.1941 (reld 06.06.1945; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
22.05.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
17.06.1940     transferred, RAFVR (Technical Branch)
Beaumont,
Albert George
A.G. Beaumont (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
24.07.1894 ?
-
06.1982 ?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [102665]
(WS) F/O ? (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Beaumont,
Wentworth Hubert Charles
"Wenty";
3rd Viscount Allendale, cr. 1911; Baron, 1906
W.H.C. Beaumont
Eldest son (with four brothers and one sister) of 2nd Viscount Allendale (Wentworth Henry Canning Beaumont), KG, CB, CBE, MC (1890-1956), and Violet Lucy Emily Seely(1897-1979), daughter of Sir
Charles Seely, 2nd Bt.
Succeeded father, 16.12.1956.
Married (10.02.1948, Westminster district, London; marriage dissolved 1984) Hon. Sarah Field Ismay (16.05.1928 - ), 2nd daughter of 1st Baron Ismay, KG, PC, GCB, CH, DSO; three sons.

12.09.1922
St George Hanover Square district, London
-
27.12.2002

Northumberland West district, Northumberland
Sgt. ? [1379471]
P/O (prob) 16.07.1941 [104420]
(WS) F/O 16.07.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 16.07.1943
F/Lt. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
Education: Eton.
1940     enlisted RAFVR
16.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
1940 - 31.05.1942 flew 71 Spitfire missions
[Spitfire Mk. VB, AD121 of 222 Squadron RAF, on a Roadstead mission (attacking of enemy shipping), was hit by naval Flak and made an emergency landing at 15:51 hrs in the area of Domburg-Westkapelle at Walcheren, the Netherlands; captured; see detailed story (partly in Dutch, English & German)]
1942 - 1945 POW in German captivity (Stalag Luft III, Sagan)
1946 - 1947 ADC to Viceroy of India (Lord Mountbatten)
Deputy Lieutenant (DL), Northumberland, 1961.
Beazley,
Hugh John Sherard
H.J.S. Beazley H.J.S. Beazley

18.07.1916
-
13.06.2011
Wormley
P/O (prob) 25.09.1939 [73023]
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 13.06.1944
... ...
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC ? ?
25.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bedford,
Philip Derek
P.D. Bedford
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
09.05.1914
-
01.07.1962

Headington, Oxford, Oxfordshire
F/O 07.01.1941 [60269]
(WS) F/Lt. 07.01.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 09.05.1959; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
Education: Leeds University; MB, ChB (Hons) 1939; MD 1947; MRCP Lond. 1950.
House surgeon, house physician and resident medical officer at Halifax General Hospital.
07.01.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Medical Branch) [emergency commission]
      served in India, Burma, France & the UK
Medical registrar at the General Infirmary, Leeds, for three years. Cowley Road Hospital, Oxford.
Beevor,
Miles
M. Beevor (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
08.03.1900 ?
-
09.1994 ?
P/O (prob) 18.04.1941 [63921]
(WS) F/O ? (reld 05.03.1943; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
18.04.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(07.1941)     No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
 
Bell,
Alexander Beaty
A.B. Bell
Son (with one sister) of Harrison Bell (1880-1956), and Constance Alice Beaty (1876-1940).
Married ((12?).1933, Paddington district, London) Gladys Gwendoline "Gwen" Crees (25.01.1904 - 08.1999); one daughter, one son.
10.05.1907
Southampton, South Stoneham district, Hampshire
-
26.11.1980

Everton, Lymington, Southampton district, Hampshire
(A) P/O (prob) 12.12.1941 [113914]
P/O (prob) 12.02.1942
(WS) F/O 01.10.1942
12.12.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
25.03.1942     transferred, RAFVR (Equipment Branch)
His son writes: "I vaguely recall mention of various UK postings including Grangeover Sands? He was posted to India (Bombay?) in I think 1944 or 1945 and probably did not return until late 1945 or maybe 1946. He travelled out and back by Sea via Suez. He was not a flyer and I think he was involved with supply and equipment. I recall mention of involvement in (suppressing?) riots in India - presumably in the separatist problems in advance of Partition."
Bell,
James Steven
"Jim"
J.S. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Hughes) J.S. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Hughes)
Son of Lachlan Steven Bell and Mary (née Bertram).
30.09.1914
Whitehaven district, Cumberland
-
20.11.2000
Whitehaven district, Cumberland
T/Sgt.
19.02.1943 [1390484]
F/Sgt.
?
P/O (prob)
12.10.1944 [186997]
P/O
12.04.1945
(WS) F/O
12.04.1945 (reld 1946)
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George CMG
17.06.1989

HM's birthday: for services to British interests in Bahrain

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) CBE
13.06.1964
HM's birthday 64
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
16.11.1945
?
Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service QPM
01.01.1959
New Year 59: as Senior Superintendent of Police, Federation of Nigeria
Queen's Colonial Police Medal for distinguished service CPM
08.06.1950
HM's birthday 50: Assistant Superintendent, Nigeria Police Force
Nigerian Police Medal, 1963. Order of Bahrain 1st class, 1983. Bahrain Public Security Medal for Distinguished Service, 1988.
Education: Whitehaven School
1933
-
1935
Corporal, Grenadier Guards A Cadet
Served Kent County Constabulary, 1935-1941
1941
-
1944
served in the ranks, RAFVR
12.10.1944


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944?)
 
 
69 Squadron RAF
(1945)
 
 
166 Squadron RAF
Distinguished career in the Nigerian Colonial Police, 1946-1964 (from 1962 Commissioner of Police, Western Region), and then Bahrain Public Security, Ministry of the Interior (lastly as Lt.Gen. & Director General), Bahrain until he retired (1966-1993).
Bell,
Joseph Clifford
J.C. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mrs Jeannie Matthews) J.C. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mrs Jeannie Matthews)
J.C. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mrs Jeannie Matthews) J.C. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mrs Jeannie Matthews)
Son (with two brothers) of Andrew Bell (1872-1948), and Florence Maud Biddle (1873-1932).
Married 1st (31.08.1935, Croydon district, London) Alice Rosetta Owen (09.09.1911-), daughter of Edward Owen (1865-), and Rosetta Clarke (1875-1945); one daughter.
Married 2nd (21.10.1946, Croydon district, London) Irene Winifred Osborne (25.11.1922 - 28.04.2005), daughter (with one brother) of Thomas Jephta Osborne (1891-1957), and Lilian McEwan (1891-); one daughter.
01.09.1907
Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales
-
16.01.1981

Galmpton, Torbay district, Devon
(A) P/O (prob) 01.08.1941 [103097]
P/O (prob) 01.10.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
39|45 St - -
Burma Star Bur St - -
Defence Medal DefM - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
Bank clerk.
      No. 74 Officers' Course RAF
01.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
01.02.1942     transferred, RAF Regiment
29.03.1944     transferred, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
Bellerby,
Peter Alfred
P.A. Bellerby
27.12.1920
Chesterton district, Cambridgeshire
-
06.11.2007

York ?
Wt.Offr.
? [1217383]
P/O (prob)
04.06.1945 [199333]
...
...
Gp.Capt.
01.07.1971 (retd 30.04.1974)
04.06.1945


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



pilot, Coastal Command



permanent commission, RAF
...
-
...
...
Belton,
Jack Stewart
J.S. Belton
Son of ... Belton, and ... Parker.
Married ((03?).1944, Evesham district, Worcestershire) Margot L. Wenyon.
13.09.1919
Ware district, Hertfordshire / Oxfordshire / Buckinghamshire / Middlesex
-
12.1996

Kensington and chelsea district, London
Ldg.Acm. ? [908823]
P/O (prob) 21.12.1940, seniority 06.12.1940 [61018]
(WS) F/O 21.12.1941, seniority 06.12.1941
(A) F/Lt. (1942)
(WS) F/Lt. 01.09.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. (1944)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 26.05.1942 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 12.11.1943 **
Mention in Despatches MID 08.06.1944 ?
* This officer maintained a high standard of keenness and devotion to duty. His cheerful disposition and outlook have always been an asset to squadron morale.
** As flight commander during a period of ten months, this officer has made a very important contribution to his squadron's success. During a recent raid, while flying in very bad weather, one engine in his aircraft became unserviceable. By the exercise of determination and skill, however, Sqn. Ldr. Belton was successful in extricating his aircraft and crew from a perilous situation and in making safe landing at base.
21.12.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1942)     77 Squadron RAF (DFC)
(1943)     466 (RAAF) Squadron (Bar to DFC)
14.07.1947 - 14.07.1954 commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) (Reconstituted Section)
Bennett,
Peter
P. Bennett (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104738]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bennett,
Thomas
"Tom"
T. Bennett T. Bennett

27.01.1919
Poplar, London
-
09.01.2013
Sgt. ? [917444]
P/O (prob) 14.10.1942 [135020]
(WS) F/O 14.04.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 14.10.1944
F/O 12.09.1946, seniority 14.10.1943
F/Lt. 13.09.1946, seniority 14.04.1946
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 09.02.1943 ?
14.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
12.09.1946     extended service commission
26.03.1955     RAF Reserve of Officers (retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Bennie,
Malcolm
M. Bennie (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
(09?).1894
Litherland, West Derby district, Lancashire
-
(09?).1960
Preston district, Lancashire
P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101642]
(WS) F/O 18.09.1942
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Benson,
James Gillies
"Ben"
J.G. Benson J.G. Benson
J.G. Benson J.G. Benson
J.G. Benson J.G. Benson
J.G. Benson
Son (with three sisters and one brother) of Alfred Barker Benson (1873-1947), and Isabella Gillies (1875-1938), of Chipstead, Surrey.
Married (07.05.1943, All Saints, Kenley, Surrey) Jean Muriel Waugh (19.07.1920 - 01.11.2008), elder daughter (with one brother and one sister) of  Percival J. Roy Waugh (1887-1952), and Margaret Dougall McEwan (1896-1978), of Kenley, Surrey; three daughters, one son.

17.07.1914
Tufnell Park, Islington district, London
-
12.07.1987
Lower Froyle, Hampshire
Acm. ? 06.1939 [754580]
Sgt. 1939
P/O (prob) 06.07.1940 [81365]
(WS) F/O 06.07.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 06.07.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. 07.1944
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 20.04.1945 (demobilized 10.1945) (reld 05.03.1947; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
(A) W/Cdr. 21.01.1945
F/O 05.03.1947, seniority 21.01.1947 [91287] (reld 05.03.1957)
Distinguished Service Order DSO 13.03.1945 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 02.10.1942 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 20.10.1944 ***
*  These officers [(A) W/Cdr. J.G. Benson & (A) Sq.Ldr. L. Brandon] have displayed the highest standard of skill and determination. As pilot and observer respectively they have completed a very large number of sorties and have inflicted much loss on the enemy. Among their successes is the destruction of 10 enemy aircraft, the last of which they shot down one night in January, 1945. Their devotion to duty has been unfailing.
** Flying Officer Benson and Pilot Officer [L.] Brandon have flown together in night operations as pilot and observer respectively. One night in February, 1942, they destroyed a Dornier 217. In a previous sortie, Flying Officer Benson destroyed a Heinkel III. Both these officers have always displayed a high standard of efficiency and devotion to duty.
*** Squadron Leader Benson has completed a large number of sorties. He has been responsible for the destruction of at least five enemy aircraft and six flying bombs; he has also effectively attacked several locomotives and supply trucks. This officer has shown a fine fighting spirit and his gallantry and determination have been exceptional.
Education: Westminster School.
Worked for Esso Petroleum Ltd.
06.1939     joined RAFVR; flying training at No. 15 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School RAF (Redhill)
01.09.1939     called up for service
18.09.1939 - 20.10.1939 No. 1 Initial Training Wing RAF (Cambridge)
21.10.1939 - 06.03.1940 No. 6 Elementary Flying Training School RAF (Sywell)
07.03.1940 - 06.07.1940 No. 8 Flying Training School RAF (Montrose)
06.07.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
07.07.1940 - 23.07.1940 5 Operational Training Unit RAF (Aston Down)
24.07.1940 - early 1941 pilot, 141 Squadron RAF (Prestwick)
early 1941 - 1941 Operational Conversion Unit RAF (Scotland)
1941 - 10.1941 instructor, 62 Operational Training Unit RAF
10.1941 - 16.07.1942 pilot, 141 Squadron RAF (Prestwick)
17.07.1942 - 26.10.1942 instructor, 62 Operational Training Unit RAF (Usworth)
27.10.1942 - 15.02.1943 instructor, 54 Operational Training Unit RAF (Charter Hall)
16.02.1943 - 20.01.1945 pilot (from 07.1944 Flight Commander), 157 Squadron RAF (Castle Camps)
21.01.1945 - 10.1945 Commanding Officer, 1692 Bomber Support Training Unit RAF (Great Massingham)
05.03.1947 - 19.08.1949 613 Squadron RAuxAF (Ringway, Manchester)
19.08.1949 - 05.03.1957 RAuxAF Reserve of Officers
Gained civil aviator's licence (No. 21569) 13.08.1946, having service qualified. Returned to Esso as aviation manager, from 1956 marketing manager, retiring in 1974.
Literature: Lewis Brandon, Night flyer : the success story of RAF 100 Group Mosquitoes over the German night fighters (1999).
Bent,
Thomas Alfred
J.S. Belton
Son of ... Bent, and ... Panphilon.
Married ...; ... children (one daughter?).
07.07.1915
Hackney district, London
-
10.1998
Penzance district, Cornwall
Cpl. ? [1262814]
(A) P/O (prob) 09.09.1943 [155659]
P/O (prob) 04.11.1943
(WS) F/O 04.05.1944
09.09.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for administrative and miscellaneous duties) [emergency commission]
 
Beresford,
Frank
F. Beresford
Son of William Beresford (1877-1950), and Sarah Ann Hickman (1872-1951), of Walsall, Staffordshire.
Married ((09?).1938, Walsall, Staffordshire) Muriel Foxall (06.05.1918 - 03.1999), of Bloxwich, Walsall; one daughter. Muriel Beresford remarried ((12?).1946) Frederick J. Sunderland.
1917 ?
-
11.04.1945

(KIA) [age 28]
[Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany, 8.J.37]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1436983]
P/O (prob) 07.11.1942 [131763]
(WS) F/O 07.05.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 07.11.1944
07.11.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 11.04.1945 navigator, 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron RAF
Berger,
Herbert Otto
"Bert"
H.O. Berger (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Green)
Son of Frederick Berger, and Fanny H.A. Berger ?
(03?).1914
St George Hanover Square district, London
-
16.01.1945
[age 30/31?]
[Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany, coll. grave 14.Z.2-7]
F/Sgt. ? [1455027]
Sgt. ?
P/O (prob) 23.12.1943 [169506]
(WS) F/O 23.06.1944
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 21.04.144 ?
23.12.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     101 Squadron RAF (DFM)
? - 16.01.1945 flight engineer, 100 Squadron RAF
[Lancaster bomber PA189 (HW-P) was airborne 17:31 hrs from Grimsby to bomb the Braunkohle-Benzin synthetic-oil complex at Zeitz. Crashed at Questenberg, some 4 km NE of Rossla on the Nordhausen to Sangeerhausen road. Complete crew of seven was killed.]
Bergl,
Maurice Balfour Wright
M.B.W. Bergl (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-

Australia
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 25.06.1941 [104150]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Berman,
Monty Morris
M.M. Berman (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
Acm. 2nd cl. ? [1204122]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 12.06.1941 [101767]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bertaut,
Harold George
H.G. Bertaut (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
 
26.11.1902
Ecclesall Bierlow district, West Riding of Yorkshire
-
07.1985
Winchester district, Hampshire
(A)P/O (prob) 14.02.1941 [61193]
P/O (prob) 19.04.1941
P/O 14.02.1942
(WS) F/O 19.04.1942
(T) F/Lt. 01.01.1944 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(A) Sq.Ldr. (1945)
14.02.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Accountant Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     in charge of Accountant Officers' Course
Best,
Charles Brian
C.B. Best
Son of Thomas Henry Lark Best and Elsie Brown.
1916 ?
Willoughby, Sydney, NSW, Australia
-
16.09.1944

[Reichswald Forest Cemetery, Germany, joint grave 26, C, 10-11]
(A) P/O (prob)
14.12.1938 [41366]
P/O (prob)
03.09.1939
P/O
06.10.1939
F/O
03.09.1940
(A) F/Lt.
?
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
22.10.1940
for carrying out 26 operational flights *
* During night operations late in 1940 against enemy invasion bases, Best showed great ingenuity and foresight in planning his missions. His courage and initiative had been of the highest order, and the results achieved were highly successful.
Airline pilot in Canada.
14.12.1938


joined RAF - General Duties Branch [short service commission]
(1940)


40 Squadron RAF
?
-
16.09.1944
Squadron Leader (Pilot), 515 Squadron RAF
[crashed with his Mosquito VI PZ184 3P- at 02.54 hrs some 5 km N of Achmer, a village 5 km WSW from Bransche on a bomber support mission to Germany]
Beuttell,
Robert Gerard
R.G. Beuttell
Son of Alfred William Beuttell (1880-1965), lighting engineer and inventor, and Ida Augusta Locke (1891-), of Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
(03?).1918
Wandsworth district, London
-
21.01.1945
[age 26]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 265]
F/O 06.03.1943 [139631]
(T) F/Lt. 20.01.1944
      invented the integrating nephelometer during World War II
06.03.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 21.01.1945 518 Squadron RAF
Bickers,
Kenneth George
"Ken"
K.G. Bickers (Photo courtesy of Mr Matt Perry)
Son of James Bickers, and Emily Gertrude A. Ashford, of Bitterne Park, Hampshire.
(09?).1922
Southampton district, Hampshire
-
24.03.1944

(MPK) [age 21]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 200]
(T) F/Sgt.
? [657559]
P/O (prob)
14.03.1942 [122345]
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942
(A) F/Lt.
?
(WS) F/Lt.
29.02.1944
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
30.04.1943
*
* This officer has completed 20 operational missions, invariably displaying skill and determination in pressing home his attacks. One night in April, 1943, Flight Lieutenant Bickers captained an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg. During the homeward flight, whilst over enemy territory, the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. The first burst of fire from the attacker killed the rear gunner, severely wounded the mid-upper gunner and set the rear turret on fire. For twenty minutes the enemy aircraft continued its attacks and only the skilful evading tactics employed by Flight Lieutenant Bickers prevented the bomber from being shot down. The elevator trimming gear was put out of action, the engine controls were damaged, the wireless apparatus and the hydraulic system were rendered unserviceable; many instruments were destroyed while one of the port petrol tanks was pierced, causing its contents to leak away. In spite of the tremendous odds, Flight Lieutenant Bickers, displaying superb airmanship, flew the badly damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country where he effected a successful crash landing. In the face of a most perilous situation this officer displayed courage, skill and fortitude of a high order.
14.03.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)
-
03.1944
103 Squadron RAF (DFC)
[Airborne 1839 24.03.1944 from Elsham Wolds for an operation against Berlin in Lancaster ME665 PM-C. Homebound, came down 2 km E of Luckenwalde and exploded with great force; three crew members were found and are buried at Berlin, four others were not found. Sq.Ldr. Bickers was on the third sortie of his second tour, and at 21, he was one of the youngest flight commanders to be killed on Bomber Command operations.]
Bickley-Roe,
William Andrew
W.A. Bickley-Roe
Married ((09?).1939, Brentford district, Middlesex) Sarah J.I. Greensitt; ... children (one daughter?).
29.01.1912
-
02.1990
Burnley & Pendle district, Lancashire
Sgt. ? [1293118]
P/O (prob) 30.08.1941 [104328]
(WS) F/O 30.08.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 30.05.1944
30.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      with Bomber Command (Europe), then Africa flying Blenheim bombers, then Transport Command flying Dakotas over Burma
Bicknell,
John Conway
J.C. Bicknell (Photo courtesy of Mr Mark Surridge) J.C. Bicknell (Photo courtesy of Mr Mark Surridge)
Son of John Lloyd Bicknell (1892-), and of Maude Elizabeth Sturgess, of Clifton, Bristol.
Married (24.06.1944, Ware district, Hertfordshire) Dorothy Blanche Moram (23.03.1921 - 13.11.1986), daughter (with one sister) of Edward Bignall Moram (1889-1930), and Charlotte Elizabeth Whitaker (1881-1971). Dorothy Bicknell remarried (1949) Robert S. Surridge.
(12?).1921
St Pancras district, London
-
10.07.1944
[Standon (St Mary) Churchyard, Hertfordshire, east of church]
F/Sgt. ? [925011]
P/O (prob) 10.09.1942 [135156]
(WS) F/O (prob) 10.03.1943
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 20.04.1943 *

* Pilot Officer Bicknell is a cool, calculating navigator. He has taken part in a large number of sorties, including five sea searches, and has participated in several other operations. His work has been worthy of high praise.

Education: King Edward School, Whitley, Godalming, Surrey.
09.1939     joined RAFVR (Uxbridge)
12.02.1942     first operation
10.09.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 12.05.1943 226 Squadron RAF (DFC)
13.05.1943 - ? 13 Operational Training Unit RAF (Bicester)
? - 10.07.1944 21 Squadron RAF
[Mosquito VI NS 959 piloted by F/Lt. W.B. Adams crash landed at Thorney Island after a night sortie over France, killing both crew members]
Bielby,
Robert James
R.J. Bielby
Son of ... Bielby, and ... Lovett.
06.01.1921
Stow district, Suffolk
-
(12?).1983
Beverley district, East Riding of Yorkshire
Wt.Offr. ? [1078254]
P/O (prob) 04.03.1945 [197806]
(WS) F/O 04.09.1945
39|45 St - -
Atlantic Star Atl St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
04.03.1945     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      wireless operator/air gunner
Biggerstaff,
Sydney Albert
S.A. Biggerstaff (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
Sgt. ? [504825]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 08.05.1941 [101738]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bignal,
James Seward Withers
J.S.W. Bignal
Married 1st ((09?).1936, Romsey district, Hampshire) Marjorie H. Coleman.
Married 2nd ((03?).1946, Reading district, Berkshire) Margaret A. Cunliffe (earlier Mrs Philip A. Alexander).
04.08.1909
Tisbury district, Wiltshire
-
03.1980
Knowlsey district, Merseyside
Sgt. ? [365655]
P/O (prob) 01.04.1940 [78716]
(WS) F/O 01.04.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 01.04.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. (1944)
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 10.11.1944
(A) W/Cdr. (1944)
Sq.Ldr. 20.03.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
W/Cdr. 01.07.1950
Gp.Capt. (Suppl. List) 01.07.1962 (retd 08.02.1965)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 30.06.1944 ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 14.11.1944 ?
Air Force Cross AFC 01.09.1942 ?
01.04.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
07.1943 - (1944) 105 Squadron RAF (DFC and Bar)
20.03.1947     permanent commission, RAF (Aircraft Control Branch Branch)
Bignell,
Alfred Henry
A.H. Bignell
Son of Alfred Henry Bignell (1897-), and Iris Victoria Couch (1900-).
01.04.1921
Plymouth district, Devon
-
28.01.2000
Cpl. ? [1321901]
P/O (prob) 30.12.1942 [138073]
(WS) F/O (prob) 30.06.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 30.12.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 27.06.1944 ?
      trained in Canada
30.12.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     50 Squadron RAF
Billings,
D R
D.R. Billings
?
-
?

P/O (prob) ?
... ...
Sq.Ldr. (03.1945)
?     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch?) [emergency commission]
(03.1945)     Officer Commanding of a RAF unit in Iceland
Binham,
Ronald James
R.J. Binham
Son of Harry Binham, and Florence May Collings, of Brynmill, Swansea.
(09?).1921
Brynmill, Swansea district, Glamorgan
-
11.01.1943
(killed on active service) [age 21]
[Wrexham Cemetery, Denbighshire, D.9510]
Sgt. ? [929619]
P/O (prob) 17.08.1942 [134044]
17.08.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 11.01.1943 navigator, 81 Operational Training Unit RAF
[Whitley Mk. V LA766 took off 16:07 hrs from Whitchurch Heath for an evening cross-country training with a screened pilot, navigator, wireless operator and five pupils. Crashed at 20:50 hrs, having acknowledged four QDMs [= international Q-code signal for magnetic course to steer], some 23 miles from base at Gwernto Bach between Bwlchgwyn and Rhydtalog near Wrexham in the county of Denbigh. All were killed; four of them being interred at Wrexham, the rest taken home for burial.]
Binns,
Norman
N. Binns (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
21.06.1905
Rastrick, Yorkshire
-
(03?).1979
Bradford district, West Yorkshire
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104739]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Birbeck,
Clive Robert
"Joe"
C.R. Birbeck
?
-
Ldg.Acm. ? [1277445]
P/O (prob) 18.10.1941 [108990]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 18.10.1943
18.10.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)     pilot, 41 Squadron RAF
[was on a Ramrod operation (escorting bombers) in the afternoon when his Spitfire XII [EN608] got engine trouble after combat with a Focke-Wulf Fw190; Birbeck baled out safely south of Selsey & was rescued]
(1945)     pilot, 127 Squadron RAF
[while on an armed reconnaissance over Maassluis on 17.01.1945 with Spitfire XVI [RK896] the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at Sommelsdijk, Goeree-Overflakkee, the Netherlands; Birbeck baled out safely & was captured]
Birch,
George William
G.W. Birch (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [102224]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Birkbeck,
Joseph Frank Thomas Englefield
J.F.T.E. Birkbeck (Photo courtesy of Reader Englefield)
Changed name to Joseph Englefield in 1948.
Married Katharine Coleman; four children.
28.12.1913
Rome, Italy
-
25.03.1975

Oxford, Oxfordshire
P/O (prob) 19.09.1939 [74055]
P/O 19.09.1940
(WS) F/O 19.09.1940
(T) F/Lt. 01.03.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 08.01.1944
F/Lt. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.09.1945 (reld 23.05.1948; medical unfitness for air force service; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(T) Sq.Ldr. ?
19.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bishop,
Donald Leslie Claude
D.L.C. Bishop
Son of William Leslie Bishop (1897-), and Vivianne M. Lovegrove.
(12?).1923
Croydon district, London
-
Ldg.Acm. ? [1339349]
P/O (prob) 09.07.1943 [152736]
(WS) F/O 09.01.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 09.07.1945 (reld 30.03.1948)
09.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bizzell,
Dennis Eli
D.E. Bizzell (Photo courtesy of Mr Jeff Bizzell)
Son (with two sisters) of Montague Alexander Bizzell (1881-1964), and Gladys Mary Webbe (1897-1989).
Married (04.08.1941, Pontypridd district, Glamorgan) Doreen May Lester (03.01.1924 - 05.07.2013), daughter of Edwin Lester, and Annie Ruck; two sons.
14.10.1922
Windsor district, Berkshire / Surrey
-
15.09.2005
Witney, Oxford district, Oxfordshire
F/Sgt. ? [1338057]
P/O (prob) 01.08.1944 [182597]
(WS) F/O 01.02.1945
01.08.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
His son writes: "Entered service 20/10/41, Flight Sgt at 4 A.S. Benoni, S. Africa 27/11/42-20/2/43. Then 24 A.S. Nigel 20/2/43-20/7/43; IFTC Cape Town 22/7/43-25/7/43. Came back to UK 12/8/43 then many UK postings. First record of P/O 3/10/44 at 17 S.F.T.S think that was at Cranwell. Last entry 10/9/45."
Black,
Edward Loring
E.L. Black
Son of William Kelsie Black (1876-1937), a park keeper, and Charlotte Daniels (1884-1982).
Married (28.12.1938) Edith Olivia Stradling Davies; one son.

His son writes: "My father was called up in the summer of 1940. He trained in Blackpool tramsheds. Late 1940 he was about to embark for Singapore when my brother died and he was granted compassionate leave. He thus did not go to Singapore. His friends did not return. He went to Silloth Air Station where he trained radio operators (Coastal Command No. 1 Training Unit?). At some time he was stationed at RAF Thornaby, and very briefly in Blackpool. Whilst stationed at R.A.F. Yatesbury, my father was clearly involved in this scheme by which R.A.F. officers were employed in India to train future English teachers for use when the war was over. He was stationed at Peshawar, now in Pakistan. With experience in teaching prior to the war and experience in lecturing whilst teaching radio oprerators and meteorologists whilst serving in the R.A.F. he was quite clearly suitable to be involved in this scheme. Whether he was one of those running this scheme in India, or whether he was just one of the lecturers, I do not know, but it was quite probably due to his participation in this scheme that led him to becoming an acting Flight Lieutenant. Whilst in India he was classified as an Education Officer. He believed that Education Officers were not high on the list of those being demobbed from the R.A.F. My father did not return to England till November 1945, when he was immediately demobbed from the R.A.F. At some time I believe he taught meteorology and was commissioned ending up as a flight lieutenant."

03.05.1915
Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth district, Warwickshire
-
06.2005

Cheshire East district, Cheshire
Acm.
1940 [1360331]
Sgt.
?
P/O (prob)
03.04.1943 [141382]
P/O
03.04.1944 (reld 01.12.1945)
(A) F/Lt.
?
Education: Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield; St. Catharine's College, Cambridge University (BA, 1936; MA, 1944); University of Manchester (M.Ed., 1953)
1940


called up in summer 1940, trained at Blackpool and was stationed at RAF Silloth, where he trained radio operators for aircrews; he later was stationed at RAF Thornaby before RAF Yatesbury
03.04.1943
 
 
commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



in June 1944 he also taught meteorology
11.1945
 
 
returned to the UK after service in India
Grammar school teacher, Leeds, England, 1936-46; Loughborough Teachers Training College, Loughborough, England, lecturer in English, 1946-50; University of Manchester, Manchester, England, lecturer in education, 1950-61; Mercer House (teachers' training college), Melbourne, Australia, vice-principal, 1962; Northicote School, Wolverhampton, England, senior English master, 1963; Poulton-le-Fylde Teachers' Training College, Lancashire, England, principal English lecturer, 1963-67; Middleton St. George College of Education, principal, 1967-...
Published: (with Alec Henry Lawley) Precis and Comprehension Practice (1953); (with Edward Rudolf Wood) First Year English (1961); (with Wood) Second Year English (1961); (with Wood) Third Year English (1962); (with Wood) Fourth Year English (1962); Manual of Instructions for Comprehension Test for Training College Students (1962); (with Wood) Fifth Year English (1963, revised edition, 1969)
Edited: (with Alec Henry Lawley) Sporting Scenes, (1956); (with John Pearce Parry) Youth on the Prow: A Prose Anthology (1956); (with Parry) Aspects of the Short Story (1956); (with Parry) Starting Work: A Prose Anthology (1957); (with A.E.G. Roberts) Animal Stories of Today (1957); Recent Short Stories (1960); Schooldays: A Prose Anthology (1964); Nine Modern Poets: An Anthology (1966); (and author of commentary) Cecil Scott Forester, Death to the French (1967); Passport to Poetry (1968); 1914-18 in Poetry (1971)
Black,
Sidney Charles
S.C. Black (Photo courtesy of Mr Stephen Seymour)
Married ...; two sons, one daughter.
04.10.1892
South Africa
-
14.08.1977
Brighton, East Sussex
T/2nd Lt. 18.09.1918 [03144]
F/Lt. ? (retd 18.11.1928)
F/Lt. 01.09.1939, seniority 07.09.1936 (reld 11.10.1944; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941
Military Medal MM ? ?
18.09.1918 - 18.11.1928 commissioned, RAF
18.11.1928 - 07.05.1938 Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class C)
07.05.1938 - 01.09.1939 Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class CC)
01.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
24.04.1940     transferred, RAFVR (Technical Branch)
 
Black,
Thomas John
T.J. Black
17.05.1914
-
?
F/Sgt. ? [1092119]
P/O (prob) 28.05.1944 [178082]
(WS) F/O 28.11.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 28.05.1946
28.05.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Blackburn,
Basil John
B.J. Blackburn (Photo courtesy of Mr Rick Cannam)
Married Gwendoline Beryl  Rowbotham (1918-2008); one son.
13.06.1915
Hackney district, London
-
18.07.1970
Hendon district, Middlesex
Sgt. ? [1256301]
P/O (prob) 06.01.1942 [115106]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 06.01.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 07.07.1944 four victories
06.01.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
1943 - 04.1944 145 Squadron RAF (Italy)
02.04.1944 - 14.05.1944 Flight Commander, 72 Squadron RAF (Italy) (DFC)
Blair,
Fred William
F.W. Blair
?
-
?

Ldg.Acm. ? [1365925]
P/O (prob) 13.03.1942 [118823]
(WS) F/O (prob) 26.10.1942, seniority 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 20.01.1957; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(A) F/Lt. (03.1945)
13.03.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
26.10.1942     transferred, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for administrative and miscellaneous duties)
(03.1945)     officer in a RAF unit in Iceland
Blignaut,
Aegidius Jean
A.J. Blignaut (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101644]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Blundell,
Geoffrey Norman
"Geoff"
G.N. Blundell (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Blundell) G.N. Blundell (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Blundell)
Son on of Bt. Col. Charles Wilson Blundell, OBE, TD (1864-1939), and Annie Kate Sydenham (1872-?), of Plymouth, Devon.
Brother of Lt.Cdr. Charles Sydenham Blundell, RNVR.
Married ((12?).1939, Kingsbridge district, Devonshire) Janet H. Lowein ((06?).1918 - ), daughter of Arthur E. Lowein, and Kathleen M.Yates; two sons, two daughters.
19.09.1916
Plymouth, Devonshire
-
10.10.1985
Hobart, Tasmania
P/O (prob) 10.10.1939 * [75039]
P/O 10.10.1940
(WS) F/O 10.10.1940
(A) F/Lt. (11.1943)
(T) F/Lt. 01.01.1945, seniority 01.01.1944

* Oct 1940 Air Force List gives seniority 02.12.1939
Education: Sherbourne College (1930.2-1934; Vb; Trebles; L/Cpl. in Officer Training Corps); Aero-Engineering College, Chelsea.
Obtained civil aviator's certificate (No. 14606) taken on D.H. Moth Gipsy I 85 h.p. at Brooklands Flying Club on 18.11.1936.
10.10.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for special duties) [emergency commission]
24.04.1940     transferred, Technical Branch
      served as an aeronautical engineer in North Africa and Malta
Managing director, Messrs. C.W. Blundell and Company (Thurlestone, South Devon). Emigrated to Australia 1951. Fishing boat owner and operator in Hobart, Tasmania.
Blunsom,
Philip
P. Blunsom
28.08.1908
Wellingborough district, Bedfordshire / Northamptonshire
-
02.1992
Scunthorpe district, Lincolnshire
(A) P/O (prob)
19.12.1941 [114209]
P/O (prob)
19.02.1942
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld ; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
19.12.1941


commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



signals officer (codes & cyphers); arrived 1942 at Heliopolis (Egypt), served probably in Africa and was captured by ELAS/EAM in Kifissia, Athens at AHQ at 19.12.1944
Boast,
Herbert Sidney
H.S. Boast (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
06.09.1902
Brighton, Sussex
-
(03?).1979
Penzance district, Cornwall
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104740]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Boath,
Douglas William Kiddie
D.W.K. Boath (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath) D.W.K. Boath (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
D.W.K. Boath (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath) D.W.K. Boath (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
Son (with one sister) of William Kiddie Boath (1880-1958), and Elizabeth Robertson Brown (1876-1954).
Married (31.01.1942, Glenmuick, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland) Jean Helen Anderson (22.09.1922 - ), daughter of Charles Johnstone Anderson (1892-1948), and Williamina Pringle (1889-1980); three sons, one daughter.
17.04.1919
Ferry Port on Craig, Tayport, Fife, Scotland
-
12.12.1959
Maybury Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Acm. 2nd cl. 11.03.1939 [744992]
Ldg.Acm. 12.03.1939
(A) Sgt. 24.03.1940
(T) Sgt. 14.09.1940
Acm. 2nd cl. 06.12.1940
Acm. 1st cl. 23.05.1941
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 16.06.1941 [104148]
P/O (prob) 15.10.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (reld 15.05.1946) (last day of service 06.08.1946) (Emgcy List) (reld 01.07.1959; retaining rank of F/O)
Education: Tayport HG Public School (1931-1932); Harris Academy, Dundee (1932-1934).
Bank clerk, Royal Bank of Scotland, Hilltoun, Dundee, 1939.
11.03.1939     enlisted with RAFVR at Perth Training Centre RAF (under training Air Observer)
02.09.1939     mobilized, Perth Training Centre RAF
09.10.1939     reserve commission
20.01.1940     No. 4 Bombing & Gunnery School RAF (West Freugh)
23.03.1940     254 Squadron RAF (Acting Air Observer, 14.09.1940 Air Observer))
07.12.1940     RAF Station Dyce (Aircraft Hand Clerk Special Duties, 23.05.1941 Clerk Special Duties)
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
15.08.1941     course, Observer School RAF, Uxbridge
05.09.1941     HQ 14 Group RAF (supplementary; operations room duties)
06.09.1941     Flying School HQ Dyce (for operations room duties)
04.02.19421     RAF Station Dyce (supplementary; pending posting overseas)
15.02.1942     HQ 224 Group RAF (Far East) (for operations room duties)
06.06.1942     RAF Station Alipore (India) (for operations room duties)
      221 Group RAF
15.12.1942     293 Wing RAF (India) (M. Liaison)
01.03.1943     RAF Station Vizagatapam (India) (M.L.C.?)
30.11.1943     173 Wing RAF (Air Command South East Asia) (N./E.S. supplementary)
28.03.1944     BHQ Bombay (N./E.S. supplementary)
19.04.1944     Personnel Holding Unit RAF Morecambe (28 Group RAF) (supplementary; for disembarkation & sick leave)
24.06.1944     Personnel Holding Unit RAF Morcombe (28 Group RAF) (supplementary; embarkation leave pending posting)
16.07.1944     HQ Air Defence Great Britain (filter room supplementary)
20.07.1944     RAF Station Turnhouse (controller supplementary)
27.11.1944     RAF Station North Stead
06.06.1945 - 25.07.1945 No. 65 Accountant Officers' Course, School of Administration & Accounting, Hereford
25.07.1945     transferred, RAFVR (Accountant Branch)
25.07.1945     RAF Station [Predarnock ??]
24.12.1945     RAF Station Keevil (accounts supplementary)
01.03.1946     RAF Station Turnhouse (accounts)
15.05.1946     No. 100 Personnel Dispatch Centre (accounts)
Boileau,
Ferdinand Percy
F.P. Boileau (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
02.12.1907
Lewisham district, Kent
-
(03?).1982
Hove district, East Sussex
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 04.07.1941 [104161]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Boiston,
John Rochester
J.R. Boiston (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Boiston Wheeler) J.R. Boiston (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Boiston Wheeler)
J.R. Boiston (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Boiston Wheeler) J.R. Boiston (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Boiston Wheeler)
Son (with two sisters) of Lt.Cdr. William Rochester Boiston, RN (1887-1945), and Edith Bradfrod (1884-1969), of Gillingham, Kent, England.
22.03.1920
Gillingham, Kent
-
29.07.1942
[age 22]
[Estevan Cemetery, Sask., Canada, sec. 8, plot 1, lot 12]
Flt.Sgt. ? [741832]
P/O (prob) 06.10.1942, seniority 01.06.1942 [129507]
Education: Mathematical School, Rochester.
Was engaged with the Chatham Water Co. before joining up.
01.06.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
06.1942? - 29.07.1942 instructor, No. 38 Service Flying Training School (RAF) in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada
[killed in a Menasco Moth accident at 11 a.m., 29 July]
Bold,
Philip Everard
P.E. Bold (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
03.1903
Islington district, London
-
09.1987
Basford district, Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104741]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bompas,
Richard Mason
R.M. Bompas (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
Son (with one brother) of George Cuthbert Bompas (1870-1929), and Katherine Baylay (1884-1976).
Married ((06?).1935, Chelsea district, Middlesex) Marion Grahame Willoughby Gee (14.09.1906 - 05.01.1994).
30.03.1908
Bradford, North Bierley district, West Riding of Yorkshire
-
17.04.1993
Tabors Sound, Low Moresby, Whitehaven district, Cumberland
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104742]
P/O (prob) 15.10.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 01.08.1944 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of Sqn.Ldr.)
(A) Sqn.Ldr. (1945)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) MBE 06.1965 HM's birthday 1965
Legionnaire, Legion of Merit (USA) LM 30.01.1945 ?
Hospital Appeals Organiser.
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Administrator and Founder of the West Cumberland Hospital 1949-1976.

 
Bond *,
Hedleigh St George
"Tim" / "Bobby"
H.St.G. Bond
Son of Capt. Hedleigh St. George Bond, Royal Canadian Engineers (died 1917), and Janet Clarisse Crowley (1894-1983) (from 1921 Mrs Clement Arthur West, from 1949 Mrs Henry Cordy).
Married 1st ((12?).1939, Chelsea district, London) Rosemary E. Watson; one son, one daughter.
Married 2nd (1941) ... Stojisilejevic.
* Also known as: St George Bond, Hedleigh
(03?).1918
Fulham district, London
-
23.03.1984
Geneva, Switzerland
Sgt. ? [741817]
P/O (prob) 01.12.1939, seniority 06.11.1939 [76569]
(WS) F/O 01.12.1940, seniority 06.11.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 01.12.1941, seniority 06.11.1941 (reld 23.04.1951; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(A) Sq.Ldr. 1943?
F/O 23.04.1951
F/Lt. 23.04.1951 (reld 23.04.1961)
Education: Wellington College (Hopetoun House, Summer 1932-Summer 1936; School Prefect; Head of Dormitory; XV; Hockey XI).
Joined Shell Aviation Department, London, 1937.
01.12.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(06.1940)     98 Squadron RAF (Battle of France, flying Battles)
      Battle of Britain (flying Hurricanes)
      151 Squadron RAF (flying Defiants)
      46 Squadron RAF (Middle East, flying Beaufighters) (destroyed two German seaplanes in night intruder operations over the Dodecanese Islands)
1944     Officer Commanding of an anti-aircraft co-operation unit (UK)
23.04.1951     commissioned, Royal Auxiliary Air Force (Reconstituted) (General Duties Branch) [flew Meteors from Biggin Hill with 600 (City of London) Squadron RAuxAF]
09.11.1953 - 23.04.1961 transferred to reserve
Rejoined Shell, being posted to the Middle East. Returned to London, 1950. Overseas sales representative (03.1954), then manager (1954) to Field Aircraft Services, Ltd., of Croydon. Director, St George Bond & Dufour, Switzerland (trade & distribution of automobile products) from 1962.
Bone,
Leonard Hugh
L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel) L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel)
L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel)
L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel)
Son of ... Bone, and ... Searth.
Married 1st ... (marriage dissolved); two children.
Married 2nd Gunvor (née ...).

02.09.1922
Odiham, Hartley Wintney district, Hampshire
-
Acm.
02.09.1941 [1324602]
F/Sgt.
22.06.1944
Wt.Offr.
22.06.1945
P/O (prob)
22.08.1945 [201207]
P/O
22.02.1946
(WS) F/O
22.02.1946
F/O
31.12.1948 (reld 31.12.1958)
Worked for Royal London Insurance Co., 1939-1942.
02.09.1941
 
 
enlisted (put on deferred service until 02.03.1942)



trained in Southern Rhodesia (Initial Training Wing RAF, Hillside Bulawayo, 27 Elementary Flying Training School RAF, Induna, 21 Service Flying Training School RAF, Kumalo)



61 Air School of General Reconnaissance RAF, George South Africa



holding in Harrogate



Advanced Flying Unit RAF, Frazerburgh



9 Operational Training Unit RAF, Crosby on Eden (on Beaufighters)



13 Operational Training Unit RAF, Bicester (on Mosquitos)
?
-
1945
pilot, 487 (RNZAF) Squadron (on Mosquitos) (attack on Shell Building, Copenhagen, 21.03.1945)
22.08.1945


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
31.12.1948
-
31.12.1958
Reconstituted RAFVR
Entered his father's retail footwear business and then bought his own in 1949 in Upminster. Expanded to a second business in 1960 until 1970/71. Moved to Sweden.
Boodrie,
James Clinton
J.C. Boodrie (Photo courtesy of Mr Jim Boodrie)
Son of Joseph Charles Boodrie, and Nellie Boodrie (née ...).
Married ((03?).1941, St Albans district, Hertfordshire) Dora Doughty, of St Albans; one son (died in infancy). Dora Boodrie remarried.
1918 ?
-
15.01.1943
Brackley district, Buckinghamshire / Northamptonshire / Oxfordshire
[age 25]
[St Albans Cemetery, L.D.31]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1160663]
Sgt. ?
P/O (prob) 14.08.1942 [128460]
      served in the ranks, RAFVR
13.04.1942 - 14.08.1942 53rd course, 36 Service Flying Training School, Penhold, Alberta, Canada
14.08.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Booker,
Noel David
N.D. Booker

1920 ?
-
16.02.2007
[age 87]
Ldg.Acm.
? [785099]
P/O (prob)
16.01.1943 [136195]
(WS) F/O (prob)
16.07.1943
(WS) F/Lt.
16.01.1945 (reld 08.10.1946)
1942


served in the ranks, RAFVR
16.01.1943
-
08.10.1946
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



289 Squadron RAF



134 Squadron RAF



5 Squadron RAF (Burma)
Booth,
Thomas
T. Booth
Husband of Jean Booth, of Fulham, London.
1914 ?
-
12.05.1943
(MPK) [age 29]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 123]
Ldg.Acm.
? [1392437]
P/O (prob)
23.10.1942 [132706]
(WS) F/O (prob)
23.04.1943
23.10.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
12.05.1943
B Flight, 20 Operational Training Unit
[Taken off from Lossiemouth in a Wellington IC bomber [R1153 -D] for a low-level bombing detail training flight. The aircraft caught fire in the air and crashed at 18:47 hrs into the sea. An Air-Sea Rescue search found some wreckage in position 5751N 0240W, approximately eight miles from Portsoy on the Banff coast.]
Boothby,
John Oswald
see: RN officers' section  
Boreham,
Herbert George
H.G. Boreham (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101646]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Borrow,
Stanley Philip Joseph
S.P.J. Borrow (Photo courtesy of Jill Borrow)
Son (with two brothers) of Philip Borrow (1889-1963), and Gertrude Catherine Boyles (1883-1957).
Married (03.09.1939, Islington district, London) Gladys Rose Bessell (30.07.1914 - 12.10.2003), daughter (with one sister) of Benjamin William Bessell (1891-1959), and Rose Matilda Poulter (1887-1958); two sons, one daughter.
04.01.1915
Islington district, London
-
20.12.1972
Ipswich district, Suffolk
Sgt. ? [1330028]
P/O (prob) 14.03.1942 [124918]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
14.03.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
25.09.1943     transferred, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for administrative and miscellaneous duties)
Borthwick,
George Wilson Syme
G.W.S. Borthwick
Son of John and Jean Martin Borthwick.
Married Robina Rennie; one daughter.
Lived in Edinburgh.
1910
West Calder district, West Lothian, Scotland
-
29.01.1944
[age 33]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 201]
Ldg.Acm.
? [1346194]
P/O (prob)
23.10.1942 [132740]
(WS) F/O (prob)
23.04.1943
(A) F/Lt.
01.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
11.02.1944
? [posthumously]
Mathematics teacher, Edinburgh.
23.10.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



navigator training, Canada
?
-
04.08.1943
664 Conversion Unit (Winthorpe)
04.08.1943
-
29.01.1944
97 Squadron RAF (Bourn)
[completed 25 operations between 03/04.09.1943 and 27/28.01.1944 and on his 26th operation on 28/29.01.1944, to Berlin, he and his crew, in a Lancaster BIII serial number JB353, Squadron markings OF – L, were listed as “Missing” then subsequently “Lost without trace”]
Boswell,
Charles
C. Boswell
Husband of Doris Boswell, of Blackheath, Staffordshire.
1907 ?
-
30.03.1944
[age 37]
[Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Israel, D.F.10]
Cpl. ? [1199310]
(A) P/O (prob) 10.10.1941, seniority 12.09.1941 [108594]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 01.10.1943?
10.10.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
01.02.1942     transferred, RAF Regiment
? - 30.03.1944 2933 Squadron RAF Regiment
Botell,
Henry Slade
H.S. Botell
Son of Thomas Alfred Botell, and Rose Avery, of Cambridge.
(12?).1914
Holborn district, London / Middlesex
-
02.01.1944
[age 29]
[Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh, 2.D.14]
Sgt. ? [1272601]
P/O (prob) 09.05.1942 [120786]
(WS) F/O 09.11.1942
09.05.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(06.1943) - 02.01.1944 pilot, 177 Squadron RAF (Burma)
[killed on non-operational flight in an accident flying from Feni to Comilla]
Boulton,
Kenneth Frank
K.F. Boulton
Son of ... Boulton, and ... Meeks.
Married ((03?).1942, Surrey North Western district, Surrey) Doreen M. Smallbone; one daughter, one son.
16.07.1919
North Witchford district
-
12.1991
Newton Abbot district, Devon
F/Sgt. ? [1181734]
P/O (prob) 15.07.1943 [169716]
(WS) F/O 15.01.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 15.07.1945
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 07.04.1944 ?
1942 - 03.1943 .. Operational Training Unit RAF
17.03.1943 - 1945? 153 Squadron RAF (DFC)
15.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      2 victories, 2 damaged
Bovill,
George Edward Jaffar
"Bobby"
G.E.J. Bovill
Married ((06?).1972, Chelsea district, London) Carol Anne Hughes-Reckitt (née Paulson) ((06?).1943 - ), earlier (26.01.1963) married to Capt. Patrick James Hughes-Reckitt (1934-), and only daughter (with one brother) of Lt.Col. Godfrey Martin Ellis Paulson, CB, CMG, OBE (1908-1990), and Patricia Emma Murray, of London.
12.09.1923
-
22.09.2017
France
Ldg.Acm. ? [1396971]
P/O (prob) 26.04.1943 [150359]
(WS) F/O 26.10.1943 (reld 10.05.1944)
Education: St Catharine's College, Cambridge (University Air Squadron, 1941).
26.04.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bowen,
Geoffrey Hugh
"Geoff"
G.H. Bowen
Son of Percival Bowen, and Mary A. Smith, of West Cross, Swansea.
(12?).1921
Gower district, Glamorgan
-
13.05.1944
[age 22]
[Swansea (Oystermouth) Cemetery, Glamorgan, B.10]
Wt.Offr. ? [1252093]
P/O (prob) 27.10.1943 [161261]
(WS) F/O 27.04.1944
27.10.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
13.05.1944     died on Active Service, in a flying accident at Melton Mowbray
Bowen,
Maurice Fearn
see: RNVR officers' section  
Bowles,
William Alfred Royston
W.A.R. Bowles
Son of ... Bowles, and ... Brain ?
Married ...; ... children.
(03?).1924 ?
Cardiff district, Monmouthshire ?
-
(06?).1950 ?
East Glamorgan, Glamorganshire ?
F/Sgt. ? [1316002]
P/O (prob) 04.05.1945 [198314]
(WS) F/O 04.11.1945
04.05.1945     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bowman,
Sydney
S. Bowman (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101647]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bowman-Burns,
Victor [Lindeman Allan]
V. Bowman-Burns V. Bowman-Burns
V. Bowman-Burns V. Bowman-Burns
V. Bowman-Burns V. Bowman-Burns
V. Bowman-Burns
Son of William Allan Burns (1866-1907), and Margaret Emma Bowman (1872-1953).
Married (14.08.1924, Watch Hill, Washington, USA; divorced 1929) Anne Griggs (27.05.1901 - 04.01.1977), daughter of John Bagg Griggs (1870-1948), and Mary Ellen Bolter (1873-1906); one son, one daughter.
17.07.1897
Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland
-
16.06.1980
Ibiza, Baleares, Spain
P/O (prob) 19.10.1939 [75531]
P/O 19.10.1940
(WS) F/O 14.01.1941, seniority 01.09.1940
(T) F/Lt. ?
(WS) F/Lt. 12.04.1944
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1945 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954)
Education: Downing College, Cambridge (BA, 1922; MA, 1927).
      served WW I with 3/I Lowland Brigade Royal Field Artillery & 20th Squadron Royal Flying Corps (captured; POW from 29.04.1917-19.12.1918)
19.10.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
24.04.1940     transferred, RAFVR (Technical Branch)
Bowmer,
John Luther
J.L. Bowmer J.L. Bowmer
Son (with one sister) of John Simpson Bowmer (1886-1953), and Frances Mary Luther (1892-1982).
Married (18.02.1950, North Cotswold district, Gloucestershire) Aileen S. O'Sullivan; one daughter, two sons.
10.05.1923
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tynemouth district, Cumberland
-
27.03.2010
Witney, Oxfordshire
F/Sgt. ? [1561263]
P/O (prob) 14.06.1944 [177917]
(A) F/O ?
(WS) F/O 14.12.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 14.06.1946
F/Lt. 14.12.1947 (reld 01.12.1948)
(T) F/Lt. RAF 01.12.1948, seniority 14.12.1947
F/Lt. RAF 13.05.1949, seniority 14.12.1947 (retd 01.09.1973; own request; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 20.02.1945 ?
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 14.07.1944 *
* In June, 1944 [= 12.06.1944], these airmen [F/Sgt. J.L. Bowmer & Sgt. D.M.S. Campbell] were captain and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft engaged in an attack on a target at Amiens. Shortly after leaving the target which had been successfully bombed, they were attacked five times from astern by a Focke Wulf 190. Acting on the skilful and concise directions given by Sergeant Campbell, the captain  took successful evasive action which enabled the rear gunner to deliver a very accurate burst of fire. The enemy fighter burst into flames and was seen to crash to the ground. Shortly afterwards, when crossing the French coast, a Junkers 88 attacked from the port quarter. Once again Sergeant Campbell passed accurate information to Flight Sergeant Bowmer who again handled the aircraft with exceptional skill and coolness and enabled the rear gunner to destroy the second enemy fighter. During the entire flight both airmen displayed a high degree of courage, skill and initiative which resulted in the destruction of two enemy fighters and the safe return of the aircraft.
14.06.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     10 Squadron RAF (DFC)
01.12.1948     temporary commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
13.05.1949     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
Bowmer,
William Reginald
W.R. Bowmer (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
01.05.1890
Greenwich district, London
-
09.01.1954
Devon Central district, Devon
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101648]
(WS) F/O ? (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/O)
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bowring,
William
W. Bowring (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
Acm 2nd cl. ? [1073451]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 16.06.1941 [101769]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bowtell,
Albert Charles
A.C. Bowtell
Son (with three brothers and three sisters) of James Daniel Bowtell (1844-1899), and Martha Wheeler (1843?-1898).
Married ((09?).1912, Risbridge district, Essex) Mary Golding Suckling ((12?).1889- (06?).1963); ... children.
22.12.1896
Saffron Walden district, Essex
-
(03?).1977
Dover district, Kent
Cpl. Clerk (A/Sgt. Clerk)  [19757]
Sgt. ?
(A) P/O (prob) 05.12.1941, seniority 10.10.1941 [113208]
P/O 20.02.1942
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
Worked as a servant (aged 14).
WW I     served in the ranks, Royal Flying Corps
05.12.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
Boyanton,
Robert Ernest Victor
R.E.V. Boyanton (Photo courtesy of Barbara Craine)
Only son of Ernest Boyanton, MBE, and Agnes Toms, of South Kenton, Middlesex.
Married 1st (10.09.1932, Christ Church, West Croydon, Surrey; marriage dissolved) Alma May Schulze (09.05.1906 - 11.1987), daughter of Henry William Schulze. She remarried (1948) Reginald S. Baker.
Married 2nd (03.04.1948, St Marylebone district, London) Linda "Lynne" Welford (28.02.1916 - 05.1995), eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Thomas Welford, of Ferry Hill, Co. Durham; one son.
12.02.1906
Fulham, London SW
-
05.1995
Harlow district, Essex / Middlesex
(A) P/O (prob) 09.08.1941 [103662]
P/O (prob) 09.10.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
39|45 St - -
Africa Star Afr St - -
Italy Star It St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
City of London Police, 27.09.1935.
09.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Bank officer.
Boyce,
John
J. Boyce
?
-
Acm. 1st cl. ? [1366622]
P/O (prob) 25.03.1943 [147467]
P/O 25.03.1944 (reld 01.01.1946; on ceasing to be employed)
25.03.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Boyd,
Richard Edwin
R.E. Boyd (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Trimble) R.E. Boyd (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Trimble)
R.E. Boyd (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Trimble) R.E. Boyd
Son of Roert Boyd, and Florence Irving.
(12?).1921
Greenwich district, London
-
11.2015 still alive
Ldg.Acm. ? [1443828]
P/O (prob) 10.11.1942 [133418]
(WS) F/O (prob) 10.05.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 10.11.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 04.12.1945 ?
39|45 St - -
France & Germany Star Fr&G St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
10.11.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     195 Squadron RAF (DFC)
Mr Tim Trimble writes: "Richard E. Boyd was born in London and trained for the Royal Air Force. Assigned to the United States, he received his U.S. Army Air Forces wings in 1942 and became an instructor the next year. In 1944-45, he was stationed in England with No. 195 Squadron, No. 3 Group Bomber Command. The RAF flight lieutenant flew 33 missions over Germany and France in a Lancaster heavy bomber and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry. While assigned to a transport command operating between Europe and India in 1946, Boyd was aboard a York aircraft that crashed."
Boyd,
Robert Thomas
"Bob"
R.T. Boyd
03.03.1908
Bromley, London
-
?
P/O (prob) 18.09.1939 [74714]
(WS) F/O 18.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 18.09.1941 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Air Force Cross AFC 30.09.1941 ?
Merchant. Gained aviator's certificate (1046) taken on a DH60 Hermes II 106 hp at Rollason Muir & Rickard, 07.05.1932.
18.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Boyers,
James Carey
J.C. Boyers (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Carey)
Son of Thomas Boyers, and Elizabeth Carey, of Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire.
(03?).1919
Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire
-
20.03.1942
(MPK) [age 23]
[Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 248]
Sgt.
? [986620]
P/O (prob)
17.05.1941 [68751]
17.05.1941


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
20.03.1942
navigator, 104 Squadron RAF
[Wellington Z8510 - crashed into sea S of Evia Island, Greece, on a raid to Eleusis, Greece.]
Boyle,
Charles Vesey
C.V. Boyle C.V. Boyle
Married (1954) Christine Mary Macdonald (17.11.1922 - 12.2000); one daughter.

07.02.1915
Dublin
-
03.03.2007
Exmouth, Devon
P/O (prob) 22.10.1941 [109538]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 22.10.1943
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 21.08.1945 ?
22.10.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     13 Squadron RAF
International Irish and British Lions rugby player and colonial judge.
Brace,
Adrian Colebrooke
A.C. Brace
Son of Arthur Brace, and Lilian Colebrooke, of Newbridge, Newport, Monmouthshire.
(06?).1922
Newport district, Monmouthshire, Wales
-
23.09.1943
(KIA) [age 21]
[Rheinberg War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, 21.B.2]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1339168]
P/O (prob) 05.09.1942 [128869]
(WS) F/O (prob) 05.03.1943
05.09.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 23.09.1943 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron RAF
[Pilot of Short Stirling EJ104 (HA-G) took off at 19:25 hrs from Downham Market for a bombing operation against Mannheim. Exploded and crashed in the Bauwaldthal at Kirchheimbolanden. Believed to be shot down by Oblt. Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer at 23:00 hrs, Nachtjäger Me 110, 12./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1.]
Bradshaw,
Stanley William
S.W. Bradshaw (Photo courtesy of Mr Brad Bradshaw) S.W. Bradshaw (Photo courtesy of Mr Brad Bradshaw)
Son of William J. Bradshaw, and Ellen G. Croydon.
Married (09.12.1944, Edmonton district, Middlesex) Aircraftwoman 1st class Helen Simpson Joyce Woodroof (18.08.1921 - 02.05.1977); one son.
14.09.1922
Hackney district, London
-
15.03.1966
Enfield, Middlesex
Acm. 2nd cl. 19.03.1942 [1804040]
Ldg.Acm. 05.03.1943
P/O (prob) 14.07.1944 [165770]
P/O 14.01.1945
(WS) F/O 14.01.1945 (demobilized 10?.1946) (reld 01.07.1959; retaining rank of F/O)
Solicitor's clerk.
19.03.1942     enlisted, Euston, London
09.11.1942     No. 1 Air Crew Reception Centre RAF (Regents Park, London)
12.12.1942     10 Initial Training Wing RAF (Scarborough)
21.05.1943     Air Crew Despatch Centre RAF
03.08.1943     Draft 7997 (for training in Canada)
18.08.1943     No. 31 Personnel Department RAF (Moncton, Canada)
03.09.1943     No. 32 Elementary Flying Training School RAF (Bowden, Alberta)
21.10.1943     No. 3 Manning Depot RAF (Edmonton, Alberta)
10.11.1943     No. 2 Air Observer School RAF (Edmonton, Alberta)
11.03.1944     No. 8 Bombing and Gunnery School RAF (Lethbridge, Alberta)
02.06.1944     No. 5 Air Observer School (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
14.07.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
03.08.1944     No. 7 Personnel Reception Centre RAF (Harrogate)
06.09.1944 - 05.10.1944 No. 1 Air Crew Officers' School RAF (Hereford)
28.12.1944     3 (Observer) Advanced Flying Unit RAF (Halfpenny Green)
27.02.1945     20 Operational Training Unit RAF (Lossiemouth)
08.06.1945     RAF Station Acaster Malbis
21.06.1945     73 Base RAF (North Luffingham)
26.07.1945     No. 17 Air Crew Holding Unit RAF (Snaith)
22.10.1945     1529 Radio Aided Training Flight RAF
04.01.1946     1556 Radio Aided Training Flight RAF (Stradishall)
19.10.1946     No. 100 Personnel Despatch Centre (Uxbridge) (for release)
Bradshaw-Jones,
Malcolm Henry
see: Jones,
Malcolm Henry Bradshaw
 
Brady,
Richard James
R.J. Brady
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
?
-
?
Sgt. ? [978492]
P/O (prob) 20.01.1945 [191126]
(WS) F/O 20.07.1945
20.01.1945     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      may have served with 617 & 680 Squadron RAF
Brady,
Thomas Scullion
T.S. Brady (Photo courtesy of Nicola McKeown) T.S. Brady
Son of Francis and Janet Brady, of Annbank, Ayrshire.
1918
Tarbolton district, Ayrshire, Scotland
-
30.08.1944
(MPK) [age 25]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 201]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1575825]
P/O (prob) 04.12.1942 [135684]
(WS) F/O (prob) 04.06.1943
(A) F/Lt. ?
Education: St Aloysius' College, Glasgow (1934-...).
04.12.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 26.09.1943 - 01.1944 76 Squadron RAF
01.1944 - 03.1944 35 Squadron RAF
20.03.1944 - 30.08.1944 635 Squadron RAF
[Lancaster NE131 (F2-D) was airborne 21:28 hrs 29.08.1944 from Downham Market for an operation against Stettin. Lost without trace.]
Braid,
James
D. Braithwaite
01.04.1912
-
26.05.1999
F/Sgt. ? [1366492]
P/O (prob) 24.03.1944 [175890]
(WS) F/O 24.09.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 24.03.1946
30.09.1946, seniority 30.09.1946 (forfeiture of seniority)
F/Lt. 01.11.1947, seniority 24.09.1947 (reld 01.03.1949; on appointment to RAF)
(T) F/Lt. 01.03.1949, seniority 24.09.1947 (reld 10.03.1952)
24.03.1944 - 01.03.1949 commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
01.03.1949 - 10.03.1952 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [temporary commission]
A grandchild writes: "RAF Lancasters (Wireless Operator). Possibly flew with Australian Squadrons. Posted to Malta after the war."
Braithwaite,
Donald
D. Braithwaite
Son (with one sister and one brother) of Lorrie Braithwaite, and Elsie Hakes.
Married ((06?).1944, Bradford district, Yorkshire) Sheila Marie Bergin ((09?).1925 - ), of Bradford; one daughter.
(06?).1920
North Bierley district, West Riding of Yorkshire
-
24.12.1944
[age 24]
[Bradford (Undercliffe) Cemetery, Yorkshire, sec. A, uncons., grave 297]
Ldg.Acm. ? [994954]
P/O (prob) 26.03.1943 [151661]
(WS) F/O (prob) 26.09.1943
(WS) F/O 23.12.1943
26.03.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 24.12.1944 172 Squadron RAF (died in an accident at the RAF base)
Bramble,
Stanley Thomas
S.T. Bramble
Married Eleanor May Jackson; ... children (three sons, one daughter?).
23.08.1909
Aylsham district, Norfolk
-
07.11.1987
Hastings, East Sussex
(A) P/O (prob) 28.11.1941 [113072]
P/O 28.01.1942
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 23.08.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(A) F/Lt. (1945)
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1945 ?
Town planner. Associate member (1937-1948, 1949) & member (1959), Town Planning Institute.
28.11.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
His son writes: "Spent time at Lossiemouth and then considerable time in North Africa  (Algeria)."
Brampton,
Noel Arthur
N.A. Brampton (Photo courtesy of Mr Neville Brampton)
Son of Neville Brampton, and Elsie Maud Longworth.
Married (28.10.1946, Bromley district, Kent) Effie Isabel Denis (21.06.1922 - 09.2001); one daughter, one son.
15.12.1918
Bolton district, Lancashire
-
29.11.2009
Bampton, Oxfordshire
(A) P/O (prob) 04.04.1941 [63122]
P/O (prob) 29.12.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(T) F/Lt. 01.07.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 14.04.1945 (reld 02.12.1948; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
F/O 02.12.1948
F/Lt 01.03.1951, seniority 02.12.1948 (reld 02.12.1958)
Education: Stamford School.
04.04.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
02.12.1948     commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section) (Technical Branch)
Manager, Micro Methods Ltd. — Director, Educational Production Ltd.
Branch,
William James Vivian
W.J.V. Branch
11.04.1909
St Lucia, West Indies
-
Midsh. 01.09.1927
A/S.Lt. RNR 06.10.1930
S.Lt. RNR 29.08.1932
Lt. RNR 18.09.1934 (retd 19.06.1939)
F/Lt. 13.01.1940 [77295]
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.03.1942
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 20.10.1942
(A) W/Cdr. (1944)
(WS) W/Cdr. ? (reld 22.07.1948; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE 01.01.1945 New Year 45
      served Royal Naval Reserve pre-war
13.01.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
22.04.1940     transferred, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
(1948?)     Head of the Senior Department of the School of Navigation, Warsash
FInstNav. 1948 seconded to International Civil Aviation Organization HQ in Montreal, Canada as Chief, Personnel Licensing and Training, Air Navigation Bureau.
Published
: (all with E. Brook-William) The air navigator's self-examining handbook: containing questions and answers on the subjects required for the Air ministry first and second class civil air navigators' licenses (1940); A short history of navigation (1942); Air navigation : theory and practice (1952).
Brandon,
Lewis
"Brandy"
L. Brandon L. Brandon
Maried; four children.
11.08.1911
-
22.04.2002
Brighton, Sussex
Sgt. ? [1383506]
P/O (prob) 13.02.1942 [116886]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 13.02.1944
(A) Sq.Ldr. 1945?
F/Lt. 25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1943
Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1947 (reld 12.06.1959)
Distinguished Service Order DSO 13.03.1945 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 02.10.1942 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 10.11.1944 ***
* These officers have displayed the highest standard of skill and determination. As pilot and observer respectively they have completed a very large number of sorties and have inflicted much loss on the enemy. Among their successes is the destruction of 10 enemy aircraft, the last of which they shot down one night in January, 1945. Their devotion to duty has been unfailing.
** Flying Officer Benson and Pilot Officer Brandon have flown together in night operations as pilot and observer respectively. One night in February, 1942, they destroyed a Dornier 217. In a previous sortie, Flying Officer Benson destroyed a Heinkel III. Both these officers have always displayed a high standard of efficiency and devotion to duty.
***
This officer has set a fine example of gallantry and devotion to duty. He-is a highly skilled and resolute member of aircraft crew and has assisted in the destruction of 6 enemy aircraft and 6 flying bombs.
Pre-war a film extra & star double.
01.1941     enlisted RAFVR
      took a 3-week navigator's course at Prestwick
13.02.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1942)     observer, 141 Squadron RAF
(1943) - (1945) observer, 157 Squadron RAF
(1945?)     observer, 488 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF
12.12.1946     extended service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
12.12.1950     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
12.06.1951     short service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
Published: Night flyer (1961).
Brayshaw,
Thomas Lester
T.L. Brayshaw (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
10.12.1902
Leeds, Yorkshire
-
(03?).1982
Poole district, Dorset
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104743]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brian,
Walter George
W.G. Brian (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
11.09.1907
Plymouth district, Devon
-
(12?).1971
Plymouth district, Devon
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [103307]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bridges,
Norman George
N.G. Bridges (Photo courtesy of Mr Charles Woodward)
Son of Robert Bridges, and Bessie Maud Middleton.
11.01.1922
Alverstoke, Hampshire
-
25.08.1945
car accident in Italy *
[age 23]
[Udine War Cemetery, II.A.11]
 
Wt.Offr. ? [1324880]
P/O (prob) 08.06.1945 [198797]


* thrown against a tree when the vehicle in which he was travelling swerved to avoid other traffic near Pordenone, Northern Italy; died shortly afterwards in No. 70 British General Hospital

      flying training at No. 1 British Flying Training School in Texas
08.06.1945     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 25.08.1945 pilot, 114 Squadron RAF (Italy, where he undertook 62 operational sorties)
Briggs,
Frank
F. Briggs (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
10.10.1894 ?
-
20.04.1957 ?
P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101615]
(WS) F/Lt. ? (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Briggs,
Gerald Robarts
G.R. Briggs (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
30.01.1905
Edmonton district, Middlesex
-
01.1994
St Albans district, Hertfordshire
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [103308]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Briggs,
Michael Featherstone
M.F. Briggs
Only son of Gp.Capt. Edward Featherstone Briggs (1882-1963), formerly of the RAF, and Violet Long (1896-1987), of Cookham, Berkshire.
(12?).1920
Hendon district, Middlesex
-
02.04.1941
(flying accident) [age 20]
[Cookham Parish Cemetery, F.F.6]
[commemorated on a stone seat in Cookham, Berkshire]
Sgt.
? [758115]
P/O (prob)
22.09.1940, seniority 21.09.1940 [86346]

Photo courtesy of Mr Dave Cotton

22.09.1940


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



pilot, 234 Squadron RAF (Battle of Britain)
04.11.1940
-
02.04.1941
pilot, 41 Squadron RAF
[Spitfire IIA P8049 crashed near Whashton, Richmond, North Yorkshire. The aircraft appeared diving vertically through cloud until striking ground at 11:30hrs, suspected of oxygen starvation.]
Bristow,
Henry William
H.W. Bristow
?
-
Ldg.Acm.
? [1284965]
P/O (prob)
06.11.1942 [132734]
(WS) F/O (prob)
06.05.1943
(A) F/Lt.
(1944)
(WS) F/Lt.
06.10.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
15.02.1944
*
* This officer has participated in many sorties, including several attacks on Berlin. He is a first class gunner, whose coolness and resolution in the face of the enemy have set a fine example. On one occasion, whilst over Berlin, his aircraft was attacked by 4 fighters. In the ensuing engagement, Flight Lieutenant Bristow displayed great efficiency. Although his turret became unserviceable, he gave skilful evading directions to his pilot who thus was enabled to out-manoeuvre the attackers. His cool work contributed materially to the successful completion of the sortie. In addition to his work in the air, this officer has rendered yeoman service in the training of other members of the squadron.
06.11.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)
 
 
158 Squadron RAF
Brittain,
Harold George
H.G. Brittain
Son of ... Brittain, and ... Quinby.
31.05.1918
Croydon district, London
-
06.2000
Fulham district, London
F/Sgt. ? [742017]
P/O (prob) 23.10.1941 [111488]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 23.10.1943
(A) Sq.Ldr. (1944)
F/Lt. RAF 01.07.1946, seniority 01.09.1945
Sq.Ldr. RAF 01.04.1955 (retd 01.04.1958)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 25.07.1944 *
Air Force Cross AFC 01.01.1944 ?
* This officer has displayed skill, determination and devotion to duty of a high order. He has completed a large number of sorties, including a number of harassing attacks on mechanical transport in the area of the fighting in Normandy. Squadron Leader Brittain also took part in a recent successful attack on a number of trucks at the railway sidings at Chattelerault. Although one engine of his aircraft became useless early on the homeward flight, Squadron Leader Brittain flew safely to base. His fine record is worthy of high praise.
23.10.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)     13 Operational Training Unit RAF (AFC)
(1944)     107 Squadron RAF (DFC)
01.07.1946     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [permanent commission]
Broad,
Cecil Lionel
C.L. Broad (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
Cpl. ? [961588]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 04.06.1941 [101774]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brook,
Robert
R. Brook
Son of Henry and Bayla Jeszurin, of Valenciennes, France.
1921 ?
-
16.09.1944
(KIA) [age 23]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 201]
F/Sgt.
? [1395885]
P/O (prob)
27.03.1944 [174668]
(A) F/Lt.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
12.02.1946
with effect from 15.09.44 *
* Acting Flight Lieutenant Brook, as navigator has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.
27.03.1944


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
16.09.1944
navigator, 405 Squadron RAF
[his Lancaster III [PB 527 LQ-K] had taken off from Gransden Lodge for an operation against Kiel; the plane crashed into the North Sea off the west coast of Denmark]
Brooke,
John North Hewlett
J.N.H. Brooke
Son of Joseph Hewlett Brooke, and Mary Beatrice Brooke, of Barn Elms, Newham, Winchfield.
Married ((09?).1919, St Giles district, London) Cecilia "Brownie" Lorraine, of Fareham, Hampshire.
Residence: Haresfield Court, Haresfield, nr Gloucester.
20.08.1896
Elham district, Kent
-
06.06.1942
Plough Inn, Quedgeley
(died after taking part in a cricket match) [age 45]
[Haresfield (St Peter) Churchyard, Gloucestershire, SW of church]
2nd Lt.
12.10.1914
T/Lt.
12.07.1915
Lt.
12.06.1915
Capt.
07.06.1917, seniority 01.06.1916 (reld 30.09.1921)
P/O (prob)
04.12.1939 [76421]
(WS) F/Lt. (prob)
21.08.1940
F/Lt.
04.12.1940
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
Education: Haileybury College (1910-1914; won life saving medaillon 1912).
1911
-
1914
late Cadet Corporal, Haileybury College Contingent, Junior Division, Officer Training Corps
26.10.1914
 
 
commissioned, 8th (Irish) Battalion The King's (Liverpool) Regiment - Territorial Force
?
-
06.02.1917
seconded, Machine Gun Corps
06.02.1917
-
09.01.1918
seconded, Assistant Instructor in Gunnery, School of Aerial Gunnery (graded as Equipment Officer, 2nd class)
09.01.1918


appointed F/O, Royal Flying Corps
Worked for the Electrical Services Works Company.
03.11.1923
-
31.03.1927
Temporary Commission as P/O (from 16.06.1924 F/O) for duty with the Electrical Services Works Company under the Directorate of Works and Buildings
By 1935 working for the Mechanical Department, Egyptian Public Works, Cairo.
04.12.1939


commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for Special Duties) [emergency commission]
24.04.1940
 
 
transferred to Technical Branch
Brooker,
Philip Francis
P.F. Brooker
Son of Thomas Brooker, and Edith Charlotte Ivory (1878-1955).
Married ((12?).1940, Hithcin district, Hertfordshire) Sylvia Daphne D. Pope (24.05.1920 - 12.1996); ... children (one son?).
03.07.1919
Hitchin district, Hertfordshire
-
02.1999
Hitchin and Stevenage district, Hertfordshire
Sgt. ? [748699]
P/O (prob) 24.11.1941 [112531]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 24.11.1943
F/O 18.07.1947
F/Lt. 01.03.1951, seniority 18.12.1947 (reld 18.07.1952)
Air Force Cross AFC 03.04.1945 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1945 ?
24.11.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945?)     3 Ferry Unit RAF
18.07.1947     commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section)
Brooking,
John Hugh Philip
J.H.P. Brooking (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101649]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brooks,
Arthur Neville
A.N. Brooks A.N. Brooks
Son of William Arthur Brooks, and Marie Elizabeth Welman.
Married (01.03.1946, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia) Joan Molly Sole (27.12.1923 - 19.02.2011); three daughters, one son.
11.10.1920
Melsetter, Southern Rhodesia
-
13.12.2000
Johannesburg, South Africa
F/Sgt. ? [778406]
P/O (prob) 17.01.1943 [142145]
(WS) F/O (prob) 17.07.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 17.01.1945
17.01.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      17 Squadron (Burma) [bailed out over Burma, 12.03.1942; Caterpillar pin]
Brooks,
George Henry
G.H. Brooks
Son of Cecil Henry Brooks (1898-1981), and Edith Maud Relf (1900-1982), of Horsham, Sussex.
Married ((09?).1940, Kensington district, London) Sylvia Stagg.
02?.1920
Shrewsbury, Atcham district, Shropshire
-
07.12.1940
(KIA) [age 20]
[Hopital-Camfrout Communal Cemetery, Finistere, France, collective grave]
Ldg.Acm. ? [747799]
P/O (prob) 07.04.1940 [78459]
07.04.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 07.12.1940 observer, 217 Squadron RAF
[Beaufort I N1154 (NW-B) took off for an operation to Brest from RAF St.Eval at 20:25 hrs. Aircraft was lost without trace. All four crew members are buried locally in France.]
Brooks,
Thomas Richard
T.R. Brooks
Son of ... Brooks, and ... Hirst.
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
07.08.1916
Wandsworth district, London
-
?
(T) F/Sgt. ? [746882]
P/O (prob) 30.01.1942 [115855]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 30.01.1944
30.01.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      99 Squadron RAF
Brooks,
William Booth
"Willie"
W.B. Brooks (Photo courtesy of Mr Ray Taylor)
Son of John and Josephine Margaret Brooks, of Templeogue, Co. Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
29.10.1919
-
07.02.1945
[age 25]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 265]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1133123]
P/O (prob) 10.11.1942 [134120]
(WS) F/O 10.05.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 10.11.1944
10.11.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 07.02.1945 64 Squadron RAF
[Mustang III (KH488) was lost on a Ramrod operation at 14:54 hrs due to oxygen problem near Wanne-Eickel.]
Broom,
[Sir] Ivor Gordon
I.G. Broom I.G. Broom
I.G. Broom 
Only son of Alfred Godfrey Broom, the Superintendent District Manager for the Prudential Assurance Company, and Janet Broom.
Married (07.1942) Jess Irene Cooepr; two sons, one daughter.

02.06.1920
Cardiff, Glamorgan
-
24.01.2003
Watford, Hertfordshire
...
...
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
25.04.1945
...
...
Air Marshal
01.07.1974 (retd 06.07.1977)

for details, see: www.rafweb.org

Education: West Monmouth Grammar School; Pontypridd County School, Glamamorgan
...
-
...
...
Literature: Tony Spooner, Clean sweep : the life of Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom, KCB, CBE, DSO, DFC and two Bars, AFC (2004)
Brown,
Donald James
J.G. Brown
Son of William Gordon Brown and Hilda Mary Perry, of Gloucester.
(12?).1914
Gloucester district, Gloucestershire
-
12.09.1942
[age 27]
[Alamein Memorial, column 247]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1182672]
P/O (prob) 17.06.1941 [68804]
(WS) F/O (prob) 13.01.1942
(WS) F/O 17.06.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 14.08.1942, seniority 01.04.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
17.06.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 12.09.1942 104 Squadron RAF (died travelling home aboard the s.s. Laconia)
Brown,
George Harold
G.H. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [102321]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brown,
Gilbert William
G.W. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101650]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brown,
John Fergusson
J.F. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
15.07.1913
-
02.2000
Cirencester district, Gloucestershire
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 26.05.1941 [104146]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brown,
Joseph Godfrey
J.G. Brown
Son of Joseph Brown, and of Laura Brown, of Bradford, Yorkshire.
1910 ?
-
24.02.1945
[age 35]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 265]
Sgt.
? [1115845]
P/O (prob)
25.01.1943 [139397]
(A?) F/Lt.
?
25.01.1943


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
24.02.1945
GTR Operational Training Unit
Brown,
Leslie Charles Montague
L.C.M. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
21.05.1902
Hendon district, Middlesex
-
(03?).1981
Poole district, Dorset
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [104744]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Brown,
Norman Gough
N.G. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr Rick Cannam)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 10.10.1941[108349]
... ...
10.10.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     Adjutant, 145 Squadron RAF
Brown,
Reginald Lewis
R.L. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Leslie Mills Brown)
Son of ... Brown, and ... Slade.
31.08.1914
Croydon district, London
-
31.12.1977
Sutton district, Greater London
F/Sgt. ? [1208557]
P/O (prob) 29.05.1943 [146692]
(WS) F/O (prob) 29.11.1943
(A) F/Lt. (1944)
(WS)F/Lt. 29.05.1945
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 22.05.1945 *
39|45 St - -
Aircrew Europe Star AirCr Eur - & clasp France and Germany
Defence Medal DefM - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
* Now on his second tour of operations, Flying Officer Brown has shown himself to be a very able Bomb Aimer. His steadiness in action and his determination to press home his attacks have been a source of inspiration to all. He is strongly recommended for the Non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. (OC 582 Sqn) This officer's skill as a Bomb Aimer and his unfailing determination to carry out the task in hand makes him very worthy of the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. (Stn Cdr - RAF Station Little Staughton).
29.05.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     582 (Pathfinder) Squadron RAF (DFC)
      total hours flown - 204.05, number of sorties - 40
Freeman, City of London.
Browne,
John Henry
"Jack"
J.H. Browne
Married Angela...; .one daughter, two sons.
23.08.1910
Galway, Ireland
-
1993 ?
Dublin, Ireland
F/O 08.10.1940 [86291]
(WS) F/Lt. 08.10.1941 (Emgcy List) (reld 23.08.1955; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
Education: MB, BCh.
08.10.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (Medical Branch) [emergency commission]
Brundle,
Hubert Frederick
H.F. Brundle
Son of ... Brundle, and ... Brown.
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
(09?).1919
Thanet district, Surrey / Kent
-
Sgt. ? [959740]
P/O (prob) 29.07.1943 [155804]
(WS) F/O 29.01.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 29.07.1945 (reld 09.12.1949)
F/O 09.12.1949
F/Lt. 08.12.1954 (reld 19.11.1968)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 08.12.1944 ?
29.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     air gunner, 7 Squadron RAF (DFC)
09.12.1949 - 18.01.1962 commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section) (Secretarial Branch)
18.01.1962 - 19.11.1968 commissioned, RAFVR (Training Branch)
 
Bryant,
James
"Bim"
J. Bryant (Photo courtesy of Mr Martin Piggott)
Son of James Edward Bryant (1890-1950), and Emily May Bottle (1895-1984).
Married (20.10.1945, Manchester, Lancashire) Hilda Cook (04.09.1925 - 14.09.2010); two sons, one daughter.
15.06.1924
Fulham district, London
-
11.10.1988
Fulham district, London
Ldg.Acm. ? [1605836]
P/O (prob) 11.08.1944 [166097]
(WS) F/O 11.02.1945
F/O 01.11.1947, seniority 11.08.1945
11.08.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      B Flight, No. 4 Squadron, No. 5 Initial Training Wing
 
Bryant,
William Richard
"Bill"
W.R. Bryant (Photo courtesy of Mr Nigel Bryant) W.R. Bryant (Photo courtesy of Mr Nigel Bryant)
W.R. Bryant (Photo courtesy of Mr Nigel Bryant) W.R. Bryant (Photo courtesy of Mr Nigel Bryant)
Son (with two brothers and one sister) of Ernest Bryant (1893-?) and Rose H. Stephens (1899-1991).
Married (14.10.1943, Saltash, Cornwall) Joan Catherine Mary Ashton (1924 -); two sons.
21.03.1922
Forder, Saltash, Cornwall
-
16.08.1993
Poole, Dorset
Acm. 2nd cl. 07.08.1941 [1339649]
Ldg.Acm. 13.03.1942
Sgt. 27.02.1943
(T) F/Sgt. 27.02.1944
(T) Wt.Offr. 27.02.1945
P/O (prob) 31.07.1945, seniority 12.02.1945 [198925]
(WS) F/O 23.11.1945, seniority 12.08.1945 (demobilized 08.10.1946) (Emgcy List) (reld 01.07.1959)
Education: Saltash Secondary School, 1934-1938.
Tax Officer, HM Inspector of Taxes, Barnstaple, N.Devon 1939-1941.
07.08.1941     WsM Reserve
03.11.1941     1 Air Crew Reception Centre RAF
13.12.1941     Air Crew Disposal Wing RAF
03.01.1942     6 Initial Training Wing RAF
21.04.1942     50 Group Pool RAF
27.05.1942     Air Crew Dispatch Centre RAF
02.06.1942     31 Personnel Despatch Centre RAF (Moncton) (Arnold U844)
21.09.1942     Personnel Reception Centre RAF
14.04.1943     ‘A’ Whitley Bay
12.05.1943     7 Personnel Reception Centre RAF
18.05.1943     6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF
08.06.1943     1517 Beam Approach Training Flight RAF
18.06.1943     6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF
      Chedworth
07.07.1943     6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF
13.07.1943     104 (Transport) Operational Training Unit RAF
24.10.1943     Ferry Crew Pool RAF, Lyneham
24.11.1943     303 Ferry Training Unit RAF
28.12.1943     RAF Station Lyneham
28.12.1943     3CO7 ADV(?)
01.01.1944     RAF Station Lyneham
16.01.1944     1 Overseas Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF
22.01.1944     1 Ferry Crew Pool RAF
02.02.1944     303 Ferry Training Unit RAF
24.02.1944     1 Ferry Crew Pool RAF
24.02.1944     30 Aircraft Delivery Unit RAF
01.03.1944     1 Ferry Crew Pool RAF
      303 Ferry Training Unit RAF
04.04.1944     RAF Station Pershore
06.04.1944     229 Group RAF
      Ex UK. 21 Ferry Control RAF
17.06.1944     Transport Support Training Unit
19.07.1944     117 Squadron RAF (21 Ferry Control RAF, from 12.02.1945 229 Group RAF, Air Command South East Asia)
31.07.1945     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [with effect from 12.02.1945]
01.04.1946     229 Bonum Flight (?) (Air Command South East Asia)
15.06.1946     1 DU Personnel Dispatch Centre RAF (Area 28)
07.07.1946     104 Personnel Dispatch Centre RAF (for release)
Returned to civilian career as Inspector of Taxes until retirement in 1987.
Bryce,
John Magarey
J.M. Bryce
Married Jane Anne ... (died 07.05.1969).
?
-
Sgt.
? [1315621]
P/O (prob)
05.12.1941 [121271]
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
05.12.1943
F/O
28.02.1947 (reld 19.07.1947)
05.12.1941

commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
14.10.1942
pilot, 227 Squadron RAF (flew Beaufighters)
[Whilst attacking enemy shipping off the North African coast his aircraft received direct hits in the engines from enemy fire, causing it to crash into the sea. He survived and was rescued by the Italian torpedo boat Medici, and became a Prisoner-of-War, together with his Navigator Flight Sergeant Cole]
14.10.1942
-
1945?
POW in Italian & German captivity [see questionnaire]
28.02.1947
-
19.07.1947
commissioned, Reconstituted RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
Buchan,
John May
J.M. Buchan (Photo courtesy of Morag Buchan)
1919
Inverallochy
-

Newcastle, nr Toronto, Ont., Canada
F/Sgt.
? [1349963]
P/O (prob)
16.06.1944 [177622]
P/O
16.12.1944
(A) F/O
1944?
(WS) F/O
16.12.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
20.02.1945
?
16.06.1944


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)


12 Squadron RAF



served in Europe, Egypt & Middle East; one of his most interesting experiences was probably flying 16 imprisoned members of the Stern Gang, including leader Yitzak Shamir, from Cairo to Wahdi
Buchanan,
Stuart
S. Buchanan
Son of John and Janet Buchanan, of Dumbarton.
1922 ?
-
08.04.1945
(KIA) [age 23]
[Kirkee War Cemetery, India, 4.B.10]
F/Sgt.
? [1342414]
P/O (prob)
08.04.1945 [199905]
08.04.1945

commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



navigator
Buchanan-Wollaston,
Nigel Richard
N.R. Buchanan-Wollaston N.R. Buchanan-Wollaston
N.R. Buchanan-Wollaston N.R. Buchanan-Wollaston
Son (with two brothers) of Hugo John Buchanan Wollaston (1884-1970), and Beryl Maud Wrightson (1894-1984).
Brother of Lt.Cdr. John Alexander Buchanan-Wollaston, RN.

Married ((06?).1951, Hampstead district, Middlesex) Brighid Mary Twistington Higgins (12.07.1928 - 20.11.2012), daughter (with teo brothers and three sisters) of Thomas Twistington Higgins (1887-1966), and Jessie Ingram (1888-1975); three daughters.
10.12.1921
Lowestoft, Mutford district, Suffolk
-
23.02.1983
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Sgt. ? [1508116]
P/O (prob) 27.01.1944 [170157]
(WS) F/O 27.07.1944
27.01.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for administrative and miscellaneous duties) [emergency commission]
Actor, known for Quartet (1948), The Woman in the Hall (1947) and Fools Rush In (1949).
Published:
Farms and schools : a handbook for teachers (with T.W.B. Illsley; 1975).
Buck,
Jack Dalton
R.W. Buck
(03?).1909 ??
South Stoneham district, Hampshire ??
-
Cpl.
? [861794]
P/O (prob)
10.07.1940, seniority 24.06.1940 [81711]
P/O
10.07.1941, seniortiy 25.04.1941
(WS) F/O
10.07.1941, seniortiy 25.04.1941
(T) F/Lt.
01.09.1942
10.07.1940


commissioned, RAFVR (Balloon Branch) [emergency commission]
Buck,
Ronald William
R.W. Buck
(03?).1921 ??
Darlington district, Durham, Yorkshire - North Riding ??
-
Cpl.
? [861769]
P/O (prob)
06.06.1940, seniority 25.04.1940 [80566]
P/O
06.01.1941, seniority 25.04.1941
(WS) F/O
06.01.1941, seniority 25.04.1941
(T) F/Lt.
01.06.1942 (reld 03.05.1946) (Emgcy List ...) (reld 10.02.1954)
06.06.1940


commissioned, RAFVR (Balloon Branch) [emergency commission]



served in various overseas stations including Iraq
06.06.1945
 
 
transferred, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
Buckler,
Henry Wilkinson Valentine
H.W.V. Buckler
14.02.1904
Newport, Wales
-
28.03.1951
Ldg.Acm.
? [1585100]
P/O (prob)
20.04.1943 [141340]
(WS) F/O (prob)
20.10.1943
(WS) F/Lt.
20.04.1945 (reld 30.09.1945; medical unfitness for Air Force service; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
20.04.1943


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



108 Squadron RAF (Malta) 
[severely burned when his Beaufighter crashed at Luqa, Malta 13/12/43; Pilot Flt.Sgt. C.H.M. Daniell was killed]
Buckley,
John
J. Buckley
Son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Buckley, of Oldham, Lancashire.
1921 ?
-
07.04.1944
(MIA) [age 23]
[Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 279]
F/Sgt. ? [1005988]
P/O (prob) 17.10.1942 [134357]
(WS) F/O 17.10.1943?
17.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Buckley,
John William
J.W. Buckley (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [102225]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Budd,
Harold George
H.G. Budd (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 25.07.1941 [102682]
... ...
25.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
 
Budge,
Reginald Koostra
R.K. Budge
Son of Reginald Charles Koostra Budge (1876-1930), and Adah Beatrice Benning (1884-1972).
His brother Leading Writer Richard Budge, RN, was killed in action 08.06.1940 when aircraft carrier HMS Glorious was sunk.
Married ((06?).1945, Edmonton district, Middlessex) Sgt. Dorcas Annie Strudwick, WRAF (25.04.1921 - 11.2001) (his secretary prior to his departure to India in 1945); one son.
05.12.1907
Stoke, Devonport district, Devon
-
10?.1980
Tavistock district, Devon
Sgt. ?
P/O (prob) 25.04.1939 [73111]
F/O 06.08.1939
(WS) F/Lt. 01.07.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1943, seniority 01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1943 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
(A) W/Cdr. (1944)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE 08.06.1944 HM's birthday 44
Officer, Legion of Merit (USA) LM 09.10.1945 ?
25.04.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
24.04.1940     transferred, RAFVR (Technical Branch)
      Commanding Officer, RAF West Kingsdown (Kent) (HQ of RAF 'Y' Service)
Bullman,
Bertie Allan
B.A. Bullman (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
Cpl. ? [750950]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 05.05.1941 [101773]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Bullock,
Douglas James
D.J. Bullock
Son of Charlie and Florence Bullock, of Scunthorpe, Humberside.
1921 ?
-
24.10.1943
[age 22]
[Port of Spain (St James) Military Cemetery, Trinidad and Tobago, Eastern Portion, grave 16]
Sgt. ? [1544877]
P/O (prob) 03.07.1943 [149121]
03.07.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      navigator
Bulpitt,
Arthur Norman
A.N. Bulpitt
Son of Charles Frederick Bulpitt (1888-1984), and Celia Ruth Neudego (1888-1957), of Orpington, Kent.
1916 ?
-
03.03.1943
(KIA) [age 27]
[Egersund Churchyard, Norway, A.6.1]
(T) F/Sgt. ? [741828]
P/O (prob) 03.12.1941 [116940]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
03.12.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 03.03.1943 pilot, 139 (Jamaica) Squadron RAF
[Mosquito DZ463 [XD-O] airborne 12:00 hrs from Marham to bomb a molybdenum mine naar Knaben. Homebound, intercepted by Fw190s and shot down off the Norwegian coast. Both occupants killed.]
Burgess,
Donald Eric
"Don"
D.E. Burgess
Son of James Burgess, and Lucy Holmes.
Married (12.1940, Edinburgh, Scotland) Eileen Winifred Roughan (18.11.1914 - 11.1963), daughter (with four brothers and four sisters) of Martin Roughan (1876-1948), and Mary Christina Maher (1885-1971); two daughters.
27.03.1906
Edmonton district, Middlesex
-
11.1978
Bildeston, Sudbury district, Suffolk
Acm. 2nd cl. ? [1266212]
(A) P/O (prob) 08.08.1941, seniority 19.06.1941 [102785]
P/O (prob) 08.10.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(A) F/Lt. 1944?
08.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
His daughter writes: "He was in the Western Desert and then was posted sometime in 1945 to Horsham."
Another relative writes: "Don served in the Middle East and North Africa in the RAF. He was already thirty-three at the outbreak of the war, colour blind, and as a result not deemed fit for aircrew, Later in the war he was station adjutant on a bomber base in Norfolk. He worked in radio and radar - intercepting German transmissions in the Western Desert and relaying them on to Cairo. He was in part of the RAF attached to the Eighth Army and certainly already knew about Enigma when the Official Secrets Act was lifted."
Burgess,
William Graham
W.G. Burgess (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
?
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941 [101651]
(WS) F/O ?
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Burke,
Reginald Gordon
A.L. Butcher
Son of Francis Montague Burke, and Nellie May Tyler.
Twin brother of F/Lt. Russell Charles Burke, RAFVR.
Married 1st ((12?).1938, Surrey North Eastern district) Aubyn F. Hayes (31.05.1922 - 02.01.2008); two sons. Aubyn Burke remarried (1946) Knut A. Barstrom.
Married 2nd ((06?).1946, Surrey North Eastern district) Margaret D. Smith; ... children.
26.02.1914
Croydon district, London
-
(06?).1983
Banbury district, Oxfordshire
Ldg.Acm. ? [1281200]
P/O (prob) 29.01.1943 [151224]
(WS) F/O (prob) 29.07.1943 (dismissal by sentence of a General Court Martial 29.04.1944)
29.01.1943     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Burke,
Russell Charles
A.L. Butcher
Son of Francis Montague Burke, and Nellie May Tyler.
Twin brother of F/O Reginald Gordon Burke, RAFVR.
Married 1st ((03?).1938, Surrey North Eastern district) Eileen W.M. Hilliard ((12?).1921- ); one daughter. Eileen Burke remarried (1944) Maurice A. Baxter.
Married 2nd (14.08.1945, North Kesteven, Lincolnshire) Diana Mary Tysoe (08.02.1920 - 09.2000), daughter of Leonard F. Tysoe, and Annie C. Craddock; one son, one daughter.
26.02.1914
Croydon district, London
-
04.2002
Bedford district, Bedfordshire
Acm. 1st cl. ? [1281223]
(A) P/O (prob) 30.05.1941, seniority 04.03.1941 [67269]
P/O (prob) 30.07.1941
P/O 30.05.1942
(WS) F/O 30.07.1942, seniority 04.05.1942 (reld 09.02.1950; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(T) F/Lt. ?
F/O 09.02.1950
F/Lt. 28.12.1951 (reld 09.02.1960)
30.05.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
09.02.1950     commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section) (Secretarial Branch)
Burnage,
Leonard Henry
L.H. Burnage (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
25.04.1907
Ilsington district, London
-
(12?).1977
St Austell district, Cornwall
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941 [103309]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Burnell,
Aubrey William Alexander
A.W.A. Burnell (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Mitchell)
Son of William and Gertrude A. Burnell, of Streatham, London.
(06?).1920
Wandsworth district, Greater London
-
21.07.1944
[age 24]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 210]
F/Sgt.
? [1376402]
P/O (prob)
29.05.1944 [177502]
29.05.1944


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
21.07.1944
97 Squadron RAF
[his Lancaster R for Robert- PA979 had taken off 2319 hrs from Coningsby with orders to bomb railways in the area of Courtrai and was lost without trace]
Burrell,
Arthur Charles
A.C. Burrell
Son of Thomas Sampson Burrell, and Mabel Bunting.
Married ((12?).1939, Wirral district, Cheshire) Pamela Mary Bielski ((12?).1914 - ), of Marylebone, London
06.06.1913
Sculcoates district, East Riding of Yorkshire
-
17.09.1943
[Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, II.C.1]]
Ldg.Acm. ? [1151369]
P/O (prob) 12.07.1941 [101577]
(WS) F/O 12.07.1942
(A) F/Lt. ?
12.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 17.09.1943 navigator, 114 Squadron RAF
Burrows,
Geoffrey David
G.D. Burrows (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
(06?).1919
Tendring district, Essex / Suffolk
-
(A) P/O (prob) 15.08.1941, seniority 07.07.1941 [104160]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
15.08.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Burt,
Edward Russell
E.R. Burt
Son (with three brothers) of Ernest E. Burt, and Mabel Bloomfield.
Brother of Capt. Spencer Ernest Burt, Army Dental Corps & Lt. Herbert George Burt, RNVR.
18.11.1917
Woodbridge district, Suffolk
-
10.2003
Great Yarmouth district, Norfolk
F/O
28.01.1941 [60494]
(WS) F/Lt.
28.01.1942
28.01.1941
 
 
commissioned, RAFVR (Dental Branch) [emergency commission]
Burton,
Roger William
R.W. Burton (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Platt)
Son of William Burton, and Cathrine Alice Rogers, of Cockfosters, Hertfordshire.
28.10.1913
Stoke Newington, Hackney district, London
-
20.05.1940
(KIA) [age 26]
[Querrieu British Cemetery, France, row E, grave 15]
Aircraftman 2nd class 27.06.1937 [740377]
Sgt. 28.06.1937
P/O (prob) 01.04.1940 [78440]
Bank clerk. Gained civil aviator's certificate (No. 17971) on 08.12.1938, taken on a D.H. 82A Tiger, 130 Gipsy, Hawker Andax, 470, Kestrel, at De Havilland Flying School.
01.04.1939 - 26.08.1939 11 (Fighter) Group Pool RAF (from Reserve)
26.08.1939 - 08.10.1939 pilot, 43 Squadron RAF (Tangmere)
08.10.1939 - 10.04.1940 pilot, 605 Squadron RAF (Tangmere, 02.1940 Leuchars, from 02.1940 Wick)
01.04.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
10.04.1940 - 14.05.1940 pilot, 145 Squadron RAF (Croydon, from 05.1940 Filton)
14.05.1940 - 20.05.1940 pilot, 85 Squadron RAF (Lille/Seclin)
[Arrived 14.05.1940 at Lille/Seclin to operate in France. His Hurricane Mk. I P2437 was shot down 20.05.1940 by Messerschmitts Me 109 of II./Jagdgeschwader 3 during a ground attack, crashing six miles north-east of Amiens.]
Butcher,
Arthur Lepine
A.L. Butcher
Son of ... Butcher, and ... Blackburn.
17.06.1912
Lewisham district, London
-
(09?).1971
Stoke-on-Trent district, Staffordshire
Sgt. ? [1206690]
P/O (prob) 12.07.1941 [109987]
(WS) F/O 12.07.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 12.07.1943
F/Lt. 12.08.1951 (reld 01.06.1954)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 17.07.1945 ?
Education: BA.
12.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     12 Squadron RAF
01.06.1951     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) (Reconstituted Section)
Mathematics teacher, Ermysted's Grammar School at Skipton.
Published: Cave survey (1951); A key plan of Gaping Gill : skeleton surveys of the underground system related to a surface plane-table survey of the entrances and intervening shake-holes (1953).
Butcher,
George William
G.W. Butcher
Married ...; ... children.

16.09.1891
-
02.1981
Surrey Northern district, Surrey
T/2nd Lt. 08.08.1918 (Unemployed List 17.09.1919)
P/O (prob) 17.07.1940 [82073]
(WS) F/O 17.07.1941
(T) F/Lt. 01.09.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 12.03.1943 (reld 18.05.1945; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(A?) Sq.Ldr. 1945?
17.07.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Butcher,
Leonard Arthur
L.A. Butcher
Son (with three brothers and two sisters) of Arthur George Butcher, and Amy Frances Fowler, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
(09?).1922
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland
-
28.01.1945
(KIA) [age 22]
[Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Byker and Heaton) Cemetery, section 20, grave 372]
Sgt. ? [1504553]
P/O (prob) 31.10.1942 [132607]
(WS) F/O 30.04.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 31.10.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 15.08.1944 ?
      "C" Company, 12th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers - Home Guard
31.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     navigator, 10 Squadron RAF
? - 28.01.1945 navigator, 16 Operational Training Unit RAF
[de Havilland Mosquito B Mk. XX [KB153] departed from Barford St John for a training. Spun into the ground near airfield following a port engine failure. Both Butcher and pilot F/Lt. J.McP. Richardson RAAF were killed.]
Butler,
William Leslie
D.J. Bullock
1908
-
Acm. 1st cl. ? [1456561]
(A) P/O (prob) 22.10.1942 [131720]
P/O 22.12.1942 (reld 1946?)
22.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
      stationed variously at Andrewsfield, Essex, Middle Wallop, Wiltshire and briefly at Kenley, Surrey during the war, possibly ending up at Cranwell as an Instructor
Butson,
Ivan John
I.J. Butson
Son of ... Butson, and ... Budden.
Married ((06?).1937, Exeter district, Devon) Dorothy Anne C. Wyatt.
24.03.1917
Long Ashton district, Somerset
-
13.02.2017
Victoria, Australia
Ldg.Acm. ? [1626871]
(A) P/O (prob) 07.04.1944 [164750]
(WS) F/O 07.10.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 07.04.1946
07.04.1944     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Buxton,
Charles Jesse
C.J. Buxton (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
Elder son (with one brother and one sister) of Jesse Buxton, and Florence Dora Lowe.
Married (04.1943, Southam district, Warwickshire) Mary Jeffery; three daughters, one son.
28.04.1912
Newcastle under Lyme district, Staffordshire
-
07.08.1988
Sefton North district, Merseyside
Cpl. ? [1187525]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 16.06.1941 [101747]
P/O (prob) 18.09.1941
P/O 18.07.1942
(WS) F/O 18.09.1942 (demobilized 1946) (Emgcy List) (reld 28.04.1957; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(A) F/Lt. ?
1940     joined RAFVR
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
His daughter summarizes his career as follows: "PE Instructor. Employed in Remedial Gymnastics for 14 months, with Bomber Command for a year. 1942, Ringway, parachuting. (Mentioned in dispatches for his work there) Late 1943 seconded to the Poles in Scotland for 6 months. RAF Parachuting Instructor, training both British and Allied paratroops. Took part in 8 special missions at night over enemy-occupied territory. Made over 150 drops while training others. Attached for periods to 6th British Airborne Division and Polish Parachute brigade, assisting them to prepare for operations. 1944 awarded Croix de Guerre with palms, by the French Government. 1944 seconded to the Free French as adviser on parachuting for a propaganda film (awarded Croix de Guerre). Went back to Physical Education Teaching after the War, first in Stoke-on-Trent, until 1947, then appointed to Widnes, (then Lancashire) as PE Advisor for parts of Lancashire, then 1966 to Southport. Retired in 1977."
Bynon,
Herbert Stanley
A.G. Beaumont (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Aitken)
07.12.1898
Macclesfield, Cheshire
-
03.1982
Newcastle upon Tyne district, Tyne and Wear
Cpl. ? [321775]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.07.1941, seniority 11.06.1941 [101746]
(WS) F/O ? (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
? - 07.1941 No. 72 Course, Officers' School RAF
18.07.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
       

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z