British officers  |  RAF(VR)  |  home

Royal Air Force (RAF) Officers
1939-1945

 

Looking for details on a RAF 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

D.R.S. Bader  to  V.G.L.D. Byrne
Bader,
[Sir] Douglas Robert Steuart
D.R.S. Bader
Second son of Frederick Roberts Bader (1869?-1922), Maj. IARO, VD, IES, and Jessie Scott-Mackenzie (1876-) [she remarried (1922) Ernest W. Hobbs].
Married 1st (05.10.1933, Hampstead register office; formal marriage 05.10.1937, St Mary Abbots church, Kensington) Olive Thelma Exley
Edwards (18.12.1907 - 24.01.1971), daughter of Lt.Col. Ivo Arthyr Exley Edwards (1881-1947), RAF (retired), and Olive Maude Amy Donaldson (1885?-1957) [she remarried (1919) Arthur M. Addison]; no children.
Married 2nd (03.01.1973) Mrs Joan Eileen Murray, daughter of Horace Hipkiss.

21.02.1910
St John's Wood, Marylebone, London
-

05.09.1982
London
P/O 26.07.1930 [26151]
F/O 06.06.1932 (retd 30.04.1933; ill-health)
(A?) F/Lt. 04.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 24.09.1940
(A) Sq.Ldr. 24.06.1940
(A) W/Cdr. 03.1941
(T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1945
(WS) W/Cdr. 01.12.1945
(A?) Gp.Capt. 06.1945 (retd 21.07.1946)
Knight Bachelor Kt 12.06.1976 HM's birthday; for services to disabled people
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) CBE 02.01.1956 New Year 56; for services to the disabled
Distinguished Service Order DSO 01.10.1940 *
Distinguished Service Order DSO 15.07.1941 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 07.01.1941 ***
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 09.09.1941 ****
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - & clasp Battle of Britain
Aircrew Europe Star AirEur St - & clasp Atlantic
Defence Medal Def M - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 17.03.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 31.01.1947 ?
Chevalier, Légion d'Honneur (France) LegH ? ?
Croix de Guerre (France) CdeG ? ?
* This officer has displayed gallantry and leadership of the highest order. During three recent engagements he has led his squadron with such skill and ability that thirty-three enemy aircraft have been destroyed. In the course of these engagements Squadron Leader Bader has added to his previous successes by destroying six enemy aircraft.
** This officer has led his wing on a series of consistently successful sorties over enemy territory during the past three months. His high qualities of leadership and courage have been an inspiration to all. Wing Commander Bader has destroyed 15 hostile aircraft.
*** Squadron Leader Bader has continued to lead his squadron and wing with the utmost gallantry on all occasions. He has now destroyed a total of ten hostile aircraft and damaged several more.
**** This fearless pilot has recently added a further four enemy aircraft to his previous successes; in addition he has probably destroyed another four and damaged five hostile aircraft. By his fine leadership and high courage Wing Commander Bader has inspired the wing on every occasion.
Education: St Edward's School, Oxford (won a prize cadetship to the RAF); RAF College, Cranwell.
26.07.1930     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
      pilot, 23 (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Kenley)
14.12.1931     lost both legs in flying accident when he crashed on Woodley airfield
31.10.1932     Station HQ, RAF Duxford
Joined Asiatic Petroleum Co. Ltd, 1933.
26.11.1939 - 21.07.1946 recalled to active service:
26.11.1939 - 06.02.1940 Central Flying School & refresher course
07.02.1940 - 04.1940 19 Squadron RAF (Duxford)
04.1940 - 23.06.1940 Flight Commander, A Flight, 222 Squadron (Duxford)
24.06.1940 - 03.1941 Commanding Officer, 242 (Canadian) Squadron RAF (Coltishall, Norfolk)
03.1941 - 09.08.1941 Wing Leader, 12 Group Wing (Tangmere, Sussex)
09.08.1941 - 15.04.1945 captured after collision with enemy aircraft over Bethune; released by American 1st Army from Colditz, near Leipzig
09?.1945 - 03.1946 took command of first the Fighter Leaders School, and then the North Weald fighter sector

11.07.1940
30.08.1940
15.09.1940
27.09.1940










23 victories:
1 Do 17
½ Bf 110
½ Do 17
1 Bf 109
Rejoined Shell Petroleum Co. (late Asiatic Petroleum Co.) [got civil aviator's licence No. 21386 at 03.07.1946 after having qualified with 300 flying hours in the RAF]; Managing Director, Shell Aircraft Ltd, 1958-69, retd. Led first post-war Battle of Britain fly­past, 15 September 1945. Member, Civil Aviation Authority, 1972-78; Chairman, Flight Time Limitations Board, 1974-78.
FRAeS 1976. Hon. DSc New Univ. of Ulster, 1976. DL Greater London, 1977.
Published: Fight for the sky : the story of the Spitfire and the Hurricane (1973)
Literature: Paul Brickhill, Reach for the sky : the story of Douglas Bader, DSO, DFC (1954); Laddie Lucas, Flying colours : the epic story of Douglas Bader (1981); Robert Jackson, Douglas Bader : a biography (1983); John Frayn Turner, The Bader tapes (1986); Michael G. Burns, Bader: the man and his men (1998); John Frayn Turner, Douglas Bader : a biography of the legendary World War II fighter pilot (2001); John Frayn Turner, The Bader wing (2007);  S.P. Mackenzie, Bader's war (2008).

D.R.S. Bader (Photo courtesy of Mr Roy Styles)

Badley,
William
W. Badley
23.04.1887
-
(12.)1967
Swindon district, Wiltshire
Sq.Ldr.
01.01.1937 [13057]
(T) W/Cdr.
01.06.1940 (retd 23.04.1942)
  Gk AFC
29.12.1942
?
01.04.1918


first commission RAF



qualified at specialist engineering course
24.04.1942
-
23.01.1945
re-employed on active service
Bailey,
Leonard Shaw Meadows
L.S.M. Bailey
Married R.A. Bailey (née ...).
30.03.1909
Amesbury, Wiltshire
-
21.01.1986
Enborne, nr Newbury, Berkshire
Wt.Off.
? [507896]
F/O (prob)
01.04.1940 [43412]
F/O
01.04.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
01.04.1940
(A) Sq.Ldr.
(1942)
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1942
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
15.12.1944
Sq.Ldr.
01.01.1947, seniority 01.09.1945 (retd 31.12.1954; own request; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
(A) W/Cdr.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 23.03.1945 ?
Air Force Cross AFC 11.07.1940 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 11.06.1942 ?
Mention in Despatches MID ? ?
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St ? ?
Aircrew Europe Star AirEur St ? ?
Defence Medal Def M ? ?
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 ? ?
RAF Long Service Good Conduct Medal LSGCM ? ?
01.04.1940
 
commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)


35 Squadron RAF
01.01.1947


transferred, Aircraft Control Branch [extended service]
02.10.1948


permanent commission
Bailey,
Sidney James
S.J. Bailey
30.06.1894
St Olave Southwark, London
-
24.08.1979
Cheam, Sutton district, Surrey
F/Lt.
? [13218]
Sq.Ldr.
01.01.1937
(A) Gp.Capt.
?
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.01.1944
Gp.Capt.
01.07.1947 (retd 27.05.1949)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) CBE
01.01.1946
New Year 46
Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) MBE
03.06.1930
HM's birthday 30
01.04.1918


first commission



observer officer
?


transferred from General Duties Branch to Secretarial Branch
Bain,
Richard Erskine
R.E. Bain
26.10.1900
Mercara, Coorg, South India
-
31.12.1978
Poole district, Dorset
(formerly of Ringwood, Hampshire)
F/Lt.
? [17074]
Sq.Ldr.
01.10.1936
(T) W/Cdr.
01.01.1940
(WS) W/Cdr.
01.11.1942
W/Cdr.
01.07.1947
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.01.1944-01.11.1947 (retd 01.07.1950)
13.11.1922


first commission
(01.1939)
-
late 1939
Commanding Officer, 43 Squadron RAF (Tangmere)
Baker,
Abel
W. Baker (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Parker) W. Baker (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Parker)
W. Baker (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Parker)
Son (with one younger brother) of Abel Baker (1899-1962), and Doris Elsie Palmer (1903-1961), of Cardiff.
18.10.1921
Cardiff, Glamorganshire
-
21.02.1945
(MPK) [age 23]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 625]
Aircraft Hand/Flight Mechanic 31.01.1939 [632725]
Acm. 2nd cl. 31.12.1939
Ldg.Acm. 31.12.1940
P/O (prob) 17.07.1942 [49264]
(WS) F/O (prob) 17.01.1943
(WS) F/O 1943, seniority 17.01.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 17.07.1944
Machine operator, B.S.A. Co., Small Heathe, 06.1938-01.1939.
03.09.1939 - 16.07.1942 served in the ranks for 2 years, 316 days
17.07.1942     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
17.02.1942 - 23.11.1943 No. 33 Service Flying Training School RAF (Canada)
24.11.1943 - 17.01.1944 No. 7 Personnel Reception Centre RAF (54 Group RAF)
18.01.1944 - 01.01.1945 1674 Conversion Unit RAF, from 16.11.1944 1674 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF (17 Group RAF)
02.01.1945 - 21.02.1945 pilot, 58 Squadron RAF (18 Group RAF) (Stornoway, Isle of Lewis)
[Halifax Mk. II JP173 (BY-H) took off 19:00 hrs for an anti-shipping patrol over the Skagerrak. The aircraft went missing. Crew of nine was missing, presumed killed.]
Baker,
Ernest Reginald
"Reg(gie)"
E.R. Baker (Photo from http://www.eregbaker.info)
E.R. Baker (Photo from http://www.eregbaker.info)
E.R. Baker (Photo from http://www.eregbaker.info)
E.R. Baker (Photo from http://www.eregbaker.info)
E.R. Baker (Photo from http://www.eregbaker.info)
E.R. Baker (Photo from http://www.eregbaker.info)
Son of William and Eliza Baker.
Married (28.09.1940, Portsdown, Hampshire) Norma E.M. Snelling (born 1920), of Bedhampton, Hampshire, England; one daughter, one son.

30.03.1914
Doncaster, Yorkshire
-
16.06.1944
(KIA) [age 30]
[Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, France, XIII.H.11]

(A) P/O (prob)
07.05.1938 [40660]
F/O
17.08.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
17.08.1941
(A) Sq.Ldr.
08.1942?
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1943
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
02.04.1944
(A) W/Cdr.
05.12.1943?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
21.11.1944
* [with effect from 15.06.1944] (posthumously) [investiture next-of-kin 20.02.45]
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
22.11.1940
U-boat attack 16.08.40 &tc. [investiture 03.03.41]
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
01.10.1943
recent operations 08-09.43

* Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross in August 1943, this officer has led a large number of fighter bomber attacks against enemy shipping and constructional targets and has personally destroyed three enemy aircraft. In October 1943, Wing Commander Baker carried out a hazardous attack at point blank range on enemy shipping under heavy fire, to score a direct hit. By his outstanding leadership, courage, and determination, he has set a splendid example to his officers and men.

07.05.1938


first commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
17.01.1942


transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for Air Force service)
(1939)
-
30.05.1942
210 Squadron RAF
04.1941
-
12.1941
seconded for a specialist navigation course (Ottawa, Ont., Canada), but was on arrival diverted to ferrying between Bermuda and England; 08.1941 back in the UK, but then off again to Canada for his course (15.09-26.12.1941)
31.05.1942
-
28.07.1942
240 Squadron RAF (on his way to India crashed at Malta; wounded)
07.1942
-
09.1942
hospitalized, then temporary Chief Navigation Officer at HQ Malta
02.09.1942


No 1 Depot RAF, UK (pending repatriation)
09.1942
-
10.1942
possibly serving with 263 Squadron RAF
06.10.1942


HQ No. 9 Group RAF (for navigational duties)
05.11.1942


HQ Fighter Command (for navigational duties)
29.12.1942


refresher course, 59 Operational Training Unit (Millfield, Northumberland)
11.02.1943


182 Squadron RAF (Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, from 05.04.1943 Fairlop, from 29.04.1943 Lasham) (wounded 13.05.1943, in hospital till 27.05.1943)
15.06.1943


Commanding Officer, 263 Squadron RAF (Warmwell, Dorset; 19.06.1943 Zeals, Wiltshire; 12.07.1943 Warmwell; 07.09.1943 Manston, Kent; 10.09.1943 Warmwell)
05.12.1943
 
 
Wing Commander (Flying) Colerne and taken by Oxford to Fighter Leaders Course Ashton Down
01.1944
-
16.06.1944
Wing Commander (Flying) 193 Squadron (Harrowbeer), 01.02.1944 redesignated: Commander Flying of No. 146 Airfield (11.05.1944 redesignated No. 146 Wing)
[crashed near St. Mauvieu, France]
Honorary Freedom of Doncaster, 30.06.1941.
Baker,
George Brindley Aufrere
G.B.A. Baker

25.07.1894
-
23.10.1968
...
...
(T) Air Vice Marshal
10.01.1941 (retd 28.07.1946)
...
-
...
...
1940


Member, British Purchasing Mission, USA
12.09.1941


Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Coastal Command
01.01.1943


AOA, HQ Technical Training Command
01.07.1944
-
1945
Chief of Staff RAF (Air), Mediterranean Allied Air Forces
01.12.1945


Director of Training (Plans) in Department of Air Member for Training
Baker,
Harold George
H.G. Baker
Married (marriage dissolved) ...; two sons.
14.03.1911
Brighton, Sussex
-
10.2001
Hastings and Rother district, East Sussex
Ldg.Acm. ? [512767]
Wt.Offr. ?
P/O (prob) 02.09.1941, seniority 21.07.1941 [47527]
F/O (prob) ?
F/O 07.09.1942
(T) F/Lt. 01.07.1944
F/Lt. 23.01.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1950 (retd 14.02.1959)
Mention in Despatches MID 23.07.1937 Palestine 04-10.36
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1945 ?
02.09.1941     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission to 22.01.1947]
23.01.1947     permanent commission, RAF (Secretarial Branch)
Baker,
Henry Moore
H.M. Baker
Son of Harry Baker, and Julia Marion Baker (née ...).
Married ((06?).1935, Lambeth district, London) Nell May Manchip (29.05.1909 - 18.02.2000), daughter of Thomas Alexander Manchip (1872-1960), and Ann Bird (1877-1954); two sons, three daughters.
14.08.1902
Camberwell, London / Surrey
-
15.09.1987
Chippenham district, Wiltshire
F/Sgt. ? [343924]
(T) Wt.Offr. ?
F/O (prob) 07.03.1940 [43457]
(WS) F/Lt. 19.10.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 03.12.1946, seniority 01.07.1943
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 06.03.1943
(WS) W/Cdr. 12.12.1944
Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
W/Cdr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.07.1947 (retd 21.04.1954; own request; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.)
British Empire Medal BEM 09.06.1938 for meritious service
07.03.1940     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission to 31.12.1946]
(03.1945)     HQ RAF Bengal/Burma
(1946?).     RAF Station Hawkinge
01.01.1947     permanent commission, RAF (Secretarial Branch)
(1948)     RAF Station Mount Batten
(1952?)     RAF Station Insworth
(1954?)     HQ 23 Group RAF
Baker,
Thomas Herbert
"Tom"
T.H. Baker

16.08.1913
Deolali, Bombay, India
-
09.03.2006
[Grantham ?], Suffolk
Sgt.
? [563032]
P/O (prob)
18.04.1941, seniority 09.04.1941 [45552]
(A) F/O
(1941)
(WS) F/O
22.01.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
22.01.1943
F/Lt.
01.07.1946, seniority 01.01.1943
Sq.Ldr.
01.11.1947, seniority 01.08.1947
W/Cdr.
01.01.1955 (retd 28.01.1958)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 12.09.1941 raid on Knapsack power station 12.08.41
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 24.12.1940 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 12.1941 ?
Education: Portsmouth and Lancaster Grammar Schools
01.1921


joined RAF at Halton as an Aircraft Apprentice
1939


observer, 90 Squadron RAF
07.1940


observer, 107 Squadron RAF (Wattisham, Suffolk)
18.04.1941


first commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission to 30.06.1946]
04.1941
-
17.04.1942
observer (later instructor & bombing leader), 114 Squadron RAF (Norfolk)
[taken off 21.36 hrs 17.04.1942 in Blenheim Z7430 RT-Q from West Raynham for an Intruder operation to Schiphol Airport (The Netherlands); damaged by light Flak and crash-landed 23.22 hrs at Aalsmeer; wounded & captured]
17.04.1942
-
29.04.1945
POW in German captivity at Stalag Luft III (Sagan), from 02.1945 Stalag Luft VIIID (Nuremburg)
01.07.1946
 
 
permanent commission
...
-
...
...
Baker,
William
"Bill"
W. Baker
Son (with three brothers and two sisters) of Henry Edward Baker (1883-1933), and Rose Mary Watson (1883-1957).
Married ((12?).1942, North Buckinghamshire) Joan Oswald Smith (22.11.1920 - 16.12.2012), daughter (with one brother) of Oswald Fairbanks Smith (1881-1942), and Muriel Edith Hastings (1887-1961); two sons, one daughter. Joan Baker remarried (1957) John H. Biddell.
(03?).1920
Canterbury, Kent
-
(12?).1955
Warwick district, Warwickshire
Ldg.Acm. ? [550715]
P/O (prob) 21.02.1940 [43159]
(WS) F/O 21.02.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 21.02.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 08.12.1944 ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 06.11.1945 ?
21.02.1940     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
06.1944 - (1945) 105 Squadron RAF (DFC and Bar)
A son writes: "My father joined the RAF as a boy entrant (about 1935?), he was aircrew (gunnner in bombers} during the early part of WW2 and was sent for pilot training to Canada. He joined 105 Squadron at Bourn in June 1944 as a Fl/Lt and was promoted to acting Sq/Ldr and awarded the pathfinder badge and DFC and Bar. Most of his operational flying in Mosquitos was accompanied by F/O Lewis as observer. He survived some 95 Operations. I have his log books. His wife (then Joan Smith), my mother, served at Bletchley Park until she and my father married. After the war we lived at Sutton Coldfield and latterly Leamington Spa until Bill’s untimely and sad death."
Baldwin,
Sir John Eustace Arthur
"Jack"
J.E.A. Baldwin
J.E.A. Baldwin J.E.A. Baldwin
J.E.A. Baldwin J.E.A. Baldwin
Eldest son of late J.H.L. Baldwin. Married Kathleen Betsy, youngest daughter of T.W.L. Terry, York; one daughter.

see: www.rafweb.org
13.04.1892
-
28.07.1975
...
...
(A) Air Marshal (retd)
10.10.1942 
Education: Rugby; Royal Military College, Sandhurst
28.08.1939
-
14.09.1942
Air Officer Commanding, No. 3 Group RAF
09.01.1942
-
21.02.1942
Acting Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command
09.10.1942
-
1943
Deputy Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, India
16.11.1943
-
1944
Air Officer Commanding, 3rd Tactical Air Force
Colonel, 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars, 01.01.1948-24.10.1958. Deputy Colonel, Queen's Royal Irish Hussars, 24.10.1958-1960.
OStJ, 24.06.1952. CStJ, 01.07.1955. KStJ, 03.07.1962.
Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Lincoln, 06.11.1945. Justice of the Peace (JP), Rutland. Sheriff, Rutland, 12.11.1952. High Sheriff, Rutland, 17.03.1955.
Balean,
Peter Bradford
P.B. Balean
25.08.1920
-
1996
[Saint Andrew Churchyard
Cranwell, Lincolnshire]
P/O
23.12.1939 [33531]
...
...
Sq.Ldr.
01.08.1947 (retd 12.06.1950)
23.12.1939


first commission RAF (General Duties Branch)
Ballance,
Norman
N. Ballance
(12?).1919
Durham district, Durham
-
14.12.1960
King's Lynn district, Norfolk
Sgt. ? [569141]
P/O (prob) 22.02.1944 [54343]
P/O 22.08.1944, seniority 22.02.1944
(WS) F/O 22.08.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 13.06.1946
F/O 13.08.1946, seniority 14.05.1946
25.02.1947, seniority 14.06.1945
F/Lt. 29.03.1949, seniority 12.10.1948
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1955 (retd 27.02.1959)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 08.12.1944 ?
23.12.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     50 Squadron RAF
13.08.1946     extended service commission
29.03.1949     permanent commission
Ballantyne,
Gordon Arthur
G.A. Ballantyne
Eldest son of late John Alexander and Ida Ballantyne.
Married 1st (1925) Brenda Muriel, daughter of Rev. Bernard Cuzner; one daughter.
Married 2nd (1945) Rachel Mary, elder daughter of late Francis Reid Brown.
12.02.1900
Wandsworth, London
-
07.11.1981
Canterbury, Kent
RNAS:

(P) F/O
1917
Army:

2nd Lt.
?
(T) Lt.
01.01.1924
Lt.
28.08.1924
Capt.
01.07.1927 (retd 05.01.1929)
Capt.
02.09.1929, seniority 25.02.1928
RAF:

(T) F/O [?]
1918 [23096]
(T) F/O
01.01.1924
(T) F/Lt.
?
F/Lt.
01.07.1930
Sq.Ldr.
28.08.1934
W/Cdr.
01.07.1937
(A) Gp.Capt.
1941
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.03.1942
Gp.Capt.
01.06.1943
(A) A/Cdre.
1943
(T) A/Cdre.
1944
A/Cdre.
01.09.1947, seniority 01.07.1947
Air Vice-Marshal
01.10.1952 (retd 01.01.1955)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
14.06.1945
HM's birthday 45
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
1918
?
Education: King's College School; London Hospital
1917


Probationary Flight Officer, Royal Naval Air Service
1917
-
1918
served in France with No 8 Squadron, RFC (France & Belgium; wounded)
01.04.1918


first commission RAF
11.09.1919


transferred to the unemployed list
1923


qualified as Dental Surgeon (LDS, RCS), General List, Army
01.01.1924


temporary commission RAF (Medical Branch) [on attachment to the RAF]
1924


Lieutenant, Army Dental Corps
05.09.1927
-
05.01.1929
returned to Army duty (resigned comission)
02.09.1929
-
01.07.1930
served again in the Army Dental Corps
01.07.1930


permanent commission, RAF (Dental Branch)
1935


Senior Dental Officer, Iraq
1938


Inspecting Dental Officer, Home Commands
1941


Training Officer (Dental)
01.06.1943
-
(04.)1954
Director of Dental Services, Directorate- General of RAF Medical Services, Air Ministry
FDSRCS; FDSRCS (Edin.)
Honorary Dental Surgeon to King George VI, 13.04.1945-10.06.1952 & to Queen Elizabeth II, 10.06.1952-01.01.1955. Member Board of Faculty of Dental Surgery of Royal College of Surgeons of England, 1947-53; Honorary member, British Dental Association; Honorary President Armed Forces Commission, Federation Dentaire Internationale, 1953; Honorary Dental Surgeon to the Queen, 1952-54.
Published: various professional papers
Balsdon,
Denys Finlay
"Jimmy" / "Charles"
D.F. Balsdon

Youngest son of the late Robert Percy Balsdon (1874-1920), and of Mabel Olive Finlay (1874-1959), of St Aubines, Sturry, nr Canterbury, Kent.
Engaged (04.1939) Hilda Olive Myers, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.T. Myers, of London SW6.
Married ((09?.)1939, Inch district, Wigtownshire) Phyllis Mary Ralston Adair (died 1991), of Portpatrick, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Percy John Adair, of North West Castle, Stranraer, Wigtownshire. She re-married (02.04.1947, Portpatrick) Capt. George Cleland Gourlay, KOSB.
(06?).1913
Great Torrington, Devon
-
18.12.1941
(KIA) [age 28]
[
Portpatrick Cemetery, Wigtownshire, A.206]
(A) P/O (prob) 06.06.1933 [34065]
P/O 06.06.1934
F/O 06.05.1936
F/Lt. 06.03.1938
Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1940
(A) W/Cdr. 1941?
(T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1941
Mention in Despatches MID 24.09.1941 ?
Service and International Hockey Player.
06.06.1933     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
23.06.1933 - 06.1934 flying training, No. 4 Flying Training School RAF (Abu Sueir, Egypt)
29.06.1934 - 05.1937 70 (Bomber Transport) Squadron RAF (Hinaidi, Iraq)
31.05.1937 - 12.1938 No. 6 Armament Training Camp RAF (Woodsford)
12.1938 - ? joined an anti-aircraft co-operation unit working with the Army
late 1940 - 1941 "A" Flight Commander, 214 Squadron RAF
1941?     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers
? - 18.12.1941 Commanding Officer, 97 Squadron RAF
[Returning in a Manchester I (L7490 OF-U) from a daylight attack on the Gneisenau in the port of Brest, Balsdon's aircraft, a Halifax, which had been damaged by anti-aircraft fire over the target, crashed on landing at Coningsby and the whole crew were killed. From the Operations Record Book: "On reaching home base, the visibility being bad, overshot the aerodrome and on opening up the engines to apparently circle round again, the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing all the crew. The aircraft was completely burnt. The aircraft had been seen to be hit by flak over the target, smashing the tailplane and elevator, the rear turret also being put out of action. The rear gunner was a casualty. W/C Balsdon having signalled for the ambulance to be ready on landing. W/C Balsdon led the formation to the target and back to the English coast and then gave over command to S/L Sherwood DFC owing to damage caused by flak."]
Bandon,
5th Earl of, cr. 1880, succ. 1924;
Baron Bandon, cr. 1793;
Viscount Bandon, cr. 1795;
Viscount Bernard, cr. 1800;
Bernard, Percy Ronald Gardner
5th Earl of Bandon
Son of late Lt­Col Ronald P. H. Bernard and Lettice Mina, younger daughter of late Captain Gerald C. S. Paget (she married 2nd, late Hon. Charles C. J. Littleton, DSO); married 1st, 1933, Elizabeth
(marr. diss., 1946; she married 1965, Sir Reginald Holcroft, 2nd Bt, TD), 2nd daughter of R. W. Playfair; two daughters; 2nd, 1946, Lois White, daughter of Francis Russell, Victoria, Australia.
30.08.1904
-
08.02.1979
[Bandon, Co. Cork ?]
P/O
17.12.1924 [16145]
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1936
Air Chief Marshal
01.07.1959 (retd 06.02.1964)
  GBE 1961 ?
  KBE 01.01.1957 ?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 05.07.1945 ?
  CVO 1953 ?
Distinguished Service Order DSO 30.07.1940 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1943 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1945 ?
  DFC(US) 20.12.1946 ?
Education: Wellington; RAF College, Cranwell (psa); RAF Staff College (1938); Imperial Defence College (idc, 1949)
1939 - 1940 commanded No 82 Squadron
1941 - 1942 commanded RAF Station, West Raynham
1945     AOC No 224 Group, South­East Asia (despatches thrice, US DFC and Bronze Star)
1945 - 1948 Commandant, ROC
1950 - 1951 AOC No 2 Group, BAFO, Germany
1951 - 1953 AOC No 11 Group
01.10.1953 - 12.1955 Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training), Air Ministry
1955 - 1957 Commander-in-Chief, 2nd Tactical Air Force, and Comdr, 2nd Allied Tactical Air Force
1957 - 1960 Commander-in-Chief, Far East Air Force
1961 - 1963 Commander, Allied Air Forces, Central Europe
Bardega,
Benjamin (also known as Bernard)
"Ben"
B. Bardega
Son (with one sister) of Marks Bardega (1885-1956), and Esther Charkoff (1894-1965).
Married (30.09.1940, Hendon Register Office, Middlesex) Joan Doris Davis; three sons. Joan Doris Bardega remarried (1960) W/Cdr. Harry George Currell, MVO, DFC, AFC (1923-1981).
10.04.1920
Whitechapel, East London
-
25.05.1958
RAF Hospital Cosford, Wellington district, Shropshire
(T) F/Sgt. ? [580633]
P/O (prob) 12.07.1941 [46170]
... ...
Sq.Ldr. RAF 01.01.1951
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 09.1940 ?
12.07.1941     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1947)     Air Attaché, Paris (France)
(1958)     RAF Station, Heywood (Lancashire)

From: Jewish Pilots and Aircrews in the Battle of Britain / by Martin Sugarman
58063/46170 Pilot Officer, later Sqdn. Leader, Ben Bardega of 20 Cheyne Walk, NW4 (AJEX Card) joined the RAF in February 1939, No 50 Squadron, DFM 14th Sept. 1940 (“The Times”), died 25th May 1958, buried Golders Green. He is not included in Wynn’s book.

Bardon,
Harold Rice
H.R. Bardon
17.11.1902
-
18.09.1986
Winchester, Hampshire
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937 [19178]
(T) W/Cdr.
01.03.1940 (retd 14.10.1947; medical unfitness)
31.03.1925


first commission



qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
24.04.1940


transferred from the General Duties Branch to the Technical Branch
Barham,
Harold John
H.J. Barham (Photo courtesy of Mr Harold Joseph Barham)
Son of Joseph Barham, and ... Hill.
Married (12.01.1941, Wycombe district, Buckinghamshire) Joan K. Philby-Tilbury; two sons.
31.05.1917
Wandsworth district, London
-
12.06.1974
Romford, Havering district, Greater London
[buried at Montreal, Quebec, Canada]
Sgt. ? [520300]
(A) P/O (prob) 28.01.1943 [50832]
P/O (prob) 03.06.1943
(WS) F/O (prob) 03.12.1943
28.01.1943     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
      may have served in Norway, Felixstowe & Horsham
Barling,
Leslie Clement
L.C. Barling

Son of Percy Clement Barling and Julia Bertwell; married 1st Claudia E.T. Phillips (02.1939); married 2nd Katherine Yvonne Beith or Clifford-Turner; one son.
13.12.1901
Chertsey
-
08.04.1984
Cheltenham
Sq.Ldr. RAFO
12.09.1939
1930
-
?
24 Squadron




Barnes,
Wilkinson
W. Barnes
Son of ... Barnes, and ... Brown.
Married ((09?).1939, Sunderland district, Durham) Maureen M. Todd; ... children.
13.07.1913
Sunderland district, Durham
-
19.05.1980
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
P/O 02.08.1938 [90294]
F/O 02.08.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 02.08.1941 (reld 11.04.1944; on account of ill-health; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
02.08.1938     commissioned, 607 (County of Durham) (Fighter) Squadron AuxAF (General Duties Branch)
07.1940     504 Squadron RAF
      invalided out after a serious air accident when flying as a passenger on 28.10.1942

Barnett,
Reginald James William
R.J.W. Barnett
Only son of Mr and Mrs W. Barnett, formerly from Dover and Capel.
Married (19.05.1936, Southsea) Diana Mary Allan (born 27.07.1913, Reigate, Surrey) [her elder sister married
F/Lt. J.F.L. Zorn, RAFO]; three children.

Barnett's son-in-law, Mr. Rodney Pepper, writes: "You are correct in saying that Reginald did not serve in the RAF during WW II just BOAC. He and the other pilot Capt. J.A. Samuels were carrying out tests on single engine landings and the De Havilland Flamingo crashed on approach. Both were killed. We have researched the history of this happening and the Flamingo. This was the first all metal plane built by de Havilland and was made in metal in preparation for the completion of Frank Whittle's jet engine and was used by BOAC in this case to service Eritrea, Addis Ababa and other situs from Cairo base. We have much information regarding this plane. It was withdrawn from service following the Asmara accident as others had also crashed one at Hendon in London. The plane had a problem with stability, particularly when at airports of high altitude. Asmara airport is around 8000 ft above sea level."
(03?).1909
Dover district, Kent
-
15.02.1943
(flying accident at Asmara airport) [age 33]
[Asmara War Cemetery, Eritrea, 3.D.3]
P/O (prob)
11.04.1930 [29057]
P/O
11.04.1931
F/O
13.10.1931
F/Lt.
01.02.1936
Education: Godwynhurst College, Dover
Secretary of the Dover Motor Cycle Club.
11.04.1930


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
11.04.1936


transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class A); joined Imperial Airways, flying in Africa since 1940

Engaged as as a pilot by Portsmouth, Southsea, and Isle of Wight Aviation, then joined Imperial Airways. 10.1937 posted to Empire Flying boat Operations as 1st Officer. Two years later transferred for a short time to European Landplanes. 09.1940 posted to Durban South Africa, taking part in the delivery flight of Coo-ee to South Africa via West Africa . Served on the horseshoe route for a year then posted to the Trans-African service. 




did not actually serve in the RAF in World War II, but borne on the Oct 1940 Air Force List; died as a Captain with the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) [for details see "personal touch" button]
Barraclough,
[Sir] John
J. Barraclough
J. Barraclough
Son of late Horatio and Marguerite Maude Barraclough.
Married (1946) Maureen (née McCormack) (died 2001), niece of George Noble, Count Plunkett; one daughter.

02.05.1918
Hounslow, Middlesex
-
10.05.2008
(A) P/O (prob)
07.05.1938 [40662]
F/O
?
(WS) F/Lt.
12.08.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr.
03.12.1946, seniority 01.07.1943
Sq.Ldr.
01.09.1945
(A) W/Cdr.
(1945)
Air Vice Marshal
1964
Air Marshal
1970
Air Chief Marshal
03.09.1973 (retd 03.04.1976)
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath KCB
1970
?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB
1969
?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
1961
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
16.02.1943
?
Air Force Cross AFC
1941
?
Mention in Despatches MID
?
?
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1946
?
Education: Cranbrook School; FRAes, FRSA
1935
-
1938
Artists' Rifles
07.05.1938


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)



269 Squadron RAF (Abbotsinch, near Glasgow) (flew Ansons)
1940
 
 
240 Squadron RAF (Shetland Islands) (flying boats)



chief instructor of the Flying Boat Conversion Unit at Invergordon (AFC)
02.1942
-
 1943
209 Squadron RAF (Indian Ocean)
1943
 -
1944 
Commanding Officer, RAF Mogadishu
05.1944
 
 
chief instructor at a flying-boat training unit
1948
-
1951
examining wing, Central Flying School
1952
-
1954
staff, Imperial Defence College
1954
-
1956
Commander, RAF Station, Biggin Hill
1956
-
1958
Commander, RAF Station, Middleton St George (1957 first single-engine jet flight to South Africa)
1958
-
1961
Group Captain Operations, Far East Air Forces
1961
-
1964
Director of Public Relations, Air Ministry
1964
-
1967
Air Officer Commanding 19 Group, Coastal Command, RAF and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Air Commander, Central Sub-Area, Eastern Atlantic Command
1967


Harvard Business School
1967
-
1968
Air Officer in charge of Administration, Bomber Command, RAF
1968
-
1970
Air Officer in charge of Administration, Strike Command, RAF
1970
-
1972
Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence
1972
-
1974
Air Secretary, Air Ministry
1974
-
1976
Commandant, Royal College of Defence Studies
Member, RAF Training and Education Advisory Board 1976-1979; Vice Chairman, Air League Council 1977-1981; Chairman, Royal United Services Institute Council 1977-1980; Editorial Director then Vice Chairman, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Sixteen Nations 1978-1986 . Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State, 07.04.1980-1988; Vice Chairman, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 1981-1986 (Commissioner 1974-1986); Director, Data­Track Fuel Services Ltd, since 1996; Chairman, TROIKA Consortium Ltd, since 1992. 
Hon. Air Cdre, No 3 (County of Devon) Maritime HQ Unit, RAuxAF, 1979-1990; Hon. Inspector Gen., RAuxAF, 1984-1989. British Export Finance Adv. Council, 1982-1989; Vice-Pres., 1980-1990; President: Air Public Relations Assoc., 1976-; West Devon Area, St John Ambulance, 1977-1985; Royal Crescent Soc., Bath, 1990-; Coastal Command and Maritime Air Association. OStJ 1985. Past President: RAF Modern Pentathlon Assoc.; Combined Services Equitation Assoc.
Published: (jointly) The Third World War, 1978; contrib. to The Third World War: The Untold Story, 1982; contributions to professional journals.
Barratt,
Sir Arthur Sheridan
A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt
Eldest son of Charles Henry Barratt, of Clifton.
Married 1st (1916; marriage dissolved 1948) Norah Lilian, third daughter of Edgar Crew, of Clifton; one daughter.
Married 2nd (1949) Judith Rhoda Cartmell, widow of Terence Horsley.

25.02.1891
Peshawar, India
-
04.11.1966
Droxford district, Hampshire
Army:
Cadet ?
2nd Lt. 23.12.1910
.. ...
RAF:
... ...
Air Marshal 01.07.1939
Air Chief Marshal 01.01.1946 (retd 27.03.1947)
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath KCB 11.07.1940 ?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 11.05.1937 ?
Companion, Order of St Michael and St George CMG 03.06.1919 ?
Military Cross MC 1916 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 30.11.1915 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 09.04.1917 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 07.04.1918 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 20.05.1918 ? [possibly the same as 07.04.1918]
Mention in Despatches MID 20.12.1940 France 40
RestMil 12.06.1945 ?
    25.07.1918 Officer, Order of the Crown (Belgium)
    15.07.1919 Chevalier, Order of the Crown, with Croix de Guerre with Palms (Belgium)
Education: Clifton College; Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; Staff College, Camberley.
01.08.1919     transferred from Royal Regiment of Artillery to RAF
      ...
12.01.1935 - 31.12.1935 Director of Staff Duties, Air Ministry
01.01.1936 - 1939 Commandant, RAF Staff College, Andover
1939     Principal RAF Liaison Officer to the French Air Force
15.01.1940 - 1940 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Air Forces in France
20.11.1940 - 1943 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Co-operation Command  
01.06.1943 - 1945 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Technical Training Command  
29.10.1945 - 1947

Inspector-General of the RAF

Deputy Lieutenant, Hampshire, 20.07.1956. Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State, 22.03.1946-04.11.1966.

A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt A.S. Barratt

Barrett,
Frederick Oliver
"Barry"
F.O. Barrett

Times obituary
RAFWeb.org
02.12.1918
-
23.10.2007
P/O
25.10.1938 [40355]
F/O
25.05.1940
...
...
A/Cdre.
01.01.1970 (retd 08.02.1973)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
?
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?



RAF (General Duties Branch)
Barrett,
John
J. Barrett
?
-
P/O
25.10.1938 [37341]
F/O
?
(A) F/Lt.
?
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1944?
(A) W/Cdr.
?
(T) W/Cdr.
...-31.10.1947
Sq.Ldr.
01.11.1947, seniority 01.06.1944 (reld 25.07.1962; retaining the rank of W/Cdr.)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
03.11.1939
see details of DFC for T.M.W. Smith
Mention in Despatches MID
14.01.1944
?



RAF (General Duties Branch)
1944?


transferred to RAF Reserve of Officers
25.07.1952


extension of service for 5 years
25.07.1957
-
25.07.1962
extension of service for 5 years
Barrett,
James Burney
J.B. Barrett
Son of Arthur Richard and Laura Barrett.
(12?).1901
Camberwell, London
-
16.01.1954
London
Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 [16016]
(T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1940
      qualified at specialist photographic course
Bartholomew,
Gilbert
G. Batholomew
?
-
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [24019]
Gp.Capt. ?

Cloud and Banner with special cravat (China) (20.12.1946)

Education: psa
      qualified by examination as interpreter
Barthropp,
Patrick Peter Colin *
"Paddy"
P.P.C. Barthropp
P.P.C. Barthropp

* third Christian name also found as: Colum

09.11.1920
Dublin
-
16.04.2008
P/O
31.10.1938 [41512]
F/Lt.
?
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1946, seniority 01.07.1944
Sq.Ldr.
01.08.1947 (retd 28.12.1957; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
08.1941
?
Air Force Cross AFC
10.06.1954
?
31.10.1938


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
...
-
...
...
16.05.1946


extended service commission
19.10.1948
 
 
permanent commission
Barton,
Robert Alexander
"Butch"
R.A. Barton R.A. Barton

07.06.1916
Kamloops, British Columbia
-
02.09.2010
[his ashes were scattered on his favourite lake in British Columbia]
(A) P/O (prob)
23.03.1936 [37664]
P/O
27.01.1937
F/O
27.10.1938
(A) F/Lt.
1939?
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
(T) W/Cdr.
01.07.1944, seniority 01.01.1944
W/Cdr.
01.11.1947, seniority 01.07.1947 (retd 27.02.1959)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE
14.06.1945
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
22.10.1940
*
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
31.10.1941
**
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1945
?
* This officer has displayed outstanding leadership. His skill was particularly displayed on September 28 [= 27], when his squadron destroyed twenty enemy aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Barton has destroyed four enemy machines and shared in the destruction of others.
** Squadron Leader Barton is Officer Commanding No.249 Squadron. During his period of service in the United Kingdom this officer shot down seven and one-half enemy aircraft confirmed and since his arrival in Malta has shot down four and one-half enemy aircraft including one enemy bomber at night. He shows a high standard of courage and initiative and his excellent leadership has been a tonic to his flight commanders and fellow pilots and to the station in general. He leads his squadron on all interceptions and offensive fighter patrols which entails being on "Standby" every other day. In addition to this he performs night fighter duties which on many occasions have entailed being on watch for the entire 24 hours without a break. The results obtained by the fighter effort on the island of Malta can be largely credited to the efforts of this officer in the manner in which he inspires the pilots under his command.
27.01.1936


enrolled in RAF (pupil pilot)
23.03.1936
 
 
commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
11.10.1936
-
15.05.1940
41 Squadron RAF
15.05.1940
-
08.12.1941
249 Squadron RAF (Battle of Britain and Malta) [from 12.1940 onwards as Commanding Officer; took the squadron to Malta 21.05.1941 flying from deck of HMS Ark Royal; 01.08.1941 crash-landed and sustained second-degree burns on but Remained on Malta and returned to action]



scored 11½ enemy aircraft destroyed, 4½ probably destroyed, and damaged 9 others
12.1941


Operational Training Unit (UK)
17.01.1942
 
 
transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers



staff officer in Fighter Command, commanded Skeabrae (Orkneys)
early 1945
-
08.1945
Commanding Officer, North Weald
08.1945
-
1948
posted to India (01.11.1947 permanent commission, RAF)
1948
-
1959
served in staff appointments including Germany & as commanding officer at RAF Acklington, Northumberland 1952-1953
Barwell,
Philip Reginald
P.R. Barwell
(09?).1907
Knowle, Solihull district, Warwickshire
-
01.07.1942
[Calais Canadian War Cemetery, France, 5.G.1]
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1936 [22062]
(T) W/Cdr.
01.01.1940
W/Cdr.
14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.12.1941
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?



qualified at specialist engineering course
Beadon,
Clive Vernon
C.V. Beadon
Elder son of Col. Vernon Beadon, 9th Gurkha Rifles, and Beryl Martin.
Brother of Lt. Derek Vernon Beadon, York and Lancaster Regiment.
Married 1st ((03?).1952, Westminster district, London) Flight Officer Violet Mary "Vicky" Oliver, MBE, WAAF (1909?-1964).
Married 2nd (11.02.1965, Westminster district, Middlesex) Mrs Vera Jane Whigham (née Brooke) (04.12.1913-07.1999), of Cookham Dean, Berkshire.

15.04.1919
Conoor, near Poona, India
-
15.09.1996
Windsor and Maidenhead district, Berkshire
P/O 28.07.1939
... ...
W/Cdr. 01.07.1953 (retd 15.04.1966)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 17.08.1945 *
* This officer has completed three tours of operational duty, two of which have been served in the Far Eastern theatre of war operations. He has led the squadron on several occasions achieving excellent results. On one occasion he flew his badly damaged aircraft safely back to base, a distance of over 1,000 miles, after attacking, at low level. trains on the Bangkok-Chiengasi railway. Squadron Leader Beadon is an exceptionally able and courageous flight commander who by his enthusiasm and fine fighting spirit have set an inspiring example to the other members of his squadron.
Education: Imperial Service Colllege, Windsor; RAF College, Cranwell.
28.07.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
      101 Squadron RAF
      502 Squadron RAF
09.1940 - 09.1942 qualified as a flying instructor at the Central Flying School and spent the next two years training pilots
09.1942 - 12.1942 No. 1 Middle East Ferry Control
12.1942 - 1944 215 Squadron RAF
1944? - 1945? operations staff at HQ Air Command, South-East Asia
Beamish,
Francis Victor
F.V. Beamish
 

Son of Francis George Beamish, and of Mary Elizabeth Beamish, of Castlerock, Co. Derry; unmarried. Brother of Air Marshal Sir George R. Beamish and of Air Vice Marshal C.H. Beamish.
27.09.1903
Dunmanway
-
28.03.1942
(KIA) [age 39]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 64]
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937 [16089]
(T) W/Cdr.
01.03.1940
(A) Gp.Capt.
?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
23.07.1940
*
Distinguished Service Order DSO
02.09.1941
**
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
08.11.1940
***
Air Force Cross AFC
1938
?
Mention in Despatches MID
20.02.1940
?
* Wing Commander Beamish took over command of a Royal Air Force station after two squadrons there had been intensively engaged in successful fighting operations over France for thirteen days and personally led them on many patrols against the enemy. In June, 1940, during an offensive mission over France, six Messerschmitt 109's were destroyed, two of them by Wing Commander Beamish himself, and twelve driven off. One day recently he assisted in the destruction of a Messerschmitt no, whilst leading the escort to a convoy, and three days later he shot down a Dornier 17. This officer's outstanding leadership and high courage have inspired all those under his command with great energy and dash.
** Group Captain Beamish commanded a Royal Air Force Station from October, 1940, to March, 1941, and during that period carried out 71 operational sorties in which he destroyed an enemy fighter, probably destroyed three other hostile aircraft and damaged others. Since his appointment to Group headquarters he has taken part in further sorties and has probably destroyed two more enemy aircraft. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Group Captain Beamish are of the highest order and he has set a magnificent example.
*** The work of this station commander has been outstanding. He has displayed exceptional keenness in his engagements against the enemy and has recently destroyed one and possibly a further seven enemy aircraft. His coolness and courage have proved an inspiration to all.
Education: Coleraine; RAF College, Cranwell (autumn 1921); RAF Staff College (psa)
1923


first commission



since served at Home, in Overseas Commands, and also two years lent to the Royal Canadian Air Force
(1940)


151, 249 & 56 Squadrons



504 Squadron
1940
-
1941
Commanding Officer, RAF Station, North Weald
1941


Commanding Officer, RAF Station, Debden
1942


Commanding Officer, RAF Station, Kenley Station
1942


Senior Air Staff Officer, 11 Group
?
-
28.03.1942
485 (RNZAF) Squadron



scored a total of 10 victories
Played Rugby for Harlequins, Leicester, Hants, Royal Air Force and Irish Trials for several years.
Literature
: Doug Stokes, Wings aflame : the biography of Gp Capt Victor Beamish DSO and Bar, DFC, AFC (1998)
Beamish,
[Sir] George Robert
G.R. Beamish
Son of late Francis George Beamish, Coleraine, County Londonderry. Brother of Gp.Capt. F.V. Beamish and of Air Vice Marshal C.H. Beamish.
29.04.1905
-
13.11.1967
[Castlerock, Co. Londonderry ?]
P/O 17.12.1924 [16146]
F/O 17.06.1926
F/Lt. 08.01.1930
Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936
(T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940?
W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940
(T) Gp.Capt. 1941
(WS) Gp.Capt. 01.11.1942
Gp.Capt. 01.12.1944
(A) A/Cdre. 01.05.1942
(T) A/Cdre. 01.10.1944
A/Cdre. 01.07.1947
(A) Air Vice Marshal 15.06.1945-01.04.1946
Air Vice Marshal 01.01.1950
(A) Air Marshal 15.09.1955
Air Marshal 01.01.1956 (retd 07.02.1958)
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath KCB 09.06.1955 ?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 1944 ?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE 1942 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1943 ?
  GeoI 29.12.1942 ?
  LoM 10.03.1944 ?
Education: Coleraine Academical Institution; RAF College, Cranwell (1923-1924); RAF Staff College (psa, 1937).
1924     first commission RAF
      qualified at specialist engineering course
23.12.1943 - 1945 Air Officer Commanding 44 Group, RAF
1945 - 1948 Air Officer Commanding 45 Group, RAF
01.01.1949 - 1950 Air Officer Commanding RAF Cranwell and Commandant RAF College
02.09.1950 - 1952 Air Officer Commanding Army Headquarters, Iraq
01.10.1952 - 1954 Director General of Personnel (II), Air Ministry
15.03.1954 - 1955 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Transport Command
15.09.1955 - 1958 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Technical Training Command
Additional Air ADC to the King, 01.01.1944-01.10.1944. High Sheriff, County Londonderry, 1962.
Beardon,
Denis Frederic
D.F. Beardon
Son of ... Beardon, and ... Challis.
Married 1st ((09?).1939, Chippenham district, Wiltshire) Coralie L. Brown (1906? - (03?).1954); ... children (one son?).
Married 2nd (24.01.1955) Mrs Barbara M. Adams (née Townsend), of Two-Miles-Ash, Horsham, Sussex.
24.05.1915
Hampstead district, London
-
08.2002
Taunton district, Devon / Somerset
(A) P/O (prob) 05.04.1937 [39775]
P/O 05.04.1938
F/O 05.10.1939
(A) F/Lt. 11.02.1939-27.03.1939
F/Lt. 05.10.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 03.11.1945
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1946, seniority 01.09.1945
W/Cdr. 01.07.1947
Gp.Capt. 01.07.1956 (retd 05.07.1965)
Air Force Cross AFC 13.06.1946 ?
05.04.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
05.04.1941     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
22.08.1946     extended service commission
15.04.1947     permanent commission (with effect from 01.07.1946)
Beardsworth,
George Braithwaite
G.B. Beardsworth

Married 1934, third daughter
of late William Seager of Broomfield, Kent.
10.02.1904
Queensland
-
05.08.1959
Sq.Ldr. 01.02.1937 [16147]
W/Cdr. ?
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.09.1942
(WS) Gp.Capt. 01.07.1945
Gp.Capt. 01.07.1947
A/Cdre. 01.01.1948
Air Vice Marshal ?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 1947 ?

MIMechE; MInstT; FRAeS

Education: Christ's Hospital; Royal Air Force College, Cranwell
      qualified at specialist engineering followed by torpedo course
1936 - 1938 Commanding Officer, 36 Squadron (Far East)
1939 - 1945 served war in UK (despatches), Canada, and Middle East
21.07.1941     transferred from the Technical Branch to the General Duties Branch
30.04.1942     transferred from the General Duties Branch to the Technical Branch
1946 - 1947 Command Technical Officer, RAF, Middle East
1949 - 1951 Senior Technical Staff Officer Fighter Command
1952 - 1953 Senior Technical Staff Officer Far East
Air Force
11.02.1954 - 1955 Director of Aircraft Engineering, Air Ministry
15.02.1955 - 1957 Commanding No. 24 Group, RAF
1957 - 1959 Senior Air Staff Officer of Technical Training Command
Bearne,
Guy
"Smokey"
G. Bearne G. Bearne
G. Bearne G. Bearne
G. Bearne G. Bearne
Son (with two brothers and one sister) of Lt.Col. Lewis Collingwood Bearne, DSO, AM (1878-1940), Indian Army, and Violet Hette Rogers Gibbs (1881-1972).
Brother of Maj. Sydney Bearne, Royal Tank Regiment.
Married (09.08.1933, Hawley, Hampshire) Aileen Cartwright Randall (06.05.1906 - 25.10.1992), daughter (with two sisters and one brother) of Henry James Randall (1882-1950), and Elizabeth Sargeant Stacy (1876-1960), of Hove, Sussex; one son, two daughters.

05.11.1908
Headley, Hampshire
-
01.11.2005
Red Beach, Rodney, Auckland, New Zealand
[Longbridge Deverill, St Peter & St Paul Churchyard, Wiltshire]
P/O (prob) 28.06.1929
... ...
W/Cdr. 25.01.1945, seniority 01.06.1944
... ...
Air Vice Marshal 01.07.1956 (retd 05.11.1961)
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 02.01.1956 New Year 56
see:     RAFweb
Beattie,
Hedley
H. Beattie (Photo courtesy of Mr Don Grant)
Son of William Beattie (1861-1914), and Beatrice Laura Coles (1863-1935).
Brother of Sq.Ldr. William Beattie, RAFVR, and Lt.Col. QM Thomas Leonard Beattie, RA.
Married ((09?).1920, Croydon district, Surrey) Florence E. Brigg; two daughters (daughter Marie married then F/Lt. Thomas Donald Grant, RAFVR).

22.12.1893
Gosport, Alverstoke district, Hampshire
-
17.01.1945
[Yaba Cemetery, Nigeria, plot 4, row J, grave 1]
Seaman ? [F8582]
Wt.Offr. ? [208582]
F/O (prob) 01.02.1941, seniority 29.11.1940 [45311]
F/O 01.02.1942
(T) F/Lt. 01.03.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. ?
Mention in Despatches MID 14.06.1945 ?
WW I ?     served in the ranks in the Royal Navy
01.02.1941     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for Special Duties (Engineering)) [emergency commission]
      based at RAF Takoradi West Africa
17.01.1945     killed as a passenger in a Wellington of 26 (SA) Squadron RAF
Bedford,
Eric Peter
E.P. Bedford (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Harrison)
Son of Frederick Bedford, and Florence Nash.
Married; one son, one daughter.
25.09.1922
Moreton, Dorset
-
08.08.2000
Simonstown, Cape Town, South Africa
Ldg.Acm.
? [575698]
P/O (prob)
09.09.1944 [55454]
P/O
09.03.1945
(WS) F/O
09.03.1945



RAF 57 Course A C.O.S (A Wing, A Squadron, B Flight)
09.09.1944


first commission RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]



crashed and was invalided to South Africa to recover; after recovery he went on to train pilots at No. 6 Air School, Potchefstroom, Transvaal, South Africa
Bell,
Cedric Arnold
C.A. Bell
14.09.1905
-
08.1996
Colchester, Essex
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [19129]
(T) Gp.Capt. ?
(WS) Gp.Capt. 11.05.1947
A/Cdre. 01.01.1949 (retd 29.11.1958)
Education: BA
17.01.1925     first commission RAF (Engineering Branch)
      qualified at specialist signals course; additionally qualified at university course in electrical engineering and wireless telegraphy
16.05.1938 - (10.1939) Joint Directorate of Research and Development, Air Ministry
(1954)     still serving
Benge,
Arthur Norman
A.N. Benge
25.08.1895
Dartford, Kent
-
(12?).1969
Hailsham district, Sussex
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1925 [02054] (retd 14.08.1930)
(WS) W/Cdr. 27.12.1942
(A) Gp.Capt. ?
01.04.1918     first commission RAF
31.08.1939 - 23.10.1945 recalled to active service
Bennett,
James Johnston
J.J. Bennett
?
-
P/O
? [39056]
F/O
06.02.1939
(A) F/Lt.
?
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
Sq.Ldr.
? (retd 18.05.1958; retaining rank of Wg.Cdr.)
(A) Wg.Cdr.
1942?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
26.03.1940
*
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
26.06.1942
?
King Haakon VII Freedom Medal Hkn
18.04.1947
?
* Flight Lieutenant Bennett was the captain of one of the aircraft which attacked the seaplane base at Sylt on the night of the 19-20th March 1940. In spite of being held and dazzled by searchlights he descended to 1,000 feet over the base and pressed home his attacks at this low altitude under heavy antiaircraft fire with great deliberation and resolution, securing direct hits on the seaplane base and causing an outbreak of fire.
06.07.1940


transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
(1942)


144 Squadron RAF
?


Commanding Officer, RAF North Killingholme
Bennett,
Leslie Clive
L.C. Bennett (Photo courtesy of Mr Andy Hellyer)

Son of Frederick H. and Gertrude Bennett
Married (Caxton Hall Register Office, Westminster district, London) Joan Bennett (Mrs Poulter), of The Limes, Whyke, Chichester, Sussex.
Native of New Zealand.
1906 ?
-
09.07.1940
(KIA) [age 34]
[Lonstrup Churchyard]
P/O 30.07.1926
... ...
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [16216]
(T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940
Education: RAF Cadet College, Cranwell.
30.07.1926     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
08.1928     taking part in London Air Defence exercises when his plane caught fire over Richmond and nose-dived to earth; he parachuted to safety on the roof of a house
25.03.1937 - ? Commanding Officer, 52 Squadron
04.1940 - 09.07.1940 Commanding Officer, 21 Squadron (killed in action)
Bennett-Baggs,
James Leonard Neville
J.L.N. Bennett-Baggs J.L.N. Bennett-Baggs (Photo courtesy of Chris Bennett-Baggs)
J.L.N. Bennett-Baggs (Photo courtesy of Chris Bennett-Baggs) J.L.N. Bennett-Baggs (Photo courtesy of Chris Bennett-Baggs)
J.L.N. Bennett-Baggs
Married ((12?).1924, Chesterton district, Cambridgeshire) Peggy Rowley; ... children (one son, one daughter?).
31.07.1898
Birmingham, Aston district, Warwickshire
-
08.01.1956
Folkestone district, Kent
T/2nd Lt. 05.11.1915
F/O RFC 16.08.1916 [06214]
Lt. RAF 01.04.1918
F/Lt. RAFO 24.06.1924
Sq.Ldr. RAFO 01.07.1930 (called out for active service 04.09.1939) (reld 06.08.1940)
Education: King Edward's School, Birmingham.
05.11.1915     Temporary 2nd Lieutenant, 12th Reserve Welsh Regiment
15.05.1916     No. 1 School of Military Aeronautics (for instruction in aviation)
03.06.1916     5 Squadron RFC
18.07.1916     aviator's certificate (No. 3360) taken on a Maurice Farman Biplane at the Military School, Birmingham
20.07.1916     57 Squadron RFC (for further instruction)
16.08.1916     transferred, Royal Flying Corps (General List)
23.08.1916     6 Squadron RFC (British Expeditionary Force)
24.09.1916     2 Squadron RFC
02.10.1916     25 Squadron RFC (wounded 07.12.1916; invalided to UK 12.12.1916)
15.03.1917     HQ Advanced Wing RFC
10.05.1917     28 Squadron RFC
13.07.1917     200 Squadron RFC
04.02.1918     39 Squadron RFC/RAF
26.11.1918     36 Squadron RAF
14.12.1918     141 Squadron RAF (to Ireland 03.1919)
01.09.1919     RAF Station Lee-on-Solent (seaplane course)
16.09.1919     short service commission
20.11.1919     141 Squadron RAF
01.02.1920     100 Squadron RAF
13.05.1920     RAF Station Castlebar (flying)
15.11.1921     Central Flying School RAF (flying course)
15.02.1922     No. 1 Flying Training School RAF (flying instructor duties)
16.09.1922     RAF Reserve of Officers (Class A)

Served with Sir W.G. Armstrong-Whitworth Aircraft Ltd., 1919-1929 (1922 Chief Flying Instructor, Armstrong-Whitworth Flying Schools, 1923 Chief Test Pilot) & Blackburn Aircraft Ltd., 1929-1950 (ending up as London Director & Sales Director & Liaison with Air Ministry, Admiralty and Service Units).

04.09.1939 - 22.10.1939 HQ Reserve Command RAF (personnel staff duties; controller of Southern Operations Room)
23.10.1939 - 06.08.1940 RAF Station Thorney Island
AFRAeS.
Bennions,
George Herman
"Ben"
G.H. Bennions G.H. Bennions
G.H. Bennions G.H. Bennions
Son of ... Bennions, and ... Smith.
Married; three daughters.
15.03.1913
Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolstanton district, Staffordshire
-
30.01.2004
Catterick, North Yorkshire
F/Sgt. ? [563057]
P/O (prob) 01.04.1940 [43354]
(WS) F/O 01.04.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 01.08.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. (1942)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 01.10.1940 *
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - & clasp
Aircrew Europe Star AirEur St - -
Italy Star It St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1943 ?
* Pilot Officer Bennions has led his section with great distinction. He has destroyed seven enemy aircraft and possibly several others. His determination and coolness have had a splendid influence on his squadron as a whole.
01.04.1940     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
23.05.1941     transferred, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
14.01.1943     transferred, RAF (General Duties Branch)
Went to Longton High School. He joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice at Halton in January 1929 (563057) and passed out as an LAC Engine Fitter in December 1931. Later recommended for a cadetship at Cranwell, Bennions was given his ab initio flying training there but the cadetship did not eventuate. In 1935 Bennions continued his flying training at 3 FTS, Grantham and in January 1936 he was posted to 41 Squadron at Khonnaksar, Aden, as a Sergeant-Pilot. Promoted to Flight Sergeant in November 1938, he was commissioned in April 1940. Bennions was with 41 Squadron at the start of the Battle of Britain. On July 28 and 29 1940 he claimed Bf 109s destroyed. On the 29th Bennions was himself shot down over Dover and he made a crash-landing at Manston with damaged flaps. On August 15 Bennions claimed a Bf 110 and another damaged, on September 5 a Ju 88 destroyed, a Bf 109 probably destroyed and a Ju 88 damaged On the 6th Bennions claimed two Bf 109s shot down and on the 7th his undercarriage collapsed on landing at Rochford after combat. Another Bf 109 was claimed on the 9th and a Bf 110 damaged on the 11th. On this day Bennions landed at Homchurch with a shell splinter in his heel and a shoe full of blood. A Bf 109 was claimed as destroyed and a Do 17 damaged on the 15th, a Bf 109 shot down on the 17th and a Bf 109 destroyed, two more probably destroyed and one damaged on the 18th. Bennions destroyed another Bf 109 on the 23rd, probably two more on the 28th and another Bf 109 on October 1 1940. On this day, in combat with Bf 109s over Henfield, Bennions had a cannon shell explode in his cockpit, blinding him in one eye and wounding his right arm and leg. He baled out, landing at Dunstalls Farm, and after emergency treatment at Horsham Hospital, he was transferred to Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. His Spitfire crashed on Heatonthome Farm, Albome. Bennions underwent plastic surgery by Archie McIndoe, becoming a Guinea Pig. His DFC (1.10.40) was gazetted on the day he was shot down. When fully recovered, Bennions was anxious to fly again and after a test at CFS he was given a A2B non-operational category, which allowed him to fly only by day and with a passenger who could look out. In 1943 Bennions was posted to North Africa, where he was appointed Liaison Officer to an American Fighter Group, which had recently received Spitfires. In Sicily he flew Spitfires on convoy patrols but took no part in combat. In October 1943 Bennions suffered shrapnel wounds when the landing craft he was in at Ajaccio, Corsica was sunk by enemy action. After release from the RAF in 1946, as a Squadron Leader, Bennions became a school teacher. Became head of department at Hipswell County School (now Risedale School) at Catterick before he retired after 28 years.
Literature: Nick Thomas, Ben Bennions DFC : Battle of Britain fighter ace (2011)
Berkeley,
Arthur Pakenham Fitzhardinge Murray
"Boy"
A.P.F.M. Berkeley (Photo courtesy of Mr Andrew Wilkinson)
Third son of the Arthur Pakenham Berkeley (1862-1938), Bishop of Barbados, and the Windward Islands and Emily Berkeley Murray (1874-1947).
10.08.1907
Barbados
-
04.08.1941
Kings Field near Parks-Lane Woodchester, Stroud district, Gloucestershire
(flying accident)
P/O 30.07.1927 [26006]
F/O 30.01.1929
F/Lt. 01.06.1933
Sq.Ldr. 01.06.1938 (retd 18.01.1940; ill-health)

Order of Naval Merit (Spain)

Education: RAF Cadet College, Cranwell (1925-1927).
30.07.1927     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
... - ... ...
01.02.1929 - (03.1931) No. 402 Flight FAA [HMS Eagle (aircraft carrier)]
... - ... ...
05.11.1936 - 09.1939 Deputy Directorate of Intelligence (S), Department of the Chief of the Air Staff
1938 - 1941 production test pilot with Gloster's
Berry,
Edward Reoch
"Teddy"
E.R. Berry (Photo courtesy of Mrs Polly Loxton)
Married ((06?).1935) Alys Eva Faraday Embleton (06.07.1909 - 07.1990); one son, one daughter.
19.07.1906
Cathcart, Cape Colony
-
19.05.1988
Ipswich district, Suffolk
P/O (prob) 29.12.1930 [29200]
... ...
(T) W/Cdr. 01.06.1941
W/Cdr. 01.10.1946 (retd 24.03.1958; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.)
29.12.1930     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
19.04.1937     transferred, RAF (Equipment Branch)
... - ... ...
Bertram,
Frederick Clifford
F.C. Bertram
Son of Frederick A. and Lucy Bertram, of Hillingdon, Middlesex; husband of Doris Mary Bertram.
(09?).1912
Fermoy district, Ireland
-
01.05.1943
[age 30]
[Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, 17.E.5]
Sgt.
? [561985]
P/O (prob)
01.04.1940 [43195]
P/O
01.04.1941, seniority 01.04.1940
(WS) F/O
01.04.1941
(WS/ F/Lt.
01.04.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr.
1943?
01.04.1940
 
 
commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
01.05.1943
77 Squadron RAF
[HP Halifax II JB846, KN-L . T/o Elvington 23.52 hrs for an operation against Essen.]
Bethridge-Topp,
Edward
see: Topp,
Edward Bethridge
 
Betty,
Thomas Victor
T.V. Betty
Son of Thomas Rowland Betty (?-1954), and Jean Farrell ... (?-1954).
Married 1st ((09?).1943, Hendon district, Middlesex) Patricia K. McHale.
Married 2nd ((09?).1961, Surrey Mid Eastern district) Zena Ethyl Norris ((09?).1920 - 01.2012).
23.09.1916
-
29.05.2001
North Hampshire district
F/Sgt. ? [519765]
(A) P/O (prob) 12.09.1941, seniority 26.06.1941 [46500]
P/O (prob) 03.10.1941, seniority 17.07.1941
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942, seniority 17.07.1942
(T) F/Lt. 01.01.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 22.09.1945
F/Lt. 01.07.1946
25.02.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1953 (retd 23.09.1972)
12.09.1941     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
01.07.1946     permanent commission, RAF (Technical Branch [later: Engineer Branch])
CEng, MRAeS, MIMgt, FINucE.  Knight Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (KCStJ).
Published: Malta : cross & controversy : the true story (1997)

Mr Brian Adams writes: "We are led to believe that T.V. Betty took the George Cross out to Malta in May 1942 and in 1997 he wrote a book "Cross & Controversy - Malta 1942" contradicting the "official" line that Lord Gort VC had actually taken the medal to Malta. We understand that he was ordered to collect the Cross from the Air Ministry, then report to RAF Hendon to fly to RAF Portreith in Cornwall, then on to Gibraltar and from there to RAF Luqa - Malta, which is now the Malta International Airport. He flew in a Hudson Mk3 (Spirit of Washington) piloted by Flying Officer Honeman, arriving in the middle of a German air raid in the evening of May 7th 1942."
Binnie,
James Alexander Weatherhead
J.A.W. Binnie (Photo courtesy of Mr Andrew Wilkinson) J.A.W. Binnie
Son of David and Barbara Binnie.
Married ((03?).1946, Westminster district, London) Phillis Mary Davies.
25.06.1894
Glasgow, Scotland
-
23.04.1962
Didcot, Wallingford district, Berkshire
Army:  
2nd Lt. 07.04.1915
T/Lt. 18.10.1916
Lt. 01.07.1917 (reld 01.08.1919)
T/Capt. 06.07.1916-01.09.1916
RAF:  
F/O 14.04.1917 [03142]
F/Lt. 30.06.1922
Sq.Ldr. 30.06.1931
W/Cdr. 01.04.1937 (retd 25.06. 1944 & re-employed) (reverted to retd 19.04.1946; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.)
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.06.1941
Legionnaire, Legion of Merit LM 15.10.1946 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 28.10.1921  for distinguished services in the field in Mesopotamia
Education: Glasgow Academy (1909-1911).
07.04.1915     commissioned, 5th (City of Glasgow) Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry - Territorial Army [obtained his Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate #4234 taken on a Caudron Biplane at Cheltenham Flying School 16.02.1917]
14.04.1917     commissioned, Royal Flying Corps (Military Wing) [temporary commission]
      48 Squadron
01.08.1919     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [permanent commission]
15.08.1930 - (03.1931) HQ Fleet Air Arm Flights, HMS Eagle (aircraft carrier)
27.11.1936 - (12.1939) on staff of Directorate of Training, Department of the Air Member for Personnel, Air Ministry
12.02.1940 - (07.1945) Deputy Director of Air Raid Precautions and Fire Services, Department of the Air Member for Supply and Organisation, Air Ministry
Bird,
Ivoe Curtis
I.C. Bird
Son of Alfred Curtis Bird (1862-1920), solicitor.
Married ((09?).1932, Richmond district, Surrey) Iris M. Izzard ((12?).1911 - ); one son.

You can SUPPORT the website by providing the file when purchasing it.

28.12.1908
Hendon district, Middlesex
-
06.11.1951
Moscow (announced as having died from a short illness, resulting in pneumonia)
P/O (prob) 03.04.1930 (reld 30.03.1931) [05188]
P/O 30.03.1931, seniority 30.03.1930
F/O 30.09.1931
F/Lt. 30.09.1935
Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1938
(T) W/Cdr. 01.12.1940
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.01.1944
Gp.Capt. 01.07.1947
(A) A/Cdre. 01.1950
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE 01.01.1945 New Year 45
Commander, Order of Oranje-Nassau (The Netherlands) OON 31.10.1947 ?
Education: Malvern College (1922.3-1927); Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (1927-1930; BA).
03.04.1930     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) (Class AA (ii))
30.03.1931     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [permanent commission]
08.06.1931     No. 3 Flying Training School RAF (Grantham)
26.09.1931     54 Squadron RAF (North Weald)
10.1935     training in the Russian language, School of Slavonic Studies, London
01.07.1937     HQ Bomber Command RAF (Uxbridge)
01.1939     17th course, RAF Staff College
06.1941     went with the Sir Stafford Cripps Mission to Moscow as Deputy to the Senior Air Member
1942     transferred to Ceylon (via Tehran) as Second-in-Command of the RAF there
late 1943     Commanding Officer of a base at Breighton, Yorkshire with 3 squadrons of Halifax bombers
      Air Ministry
1946     seconded to USAF Air University, Maxwell Field, Ala.
29.07.1948 - 01.1950? Senior Air Staff Officer to RAF Representative on Military Staff Committee, UK Delegation to United Nations (Air Force Staff) (New York)
01.1950 - 06.11.1951 Air Attaché. Moscow [died after an investiture dinner for the new UK ambassador under suspicious circumstances]
Bitmead,
Ernest Ralph

E.R. Bitmead
(06?).1913
-
17.12.1955
The Manor, Cholsey, Berkshire (formerly of West End, Nailsea, Somersetshire)
(died on active service)
(A) P/O (prob.)
16.03.1934 [34139]
P/O
16.03.1935
F/O
16.09.1936
F/Lt.
16.09.1938
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1940
Sq.Ldr.
01.09.1945
25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1941
(A) Gp.Capt.
?
(T) W/Cdr.
?
(WS) W/Cdr.
11.03.1945
W/Cdr.
01.07.1947, seniority 01.10.1946
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
21.11.1944
?
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1946
?
Commander, Order of Orange Nassau (The Netherlands) OON
23.01.1948
?
Education: Cranleigh School, Surrey (1926); RAF Staff College (psa)
16.03.1934


commissioned, RAF, General Duties Branch [short service commission]
03.04.1934
-
04.03.1935
No. 5 Flying Training School (Sealand)
04.03.1935
-
05.11.1936
54 Squadron RAF (Hornchurch)
05.11.1936
-
16.07.1938
instructor, No. 5 Flying Training School (Netheravon)
16.07.1938
-
09.01.1939
permanent staff, 501 Squadron AuxAF (Filton)
09.01.1939
-
08.07.1940
instructor, Central Flying School, Upavon
08.07.1940
-
10.07.1940
Commanding Officer, 29 Squadron RAF [but was
posted away, non-effective sick on the 10th
]
07.1940?
-
08.1940
266 Squadron (Wittering)
08.1940
-
09.1940
310 Squadron RAF (Duxford)
09.1940
-
09.1940
253 Squadron RAF
09.1940
-
19.10.1940
229 Squadron RAF
19.10.1940
-
18.05.1941
Commanding Officer, 611 Squadron RAF
[01.1941 destroyed a Bf 109 and a Do 215]
05. 1941, after an engagement over the Channel, his aircraft
was damaged and he made a forced landing in a field near 
East Grinstead. An insecure hood fractured the base of his
skull.]
14.08.1941
-
08.1941
Commanding Officer, 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF
(North Weald)
[After a week, he felt that he was not fit enough and
relinquished his command
]
16.03.1945


transferred to Reserve (and called up for Air Force
service)
Blackburn,
James

J. Blackburn

(03?).1916
Acton, London
-
1993
P/O
22.12.1936 [10067]
F/O
30.09.1939
F/Lt.
06.11.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
08.08.1942 *
(A) W/Cdr.
(10.1943)
Distinguished Service Order DSO
01.10.1943
**
Distinguished Service Order DSO
08.12.1944
***
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
04.11.1941
****
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
18.09.1942
*****
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1943
?
Distinguished Flying Cross (USA) DFC(US)
27.03.1945
?
* Takes rank and precedence as if his appointment as Temporary and War Substantive Sq.Ldr. bore date 29.03.1944. Reduction to take effect from 29.03.1944.
** Since he was appointed to command this squadron, Wing Commander Blackburn has completed 300 hours operational flying nearly all of which have been at night. His sorties have involved very long nights over difficult and mountainous country when he has displayed skill, endurance and courage of a high order. The success of the operations completed by his squadron has been largely due to this officer's personal example and masterly leadership.
*** This officer has an outstanding record. He has completed five tours of operational duty. He has commanded this squadron for the past few months and during the period has participated in a number of bombing attacks and several mine-laying missions. During these operations, despite very bad weather not once has he failed to attack his allotted target. Both in the air and on the ground his example has proved inspiring. His genius for leadership, great skill and fine fighting spirit have contributed in good measure to the high standard of efficiency of the squadron he commands.
**** This officer has completed 44 operational missions over enemy territory, involving 335 hours flying. Within the past four months, Flight Lieutenant Blackburn has completed 25 sorties, the majority of which have been made from advanced landing grounds, with an average of 11 hours flying time per sortie. Throughout he has displayed great skill and efficiency and set an excellent example. He is always ready to carry out any duty and his experience has proved invaluable.
***** This officer is engaged on his second tour of operational flying. As flight commander he has displayed outstanding enthusiasm and keenness, which has proved a source of inspiration. Undeterred by enemy opposition, he always presses home his attacks with the utmost skill and determination. Recently, over Benghazi, his aircraft was held in searchlight beams and subjected to accurate anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, he made another run over the area and released his bombs alongside a ship moored in the outer Mole. On another occasion, in similar circumstances, at Martuba, Squadron Leader Blackburn bombed the landing ground, starting three fires. His efficiency is of a high standard.
Education: Wellington College, Berkshire; Oxford University
22.12.1936


commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers, Royal Air Force Reserve (General Duties Branch)



57 Squadron RAF
?
-
(11.1941?)
70 Squadron RAF
05.1942
-
08.1942
Commanding Officer, 104 Squadron RAF
09.1942
-
11.1942
survived the torpedoing of the troop ship Laconia, was captured, escaped & made his way back to American lines in Morocco 
?
-
(10.1943?)
Commanding Officer, 148 Squadron RAF
03.1944
-
07.1944
Commanding Officer, 227 Squadron RAF
?
-
(12.1944?)
Commanding Officer, 159 Squadron RAF
08.01.1946
-
?
Commanding Officer, 196 Squadron RAF



allegedly the only RAF officer to complete 5 tours of operations during WW II
Probably court-martialled in 1944 for losing some 'top secret' documents.
Blair,
Kenneth Hughes
K.H. Blair (© Imperial War Museum (CH 433)) K.H. Blair (© Imperial War Museum (C 1514))
K.H. Blair
Son of ... Blair, and ... Royle.
Married ...; ... children (one son?).

15.02.1918
Heaton Moor, Stockport
-
31.10.1953
Doncaster district, West Riding of Yorkshire
[Hatfield Cemetery, Doncaster]
(A) P/O 18.05.1937 [39704]
P/O 15.03.1938
F/O 15.10.1939
F/Lt. 15.10.1940
(A) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 12.01.1944
(A) W/Cdr. (1944)
Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
W/Cdr. 01.01.1952
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 31.05.1940 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 23.05.1944 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 24.09.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 11.06.1942 ?

* This officer has shown exceptional keenness both before and during the present operations. He has engaged successfully two enemy bomber aircraft, viz., at dawn, one day in May, when he succeeded in being the first off the ground in pursuit of a Heinkel, and at dusk on the same day, when he successfully attacked another Heinkel between Arras and Vitry. He had a very narrow escape when a bomb landed within 20 yards of a room in which he was sleeping. He was badly shaken, but insisted on volunteering and taking .part in a patrol over Maastricht, when he engaged two Messerschmitt 109's.

03.1937     flying training
18.05.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
05.06.1937     No. 11 Flying Training School RAF
01.06.1938 - 25.06.1940 85 Squadron RAF (Debden & France) (DFC)
26.06.1940 - 09.07.1941 "B"  Flight Commander, 151 Squadron RAF (Martlesham Heath) (despatches)
15.03.1941     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers
10.07.1941 - 04.09.1942 Flight Commander, 1453 Flight RAF (Wittering) (despatches)
06.1943 - 10.1943 Flight Commander, 25 Squadron RAF (Church Fenton)
10.1943 - 02.1944 Commanding Officer, 613 Squadron RAF (Bar to DFC)
01.10.1947     extended service commission
? - 1953 RAF Lindholme
Blake,
Arthur Giles
A.G. Blake
Son of John Henry Laws Blake and Mary Jayne Blake.
16.09.1917
Tynemouth district, Northumberland
-
29.10.1940
(KIA) [age 23]
[Langley Marish (St. Mary) Churchyard, 13.3]
Midsh. (A)
01.05.1939
A/S.Lt. (A)
16.09.1939
S.Lt. (A)
?



Fleet Air Arm [HMS Daedalus]
(01.07.1940)


attached 19 Squadron

09.09.1940
15.09.1940
15.09.1940
17.09.1940
27.09.1940
    5 victories (confirmed):
1 He 111
1 Bf 109
½ He 111
2 Bf 109
2 Bf 109
Blockey,
Paul Sandland
P.S. Blockey

Son of Albert and Mabel Blockey.
Married (1926) Ella Temple; three sons (one daughter deceased).
23.02.1905
-
10.10.1963
[Fernhurst, Haslemere, Surrey ?]
P/O (prob)
15.07.1924 [19045]
P/O
15.01.1925
F/O
15.01.1926
F/Lt.
05.03.1930
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1936
(T) W/Cdr.
01.01.1940
W/Cdr.
14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940
(T) Gp.Capt.
?
(WS) Gp.Capt.
03.10.1944
(T) A/Cdre.
01.01.1946
A/Cdre.
01.01.1948
(A) Air Vice Marshal
15.02.1954-15.09.1954
Air Vice Marshal
? (retd 1960)
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB
1955
?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
1945
?
Education: Dulwich College; Trinity Hall, Cambridge (Mech. Sciences Tripos, 3rd class, BA); RAF Staff College (psa, 1939)
15.07.1924


first commission RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
01.09.1930


permanent commission
1929
-
1931
qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
24.04.1940


transferred from the General Duties Branch to the Technical Branch
1943
-
1945
AOC, No. 230 Maintenance Group
1948
-
1950
Senior Technical Staff Officer, Transport Command
1950
-
1954
Dir Aircraft Engineering
15.02.1954
-
(04.)1954
Director-General of Technical Services, Air Ministry
1954
-
1956
Senior Technical Staff Officer, MEAF
1956
-
1959
Deputy Director­General of Aircraft Research and Development (RAF), Ministry of Supply
1959
-
1960
Senior Air Staff Officer, RAF Technical Training Command
Blucke,
Robert Stewart
R.S. Blucke

Son of late Rev. R.S.K. Blucke, Monxton Rectory, Andover, Hants; married 1926, Nancy, daughter of late Frank Wilson, Auckland, NZ; one daughter (one son decd).
22.06.1897
-
02.10.1988
[Crowborough, East Sussex ?]
Sq.Ldr.
01.10.1936
Air Vice Marshal
01.07.1947 (retd 01.07.1952)
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB
1946
?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
1945
?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
1943
?
Air Force Cross AFC
1936
?
Air Force Cross AFC
1941
?
Education: Malvern College
24.04.1918


first commission



qualified at specialist signals course



Dorset Regt and RFC, 1915-18; Mesopotamia, 1916-18; Royal Air Force, 1922; India, 1927-32; Test Pilot Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, 1933-37; Air Ministry, 1938-42; served in Bomber Command, 1942-46; AOC No 1 Group RAF, 1945; Senior Air Staff Officer, AHQ, India, 1947; AOA, Technical Training Command, 1947-49; AOA, Far East Air Force, 1949-50; AOC Malaya, 1951; AOC-in-C Transport Command, 1952; retired 1952. General Manager, National Assoc. for Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen, 1952-65.
Boardman,
Robert Charles
R.C. Boardman
(03?).1911 ?
Farnham district, Surrey ?
-
?
Wt.Offr. ? [513775]
(A) P/O (prob) 18.11.1943 [53511]
P/O (prob) 13.01.1944
(WS) F/O 13.07.1944 (Emgcy List) (reld 13.03.1956; retaining rank of F/O)
18.11.1943     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for administrative and miscellaneous duties) [emergency commission]
(03.1945)     officer in a RAF unit in Iceland
Boddie,
Donald George
D.G. Boddie

Son (with four brothers) of Charles Littleboy Boddie (1861-1924), and Elizabeth Anne Edwards (1861-1913).
Brother of R.Adm. (E) Ronald Charles Boddie, CVO, DSO, RN.
Married ((12?).1916, Spilsby district, Lincolnshire) Ellen Beatrice Hand (08.09.1890-18.07.1980), of Twickenham, Middlesex; three daughters.
02.11.1891
Coleraine, Northern Ireland
-
18.08.1947
Twickenham, Brentford district, Middlesex
[age 55]
[Mortlake Crematorium, panel 2]
F/Lt. 13.07.1920 [14129]
Sq.Ldr. 19.08.1925
W/Cdr. 01.01.1935
Gp.Capt. 01.01.1939
A/Air Cdre. 1944? (retd 25.10.1946; medical unfitness, retainin rank of Air Cdre.)
Education: University of Edinburgh; MB, ChB 1914.
House Surgeon, Lincoln County Hospital.
19.08.1915 - 1918 temporary commission as Surgeon in the Royal Navy
13.07.1920     commissioned into the Royal Air Force (Medical Service [later: Medical Branch]) 
24.04.1939 - (06.)1940 Principal Medical Officer, Maintenance Command (Andover, Hampshire)
05.11.1940 - (01.)1942 Principal Medical Officer, Far East Command RAF (Air HQ, Singapore)
09.10.1944 - (07.1945) Principal Medical Officer, Coastal Command RAF (Northwood, Middlesex)
A grandchild writes: "During WWII he was Senior Medical Officer Far East, based in Singapore where he was wounded just before the surrender. He was shipped out to Indonesia before the arrival of the Japanese and later transferred to Hospital in India before returning to the UK via South Africa."
Boles,
George Reid
G.R. Boles
Son (with two sisters and one brother) of David Herbert Boles (1874-1939), and Rachel Rae Reid (1869-).
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
26.08.1913
Canada
-
?
(A) P/O (prob) 02.03.1936 [37593]
P/O 06.01.1937
(A) F/O 20.05.1938
F/O 06.08.1938
(A) F/Lt. 15.05.1939
F/Lt. 06.08.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.03.1942
02.03.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
20.12.1936 - (11.1939) 35 (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Worthy Down, later Cranfield)
06.01.1940     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
Bond,
Alfred Gordon
A.G. Bond
06.04.1891
Gravesend, Kent
-
30.05.1961
The Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge district, Kent (formerly of Old Tattlebury, Goudhurst, Kent)
F/O
20.05.1916
2nd Lt.
03.10.1916, seniority 04.09.1916
T/Lt.
?
T/Capt. (Flight Cdr.)
10.12.1917
Sq.Ldr. (retd)
29.05.1929 [02058]
(T) W/Cdr.
? (retd 21.01.1936)
Air Force Cross AFC
?
?
03.10.1916


commissioned into The South Lancashire Regiment
03.10.1916


seconded for services with the Royal Flying Corps
01.04.1918


first commission RAF
01.08.1919


joined RAF (permanent commission)
25.08.1939
-
24.07.1942
recalled to active service 
Bond,
Frank Edgar
F.E. Bond
01.05.1895
Croydon district, London / Surrey
-
08.02.1986

Croydon district, London
Lt.
01.04.1918 [09064]
F/O
27.09.1920
F/Lt.
01.07.1926
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1935
W/Cdr.
01.01.1939 (retd 27.01.1942; own request; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.)
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.06.1941
01.04.1918
 
 
commissioned, RAF (as Aeroplane & Seaplane Officer)
27.09.1920


short service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
11.12.1923
 
 
RAF Base, Gosport
19.01.1925
 
 
Armament and Gunnery School, Eastchurch
14.09.1925
 
 
RAF Base, Gosport
15.09.1925
 
 
No. 461 (F Torpedo) Flight, RAF (Gosport)
18.08.1926
 
 
No. 405 Flight, RAF (Donibristle)
01.11.1927
 
 
permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
15.08.1928
 
 
RAF Depot, Uxbridge
17.09.1928
 
 
41 Squadron RAF (Northolt)
07.07.1931
 
 
RAF College, Cranwell
21.11.1934


802 (FF) Squadron RAF (Netheravon)
15.01.1940
-
(10.1940)
staff of Directorate of Operations (Home), Department of the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Ministry
Bond,
Kenneth Frank Pennington
K.F.P. Bond (Photo courtesy of Mr John Southern)

Son of Frank Herbert Bond, commercial traveller, and Dorothy Blanche Pennington, of Finchley.
Married ((12?).1943, York district, East Riding of Yorkshire) Margaret Elaine Oxlade, of Camelot, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire; one daughter.
26.04.1914
-
22.04.1944
(KIA) [age 29]
[Clichy Northern Cemetery, France, plot 16, row 10, grave 19]
(A) P/O (prob) 07.05.1938 [40666]
P/O 07.03.1939
F/O 03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.09.1941
(A) Sq.Ldr. 1944?
Mention in Despatches MID 14.06.1945 posthumously
Education: Merchant Taylors' School (1927-1931).
07.05.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
07.03.1942     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
? - 22.04.1944 pilot, 77 Squadron RAF
[Halifax LK710 (KN-S) left Elvington 22:20 hrs without incident, to attack rail yards at Laon, France. Aircraft was shot down from height of 7000ft by enemy night fighter (Ju88?), which raked the Halifax from aft to fore and from directly below (probably Schrage Musik?) as no one on board saw it! Aircraft crashed approximately 5 km due East of Soissons in the department of Aisne, approximately 25 km S.W of it's target of Laon. Sq.Ldr. Bond was sadly killed and is buried in Clinchy New Communal Cemetery, remainder of crew baled out, one was subsequently captured & taken pow, the remainder evaded capture.]
Booth,
Maurice
A.G. Bond
Married Philippa Bennett.
?
-
died before 1996
P/O
?
..
...
W/Cdr.
01.10.1946 (retd )
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
1943
-
1945
Commanding Officer, 271 Squadron RAF 
Borthwick-Clarke,
Ernest Shakespeare
E.S. Borthwick-Clarke
07.05.1899
Cardiff, Glamorgan
-
17.01.1966
Filey, Yorkshire
Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1936 [03184]
(WS) W/Cdr.
13.01.1943
(A) Gp.Capt.
? (retd 13.09.1945)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE
?
?
01.04.1918


first commission RAF




Boult,
Norman de Warrenne
"Ben"
N. de W. Boult
Younger son of V. de V. Boult, of Gerrards Cross, and Mrs Boult, late of Thorney Weir, Iver.
Married ((06?).1938, Westminster district, London) Margaretta Dorothy Marshall "Peggy" Symons, only daughter of S.M. Symons, of Salisbury, Rhodesia, and Mrs Symons, of Capetown.
06.04.1913
-
05.02.1998
Whitby district, Yorkshire
(A) P/O (prob) 06.06.1933 [34066]
P/O 06.06.1934
F/O 06.12.1935
F/Lt. 06.12.1937
Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1940
(T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1941
Sq.Ldr. (permanent) 21.05.1946, seniority 01.09.1945
25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1941
W/Cdr. 01.07.1947, seniority 01.10.1946
Gp.Capt. 01.01.1952 (retd 31.03.1960)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 19.09.1944 *
Air Force Cross AFC 01.01.1942 ?
Greek Air Force Cross GkAFC 12.03.1943 ?
* In July, 1944, this officer took part in an attack on a target south of Caen. Considerable antiaircraft fire was encountered and, in his run over the target, Wing Commander Boult's aircraft was hit. The hydraulic gear was put out of action, causing the bomb doors to fall open and the landing wheels to drop to the down position; other damage was also sustained. Wing Commander Boult was wounded in the arm and in the eye but despite this he maintained formation and made two more runs over the target. This officer set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty throughout.
Education: Rossall School, Fleetwood.
06.06.1933     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
23.06.1933 - (07?).1934 No. 4 Flying Training School (Abu Sueir)
07.1936     seriously injured as pilot as the result of an accident which occurred at Mersa Matruh on July 7, to an aircraft of No. 216 (Bomber Transport) Squadron, Heliopolis, whilst engaged in a night flying exercise in co-operation with the Army
28.03.1937     Home Aircraft Depot RAF, Henlow
04.04.1938     No. 615 (County of Surrey) (A.C.) Squadron RAF (Kenley)
06.06.1944     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service) [re-transferred to active list 21.05.1946]
(1944)     pilot, 180 Squadron RAF (wounded on 24.07.1944 on a night raid near Caen)
1947     Chief Instructor at the Central Flying School, Little Rissington
1956     Commanding Officer, RAF Acklington
Bourne,
Alistair Hugh Richmond
J.E.W. Bowles
Son of Mr. and the late Mrs. A.H. Bourne, Purley, Surrey.
Engaged (22.02.1939) to Jacqueline Lemmon, daughter of Col. & Mrs. C.H. Lemmon, Burleigh, Nr. Stroud, Gloucestershire.
30.05.1914
Croydon, Greater London
-
18.12.1939
(KIA) [age 25]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 1]
(A) P/O (prob)
09.07.1938 [40882]
P/O
16.05.1939
09.07.1938


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
?
-
18.12.1939
9 Squadron RAF
[his Wellington Mk. 1A bomber [N2939 WS-H] took off at 0855 from Honington for a reconnaissance operation; it broke up in the air and crashed into the sea off Wilhelmshaven, Germany, after being engaged by Me-110s; there were no survivors]
Bowen,
Stanley Allen Fawcett
S.A.F. Bowen
Son of Walter Allen Bowen, and Bertha Bowen.
Married ((09?).1945, Isle of Wight) Beryl Bottrill; ... children (one son?).
08.05.1917
-
14.04.1988
Isle of Wight
(A) P/O (prob) 08.07.1939 [42298]
P/O (prob) 20.02.1940
P/O 15.05.1940
(WS) F/O 20.02.1941
(WS) F/Lt. 20.02.1942 (reld 22.03.1947)
F/O 22.03.1947
F/Lt. 01.03.1951, seniority 22.03.1947 (reld 22.03.1952)
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1946 ?
08.07.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
15.05.1945 - 22.03.1947 transferred to Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
22.03.1947 - 22.03.1952 commissioned, RAFVR (Reconstituted Section) (General Duties Branch)
His son writes: "Unit affiliation: 8 / Aden; 20 / Peshawar; 221 Group India; Flying Wing HQ, RAF College SFTS, Cranwell."
Bowles,
John Edward Wymer
J.E.W. Bowles
01.01.1905
Norwich district, Norfolk
-
died between 04.1956 and 1996
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937 [16139]
Gp.Capt.
01.10.1946 (retd 21.11.1947)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
31.07.1924


first commission




Boyce,
John Charles
J.C. Boyce
?
-
(A) P/O (prob)
18.05.1940 [79327]
P/O (prob)
21.06.1940
P/O
18.05.1941
(WS) F/O
21.06.1941
(T) F/Lt.
01.07.1943 (emgcy list) (retd 16.07.1956; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
18.05.1940
 
 
commissioned, RAF (Accountant Branch) [emergency commission]
Boyd,
Robert Findlay
R.F. Boyd R.F. Boyd
08.06.1916
Glasgow, Scotland
-
04.1975
P/O 02.11.1935 [90165]
F/O 02.05.1937
F/Lt. 03.09.1939
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1940
Sq.Ldr. ?
(T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1942
(WS) W/Cdr. 14.09.1944
27.07.1945, seniority 27.05.1945 (reld 1945)
(A) Gp.Capt. ? 1945?
Distinguished Service Order DSO 10.04.1942 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 24.09.1940 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 25.10.1940 ***
* Since December, 1941, this officer has led a wing on many operational missions. Much of the outstanding successes which have been obtained can be attributed to the leadership, skill and fighting spirit of this officer. Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Wing Commander Boyd has destroyed a further 12 enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 22.
** Flight Lieutenant Boyd has led his flight into action on all possible occasions and by his initiative and accurate shooting has personally destroyed nine enemy aircraft. He has displayed cool judgment and a keen desire to engage the enemy irrespective of the odds against him.
*** This officer has personally destroyed at least 12 enemy aircraft, and has assisted in the destruction of one other. His fine leadership has enabled his squadron to attain many successes with few losses to themselves. Flight Lieutenant Boyd has distinguished himself by his cool bearing and capable leadership.
02.11.1935     commissioned, 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron AuxAF (General Duties Branch)
12.1940     Commanding Officer, 54 Squadron RAF (Catterick)
07.1941     58 Operational Training Unit RAF (Grangemouth)
12.1941     RAF Kenley
1942     Wing Leader, 293 Wing RAF (Burma)
Flew post-war charter flights for Scottish Aviation, and later tried pig-farming, and herring fishing and then moved to Skye, where he kept the Ferry Inn at Uig.
Boyle,
[Sir] Dermot Alexander
D.A. Boyle D.A. Boyle
One of five children and the second of the three sons of Alexander Francis Boyle (1856-1919), estate agent, and Anna Maria Harpur (1871-).
Married (05.09.1931) Una Carey (30.10.1907 - 12.1993), daughter of rubber planter Edward Valentine Carey (1865-1914), and Helen Morley (1867-); two sons, one daughter.

02.10.1904
Belmont House, Rathdowney, Queen's county, Ireland
-
05.05.1993
Sway, Hampshire
P/O 31.07.1924 [16138]
... ...
Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936
(T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940
W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.09.1941
(WS) Gp.Capt. 17.11.1943
Gp.Capt. 01.12.1944
(A) A/Cdre. 17.05.1943
A/Cdre. 01.10.1944
(A) Air Vice Marshal 26.04.1945-19.03.1946
... ...
Marshal of the RAF 01.01.1958 (retd 01.01.1960)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath GCB 01.01.1957 ?
Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order KCVO 16.07.1953 ?
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) KBE 01.01.1953 ?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 01.01.1946 ?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) CBE 01.01.1945 ?
Air Force Cross AFC 08.06.1939 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 24.09.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 02.06.1943 ?
Education: St Columba's College, Dublin; RAF College, Cranwell (1922); psa; qualified at specialist armament course.
... - ... ...
21.11.1939     Staff Officer, HQ AASF
28.06.1940     Air Staff - Operations, HQ Bomber Command
21.11.1940     Officer Commanding, 83 Squadron RAF
17.02.1941     Assistant Secretary, Committee of Imperial Defence
17.01.1942     Officer Commanding, RAF Stradishall
17.05.1943     Senior Air Staff Officer, 83 Group RAF
26.08.1943     also: Air ADC to the King
26.04.1945     Air Officer Commanding, 85 (Base) Group RAF
20.07.1945     Air Officer Commanding, 11 Group RAF
... - ... ...
Braham,
John Randall Daniel
"Bob"

J.R.D. Braham J.R.D. Braham
J.R.D. Braham J.R.D. Braham

06.04.1920
Holcombe, Somerset
-
07.02.1974
Nova Scotia, Canada
(A) P/O 07.05.1938 [40667]
... ...
Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1947 (retd 11.05.1952; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
(A) W/Cdr. (1943)
(T) W/Cdr. ?
Distinguished Service Order DSO 09.10.1942 *
Distinguished Service Order DSO 24.09.1943 **
Distinguished Service Order DSO 13.06.1944 ***
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 17.01.1941 ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 25.11.1941 ****
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 15.06.1943 *****
Air Force Cross AFC 01.01.1951 New Year 51
07.05.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
(1940) - (1941) 29 Squadron RAF
(1943)     141 Squadron RAF
01.09.1945     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
* Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Squadron Leader Braham has destroyed a further four enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to ten. On one occasion his aircraft sustained much damage and one engine was put out of action when at an altitude of only 150 feet. Nevertheless, displaying great courage and determination he completed the return journey and made a safe landing on a small emergency landing ground. Squadron Leader Braham has led both his flight and his squadron with courage and resolute determination.
** Since being awarded a second bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Wing Commander Braham has undertaken many sorties at night during which he has destroyed a further 5 enemy aircraft. He is a brilliant leader, whose exceptional skill, gallantry and unswerving devotion to duty have been reflected in the fine fighting qualities of the squadron which has obtained notable successes.
*** Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has taken part in many sorties, including numerous successful attacks on rail targets and on mechanical transport. In air fighting he has destroyed many more enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to at least 29. This officer has displayed the highest qualities of skill and leadership and his achievements are a splendid testimony to his courage and fighting spirit.
**** Since January, 1941, this officer has carried out many operational sorties at night during which he has destroyed 6 hostile aircraft bringing his total victories to at least 7 destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and a further 2 damaged. His most recent success was one night in October, 1941, when he intercepted a raiding aircraft and, following a burst from his guns at short range, the raider went down in flames, finally crashing into the sea. This officer has always shown the utmost zeal and keenness and has flown with great skill in adverse weather conditions on many occasions.
***** This officer is a fearless and determined leader, whose impressive qualities have inspired the squadron he commands. Wing Commander Braham has destroyed n enemy aircraft, whilst his more recent achievements include a damaging attack on a U-boat and another attack on a motor torpedo boat which was set on fire. His fine fighting spirit and keenness have set a praiseworthy example.
Brain,
George William

G.W. Brain
Son of George W. Brain, and Amelia Cook.
31.10.1919
Cardiff, South Glamorgan
-

24.11.1984
Penarth, South Glamorgan
Wt.Offr. ? [581263]
P/O (prob) 18.07.1942 [49311]
(WS) F/O 18.01.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 18.07.1944
F/O 18.12.1945, seniority 18.07.1943
F/Lt. 01.11.1947, seniority 18.01.1946
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1954 (retd 01.01.1959)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 12.03.1943 *
* This officer has taken part in a large number of operational sorties. On one occasion, the aircraft in which he was flying was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, he successfully navigated it back to this country, where the crew were forced to leave it by parachute. More recently he participated in the daylight raids on Le Creusot and Milan.
18.07.1942     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)     207 Squadron RAF
18.12.1945     extended service commission
15.07.1948     permanent commission
Brandon,
Charles Harold

C.H. Brandon (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Morss)
Second son (with two brothers and one sister) of Noel Harold Brandon (1884-1932), and Muriel Emily Craig (1886-1966), of Leskinfere, Pyrford.
Married (22.04.1939, Dingwall) Marion Stevens Morss (21.03.1917 - 08.12.1976), eldest daughter of Robert Dillingham Morss (1889-1940), and Marion Winchester Stevens (1888-1917), of Uplands, Berkhamsted (formerly of Boston, USA); one daughter. Marion Brandon remarried (1948) G.B.C. Sumner.
02.09.1913
Highgate, St Pancras district, London
-

26.07.1944
Westminster Hospital, London
[Woking (St John's) Crematorium, panel 1]
P/O 16.12.1933 [33079]
F/O 16.06.1935
F/Lt. 16.06.1937
Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1939
(T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1941
Education: RAF College, Cranwell.
16.12.1933     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
16.12.1933     RAF Base Calshot
21.12.1937     No. 8 Armament Training Camp RAF, Evanton
01.1943 - 11.1943 Commanding Officer, 210 Squadron RAF
Brandt,
Jack

J. Brandt
Son of Capt. Freddie Brandt (?-1924).
Twin brother of F/Lt. Sidney Brandt, RAF.

17.04.1916
Shanghai
-

02.1999
Lewes district, Sussex
(A) P/O (prob) 05.07.1937 [39849]
P/O 10.05.1938
F/O 10.02.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 10.02.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1944
F/Lt. 22.08.1946, seniority 01.12.1942
Sq.Ldr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.08.1947 (emgcy) (reld 01.01.1955)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 10.11.1942 ?
05.07.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
17.07.1937     No. 7 Flying Training School RAF (Peterborough)
10.05.1941     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
(1942)     67 Squadron RAF (DFC)
      137 Squadron RAF
[shot down in Typhoon MN474; POW]
22.08.1946     extended service commission
22.08.1950     transferred to reserve (Class A)
01.01.1955     appointment to the Royal Naval Reserve (Air Branch)
Brandt,
Sidney

S. Brandt
Son of Capt. Freddie Brandt (?-1924).
Twin brother of Sq.Ldr. Jack Brandt, DFC, RAF.
17.04.1916
Shanghai
-

29.12.1941
(MPK) [age 25]
[Malta Memorial, panel 1, column 1]
(A) P/O (prob) 09.07.1938 [40883]
F/O 03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.09.1941
09.07.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
? - 29.12.1941 Flight Commander, 249 Squadron RAF
[Engaged in his Hurricane fighting enemy aircraft which were attacking shipping between Malta and Gozo, when he was shot down into the sea and lost.]
Brazendale,
Harry

H. Brazendale
Married ((09?).1947, Plymouth district, Devon) Joan F. Johns; one daughter, one son.
17.06.1909
Wilmslow, Bucklow district, Cheshire
-
17.12.1967
Headington, Oxford
F/Sgt. ? [366145]
(A) P/O (prob) 10.12.1942 [50313]
P/O (prob) 11.03.1943
(WS) F/O (prob) 11.09.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 11.09.1946 (retd 30.05.1947; own request)
Mention in Despatches MID 14.06.1945 ?
      served approx. 22 years in the RAF; based in Grantham in 1934 where he was a band leader, with the Accordion Bandits; later to South Cerney in Gloucestershire; he then went to officer training, and might then have been in 601 Squadron RAF
10.12.1942     commissioned, RAF (Technical Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Insurance agent.
Brecknell,
Douglas Frank Charles

M.St.J. Brecknell
Son of Henry Brecknell, and Marjorie Edwards.
Brother of Maj. Mervyn St. James Brecknell.
Married ((09?).1935, Bristol district, Gloucestershire) Audrey M. Ling.
(12?).1907
Bristol district, Gloucestershire
-

08.07.1940
Ellerker Sands, Ellerker, Holderness district, East Riding of Yorkshire (formerly of Kingston-upon-Hill)
P/O (prob) 21.06.1927, seniority 08.06.1927 [70080]
P/O 08.06.1928
F/O 08.12.1928 *

* Showing as relinquishing commission on the Emergency List 10.02.1954, with no retention of rank

21.06.1927     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class AA2)

Civil aviation pilot (by 1938 serving as pilot for Jersey Airways Ltd., St Peter's Airport, Jersey).

      may have been killed as a test pilot flying a sabotaged aircraft
Briggs,
Geoffrey Harry
"Buster"
G.H. Briggs
Married (1947) Elizabeth
("Wizzie") Swithinbank (died  1982); three sons, one daughter.
22.03.1918
-
13.04.2005
Army:

Cadet
?
2nd Lt.
27.01.1938 [74592]
Lt.
01.01.1941
Capt.
27.01.1946 (retd 12.07.1946; disability)
RAF:

(T) P/O (prob)
23.01.1941 [45270]
P/O
23.01.1942
F/O
23.01.1942
F/Lt.
?
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
24.07.1945
(A?) W/Cdr.
? (reld 12.07.1946; medically unfit)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
1944?
Normandy 06.44
Mention in Despatches MID
?
Sicily 07.43
Mention in Despatches MID
14.01.1944
Arnhem 09.44
Education: Abingdon School; Eton; Royal Military College, Sandhurst
27.01.1938


commissioned into the Coldstream Guards (1st Battalion)
1938
-
1940
served in the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards & from 01.12.1939 HQ 7th Guards Brigade (UK, France [Cherbourg, Dyle, Dunkirk 09.1939-06.1940], UK [Rustington, Sussex])
23.01.1941


seconded to the RAF
23.01.1941


Glider Exercise Unit (Ringway, Manchester) [Army Co-operation Command]
01.1942


redesignated: 296 Squadron RAF
12.06.1942


Airborne Forces
01.1943?


295 Squadron RAF (SOE operations, tugging gliders in Morroco, Tunisia, Sicily) (temporary in command)
17.10.1943
-
16.11.1944
Flight Commander, 298 Squadron RAF (Tarrant Rushton, Normandy & Arnhem)
02.12.1944


Instructor, School of Air Support, Old Sarum
24.03.1945


Commanding Officer, 190 Squadron RAF (1st Allied Airborne Army)
Briggs farmed in West Sussex, where he was appointed a High Sheriff and a Deputy Lieutenant.
Brinsden,
Francis Noel
"Frank"
F.N. Brinsden F.N. Brinsden
F.N. Brinsden F.N. Brinsden
27.03.1919
Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
-
11.1993
Western Australia
P/O
27.09.1938 [40338]
F/O
27.03.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
27.03.1941
F/Lt.
28.06.1947, seniority 01.12.1942
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1942-01.01.1944, 28.06.1947-01.11.1947
Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1948, seniority 01.08.1947
W/Cdr.
01.01.1954
1937


joined RAF
(01.07.1940)


19 Squadron
31.08.1940


safely baled out of his Spitfire I R6958 after combat above the Thames Estuary at 0845 hrs.
10.1940


posted to 303 (Polish) Squadron
03.1941


Flight Commander, 485 Squadron
27.09.1941


transferred to reserve (RAFO)
01.01.1944


relinquished commission
01.1944


transferred RNZAF
28.06.1947


permanent commission RAF

09.09.1940


victories:
½ He 111
(1965)


still serving
Broadhurst,
Sir Harry
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst
H. Broadhurst H. Broadhurst

28.10.1905
Frimley, Surrey
-
29.08.1995
Birdham, Chichester district, Sussex
P/O 01.10.1926 [24035]
... ...
(A) Air Vice Marshal 01.06.1943
... ...
Air Chief Marshal 14.02.1957 (retd 01.03.1961)
... - ... ...
29.11.1942 - 31.01.1943 Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Western Desert Air Force
31.01.1943 - 21.03.1944 Air Officer Commanding, Western Desert Air Force (from 10.07.1943 Desert Air Force)
25.03.1944 - 01.09.1945 Air Officer Commanding, 83 (Composite) Group RAF (NW Europe)
... - ... ...
Brodie,
Robert Petrie
R.P. Brodie (Photo courtesy of Mrs Heather Johnson) R.P. Brodie (Photo courtesy of Mrs Heather Johnson)
R.P. Brodie (Photo courtesy of Mrs Heather Johnson) R.P. Brodie (Photo courtesy of Mrs Heather Johnson)
R.P. Brodie (Photo courtesy of Mrs Heather Johnson) R.P. Brodie (Photo courtesy of Mrs Heather Johnson)
Son of George Brown Brodie, and Margaret Gow Petrie.
Married May Lennox.
18.08.1909
Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland
-
30.11.1993
Ilford, Redbridge district, Essex
Wt.Offr. ? [510588]
F/O (prob) 28.12.1944 [56344]
F/O 28.06.1945, seniority 28.12.1944
F/Lt. 28.06.1948 (retd 05.09.1954)
      served in Egypt and Iraq (may have served with 84 Squadron RAF):
28.12.1944     commissioned, RAF (Accountant Branch [later: Secretarial Branch]) [emergency commission]
05.09.1946     extended service commission
      served at North Weald
Bromet,
Sir Geoffrey Rhodes
G.R. Bromet

28.08.1891
-
16.11.1983
A/Cdre.
01.01.1933 (retd 25.04.1938) (reverted to retd 10.10.1945; retaining the rank of Air Vice Marshal)
(A) Air Vice Marshal
04.03.1940-12.09.1941
(T) Air Vice Marshal
01.06.1943
...
-
...
...
30.06.1936
-
1938
Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Coastal Command
08.01.1940
-
1941
Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Coastal Command
12.09.1941
-
1943
Air Officer Commanding, No. 19 Group (Plymouth)
18.09.1943
-
1945
Air Officer Commanding, No. 247 Group (Senior British Officer, Azores Force)
Bromley,
Robert
R. Bromley (Photo courtesy of Mr Stuart Braga PhD)
31.12.1910
Brenchley, Kent
-
02.12.1987
Theale, Reading and Wokingham district, Berkshire
F/Sgt. ? [515285]
P/O (prob) 28.03.1942, seniority 29.01.1942 [48187]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(A) F/Lt. ?
(T) F/Lt. 01.01.1945
(WS) F/Lt. 07.11.1946
F/O 16.05.1946, seniority 28.03.1943
F/Lt. 01.07.1946, seniority 01.10.1945
24.02.1948, seniority 28.09.1945
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1946 ?
28.03.1942     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
16.05.1946     extended service commission
15.05.1948     permanent commission
11.10.1955     transferred to Branch List conditions of service
Brooke,
John Callaghan
J.C. Brooke
25.06.1893
East Court, Kensington, London
-
06.09.1966
Poole, Dorset
Sq.Ldr.
01.01.1927 [02066] (retd 25.06.1941)
Distinguished Service Cross DSC
?
?
01.04.1918


first commission RAF



qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
26.06.1941
-
31.10.1941
re-employed on active service
Brooker,
Richard Edgar Peter
R.E.P. Brooker

02.11.1918
Chessington, Epsom district, Surrey
-
16.04.1945
(A) P/O 12.07.1937 [39931]
P/O 05.04.1938
F/O 05.01.1940
F/Lt. 05.01.1941
Sq.Ldr. 01.03.1942
(A) W/Cdr. ?
      see biography button at the left
Brookes,
Donald Scott
D.S. Brookes
20.04.1900
Rugby, Leicestershire
-
(03?).1968
Hatfield district, Hertfordshire
Sq.Ldr.
01.10.1936 [17155]
(WS) W/Cdr.
09.12.1944
(T) Gp.Capt.
? (retd 09.10.1946)
19.03.1919


first commission



qualified at specialist engineering course
Brookes,
Hugh Hamilton
H.H. Brookes
Son of late W. H. Brookes and of Evelyn, daughter of J. Forster Hamilton (she married 2nd Sir John
Simpson, KBE, CIE).
Married (1932) Elsie Viola Henry; one daughter.

see: rafweb.org
14.10.1904
Andaman Islands,
Bengal

-
16.03.1988
Port Alfred, South Africa
P/O
31.07.1924 [16137]
...
...
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1936
(T) W/Cdr.
01.01.1940
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.12.1941
W/Cdr.
14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940
...
...
Air Vice Marshal
01.01.1953 (retd 10.11.1958)
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB
10.06.1954
?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
07.06.1951
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
08.12.1944
?
Mention in Despatches MID
06.05.1932
?
Mention in Despatches MID
24.09.1941
?
Education: Bedford School; Cranwell; psa
...
-
...
...
1939
-
1940
Commanding Officer, 39 Squadron RAF (Western Desert)
1940
-
1941
Air Staff, HQ British Forces in Aden
21.11.1941
-
1942
Staff Officer (Air), Army HQ West Africa
11.1942
-
1943
Commander, 298 Wing RAF
1943
-
1946?
Commander, RAF Breighton
...
-
...
...
Brothers,
Peter Malam
P.M. Brothers P.M. Brothers

Son of late John Malam Brothers; married 1939, Annette, daughter of late James Wilson; three daughters.
30.09.1917
-
18.12.2008
Hungerford, Berkshire
(A) P/O
23.03.1936 [37668]
P/O
27.01.1937
F/O
27.10.1938
(A) F/Lt.
02.03.1939
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(A) Sq.Ldr.
23.06.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
02.01.1943
Sq.Ldr.
02.06.1949
(A) W/Cdr.
02.10.1942
(T) W/Cdr.
01.07.1945 (retd 28.03.1947)
Gp.Capt.
1959?
A/Cdre.
1965? (retd 1973)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE 13.06.1964 HM's Birthday 64
Distinguished Service Order DSO 03.11.1944 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 13.09.1940 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 15.06.1943 ***
* Wing Commander Brothers is a courageous and outstanding leader whose splendid example has inspired all. He has led large formations of aircraft on many missions far into enemy territory. Much of the success obtained can be attributed to Wing Commander Brothers brilliant leadership. He has destroyed 13 enemy aircraft.
** During an offensive patrol in August, 1940, this officer's flight encountered about one hundred enemy aircraft. He led the flight in attack against them, but before this could be pressed home, he was himself attacked by a number of  Messerschmitt 110's. Turning to meet them, he found himself in a stalled position; he spun out of it and immediately sighted and engaged a Dornier 215 which he shot down. Later in the day he destroyed a Messerschmitt 109. Altogether Flight Lieutenant Brothers has destroyed seven enemy aircraft. He has at all times displayed great courage and initiative.
*** This officer has displayed outstanding keenness and efficiency. Within recent months he has led a wing in many operations and, by his skilful work and personal example, has contributed in a large measure to the high standard of operational efficiency of the formation. He has displayed great devotion to duty.
Education: North Manchester School (Br. of Manchester Grammar); RAF Staff College (psa, 1954)
23.03.1936


short service commission RAF, General Duties Branch
11.10.1936


32 Squadron
09.09.1940


257 Squadron (RAF Biggin Hill)
16.12.1940


55 Operational Training Unit
20.06.1941


Commanding Officer, 457 Squadron
27.01.1942


transferred to reserve (RAFO)
20.06.1942


Commanding Officer, 602 Squadron
02.10.1942


RAF Station Tangmere (Tangmere Fighter Wing Leader)
02.04.1943


52 Operational Training Unit
29.07.1943


61 Operational Training Unit
22.11.1943


Staff HQ 10 Group
01.04.1944


HQ Air Defence of Great Britain
04.04.1944


RAF Station Milfield
23.04.1944


RAF Station Exeter (Exeter Wing Leader)
24.04.1944


RAF Station Culshead
08.10.1944


Special Duties List, USA (US Command and General Staff School)
07.02.1945
-
1946
Central Fighter Establishment
28.03.1947


retired

20.07.1940
16.08.1940
18.08.1940
18.08.1940
24.08.1940
15.09.1940
    16 victories:
1 Bf 109
1 Bf 110
1 Do 215
1 Bf 109
1 Bf 109
½ Do 17
1947 - 1949 colonial service, Kenya
02.06.1949     recall to permanent commission
27.01.1950 - 1952 Commanding Officer, 57 Squadron
1952 - 1954 HQ 3 Group
1955 - 1957 HQ Fighter Command
1957 - 1959 Commanding Officer, Bomber Squadron
1959 - 1962 Staff Officer, SHAPE
1962 - 1965 Director of Operations (Overseas)
1965 - 1968 AOC Military Air Traffic Operations
1968 - 1973 Director of Public Relations (RAF), Ministry of Defence (Air)
Managing Director, Peter Brothers Consultants Ltd, 1973-1986. Freeman, Guild Air Pilots and Air Navigators, 1966 (Liveryman, 1968; Warden, 1971; Master, 1974-1975); Freeman, City of London, 1967. Editorial Adviser, Defence and Foreign Affairs publications, 1973-1976. Patron, Spitfire Association, Australia, 1971-; Vice-President: Spitfire Society, 1984-; Devon Emergency Volunteers, 1986-1993 (Chairman, 1981-1986); President, RBL, Halberton, 1994-.
Broughton,
George William
G.W. Broughton
Married Eleanor Boxall (died 02.2007, aged 88).
05.07.1923
-
04.1996
Poole, Dorset
Ldg.Acm.
? [1320371]
P/O
23.10.1942 [132879]
(WS) F/O
23.04.1943
(WS) F/Lt.
23.10.1944
F/O
03.04.1947, seniority 23.10.1943
F/Lt.
01.10.1953
Sq.Ldr.
01.01.1971 (retd 30.03.1978)
23.10.1942


commissioned, RAF [emergency commission]
03.04.1947
-
01.10.1953
extended service (8 years)
01.10.1953


permanent commission
Brown,
Anthony Malcolm
A.M. Brown
Married ((03?).1937, Bromley district, Kent) Margaret Mitchell MacPhee (12.04.1916 - 27.12.1980), daughter of Anderson MacPhee (1880-1960), and Emily Florence Dickie (1866-1951); two daughters.
27.10.1916
-
16.06.1976
Ldg.Acm. ?
(A) P/O (prob) 30.03.1936 [37717]
P/O 03.02.1937
F/O 03.11.1938
F/Lt. 03.09.1940
Sq.Ldr. 10.12.1946, seniority 01.09.1945
25.02.1947, seniority 01.06.1944
(T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1946-01.11.1947, seniority 01.07.1944
W/Cdr. 01.07.1952 (retd 01.10.1968)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 26.09.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 24.09.1941 ?
30.03.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
      flying Lysanders with 208 Sqn when shot down in North Africa in 1941, was eventually interned in Stalag Luft 3 and released in 1945
03.02.1942     transferred to reserve (and called up for Air Force service)
10.12.1946     permanent commission
Brown,
Eric William
E.W. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Jenkins) E.W. Brown (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Jenkins)
Son of Henry Daniel and Ada Brown.
Husband of Doreen Margaret Brown, of West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.

1915 ?
-
24.10.1943
(KIA) [age 28]
[Rome War Cemetery, Italy, II.E.9]
(A) P/O 05.09.1937 [40074]
P/O 12.07.1938
F/O 12.02.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 12.02.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.03.1942
05.09.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
12.07.1941     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
? - 24.10.1943 150 Squadron RAF
Brown,
Maurice Peter
M.P. Brown M.P. Brown
M.P. Brown M.P. Brown
Son of Alf Brown (1885-1970), and Gertrude Ellen Christie (1885-1955).
Married ((03?).1940, St Pancras district, London) Violet Winifred Smith (10.03.1922 - 03.06.2006); two sons.
17.06.1919
St Pancras district, London
-
20.01.2011
Wilmslow, Cheshire
P/O 04.06.1938 [40796]
F/O 03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.09.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1944
Air Force Cross AFC 01.01.1946 ?
04.06.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
      pliot, 81 Squadron RAF
09.1939 - 27.09.1940 pliot, 611 Squadron RAF (Duxford)
28.09.1940 - 27.06.1941 pliot, 41 Squadron RAF (flying Hurricanes & Spitfires)
total score:     three confirmed victories
28.06.1941     Flight Commander, 61 Operational Training Unit (Heston)
04.04.1942     transferred, Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers (and called up for air force service)
Published: Honour restored : Dowding, the Battle of Britain and the fight for freedom (2005).
Brownrigg,
Henry Charles
H.C. Brownrigg
11.01.1909
-
2004
[age 95]
Sgt.
? [508984]
(A) P/O (prob.)
? [47522]
P/O (prob.)
04.03.1942
F/O (prob.)
01.10.1942, backdated 19.12.1941, seniority 19.06.1941
Fl.Lt.
31.10.1946, seniority 01.09.1945
A/Sq.Ldr.
? (retd 11.01.1964)
1928


joined RAF as a clerk
19.12.1941


first commission RAF, Equipment Branch [emergency commission]
early 1940s


served in Egypt
1942


HQ Bengal Command (Equipment)
31.10.1946


extended service commission
1946


HQ Reserve Command
20.12.1948


permanent commission
1950


commanding maintenance unit, Malta
1950


Air Ministry (Equipment)
21.10.1955


transferred to Branch List
1959

air movements, Changi, Singapore
1961
-
1963
senior equipment officer of RAF stations
Bruce,
Robert Samuel
R.S. Bruce
11.12.1890
-
15.09.1976
Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames district, Surrey
Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1936 [13219]
(T) W/Cdr.
01.03.1940 (retd 11.12.1945)
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE
?
?
01.04.1918


first commission RAF



qualified at specialist armament course
11.12.1945
-
26.08.1946
re-employed on active service
Bruxner-Randall,
Julien Walter Lowndes
J.W.L. Bruxner-Randall
Only son of Lt. Walter George Bruxner-Randall, and Dorothy Marguerite Montgomery, of Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, Irish Republic & Manyika Estate, Thika, Kenya Colony.
25.08.1920
Blaby district, Leicestershire
-
02.05.1941
[age 20]
[Kirk Malew (St Malew) Churchyard Extension, row W, collective grave 10]
[commemorated at a stained glass window, Thurlaston]
P/O 23.12.1939 [33534]
(WS) F/O 23.12.1940
Education: Aldro School, Shackleford, Surrey; RAF College, Cranwell (Cranwell First Prize Cadetship, 1939).
23.12.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
02.05.1941     pilot (with co-pilot P/O V.B. Dewhurst, RAFVR) on a Botha on training flight from his base at St. Annes Lancs; it came down in the sea just a few hundred yards from the coast of the Isle of Man (Port St. Mary)
Bryant,
Walter Edward George
W.E.G. Bryant W.E.G. Bryant
Son of Walter Edwin Bryant (1861-1924), and Amy Louise Mumford (1869-1962).
Married Sybil Mary Prout (12.12.1899- 06.1971), of Hove, Sussex; one daughter.

see: rafweb.org
21.06.1893
St Saviour Southwark, London, Surrey
-
22.08.1945
[Saint Andrew Churchyard
Cranwell, Lincolnshire, 2.D.21]
...
...
Gp.Capt.
01.11.1938
...
...
A/Cdre.
?
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE
03.06.1919
?
Education: psa
09.02.1938
-
(10.1940)
Air Attaché, Tokyo
Buchanan,
John Kenneth
"Buck"
J.K. Buchanan (Photo courtesy of Mr Jamie Duquette) J.K. Buchanan (Photo courtesy of Mr Jamie Duquette)
Only son of Mr & Mrs W.A. Buchanan, of Southsea.
19.03.1918
Southsea
-
16.02.1944
(MPK) [age 25]
[Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 279]
(A) P/O (prob) 03.05.1937[39628]
F/O 01.12.1939
F/Lt. 01.12.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941
(A) W/Cdr. ?
Distinguished Service Order DSO 29.01.1943 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 30.07.1940 ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 07.04.1942 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 24.09.1941 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1943 ?
Croix de Guerre 1940 (Belgium) CdeG 01.02.1944 ?

* This officer has participated in a very large number of sorties, involving bombing attacks against many countries occupied by the enemy. He arrived in Malta in November, 1942, and, within the next 14 days, led his squadron in 6 bombing attacks on enemy shipping. During these operations, Wing Commander Buchanan destroyed 6 enemy aircraft in combat. He is a magnificent leader whose great skill and fine fighting qualities have been of incalculable value.

Gained aviator's licence (13517) on 04.01.1936, taken on a Gipsy Moth 80 h.p. at the Portsmouth Aero Club.
03.05.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
09.06.1937     No. 8 Flying Training School (Montrose)
27.11.1937 - ? 101 Squadron RAF (Bicester) (flew Boulton Paul Overstrand bombers, then Blenheim I's)
? - 1940 37 Squadron RAF (flew Wellingtons)
1940 - 11.1941 14 Squadron RAF (Sudan, Eritrea, Egypt, Iraq) (flew Blenheim IV's)
01.03.1941     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
11.1941 - 05.1942 Commanding Officer, 14 Squadron RAF (Western Desert)
11.1942 - 06.1943 Commanding Officer, 272 Squadron RAF (flew Beaufighters)
10.1943 - 16.02.1944 Commanding Officer, 227 Squadron RAF (Berka, Libya) [shot down off the coast of Greece]

J.K. Buchanan (Photo courtesy of Mr Jamie Duquette) J.K. Buchanan (Photo courtesy of Mr Jamie Duquette) J.K. Buchanan J.K. Buchanan J.K. Buchanan J.K. Buchanan J.K. Buchanan

Buckle,
Neville Raby
N.R. Buckle
04.06.1902
-
14.02.1981
P/O
06.01.1926 [22106]
F/O
08.08.1927
F/Lt.
30.06.1931
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937
(T) W/Cdr.
01.03.1940
(WS) W/Cdr.
01.09.1942
W/Cdr.
20.11.1942, seniority 01.10.1941
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.03.1942
(WS) Gp.Capt.
01.04.1945
Gp.Capt.
01.10.1946
(A) A/Cdre.
? (retd 02.12.1947)
  MVO
?
?
06.01.1926


first commission



qualified at specialist armament course



15 Jan 1926:            U/T Pilot, No 4 FTS.
12 May 1927:          U/T Pilot, No 11 Sqn.
xx xxx xxxx:              Pilot, No 11 Sqn.
17 Sep 1928:           Pilot, No 100 Sqn.
?
 1 May 1929:           QFI, No 2 FTS.
5 May 1931:           Pilot, RAF Upper Heyford Station Flight
xx Nov 1931:           Officer i/c?, RAF Upper Heyford Station Flight
 5 Dec 1932:            QFI & Command Examining Officer, HQ ADGB.
14 Jul 1936:             Air Staff, HQ Fighter Command.
 9 Aug 1938:            Staff, Directorate of Communications Development.
24 Oct 1938            Staff, Joint Directorate of Research and Development
xx xxx xxxx:             ?
xx xxx 1946:            Deputy Director of Operations.

Budd,
Ernest Osborne
E.O. Budd (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
(09?).1901
Newport, Monmouthshire

-
03.01.1962
Patrick Stead Hospital, Halesworth, Suffolk (formerly of Wissett, Suffolk)
(T) Wt.Offr. ? [346216]
F/O (prob) 23.05.1940 [43895]
... ...
23.05.1940     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(08.1941)     staff, Officers' School RAF
Bullock,
Kenneth John
"Ken"
K.J. Bullock (Photo courtesy of Mr David A. Palmer)
1921/22 ?
St Helens, Lancashire
-
Sgt. ? [553917]
P/O (prob) 06.03.1943 [51502]
(WS) F/O (prob) 06.09.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 06.03.1945
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 17.08.1943 ?
06.03.1943     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)     wireless operator/air gunner, 10 Squadron RAF (DFC)
Worked for Pilkington’s Glass.
Bullock,
William Charles Penry
W.C.P. Bullock (Photo courtesy of Mr Lee Lidbury) W.C.P. Bullock (Photo courtesy of Mr Lee Lidbury)
Son (with two sisters) of Dr Charles Penry Bullock (1862-1933), and Frances Elizabeth Griffith (1870-1941).
Engaged (12.1941) Besse Green, daughter of Mr & Mrs G. Green, of Sprowston, Norfolk.
(06?).1900
Oswestry, Shropshire
-
02.04.1950
Arfryn Dolywern, Denbighshire, Wales
P/O 01.11.1922, seniority 01.11.1921 [05082]
F/O 20.11.1923, seniority 01.05.1923
F/Lt. 10.10.1928
Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936
(T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940
W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940 (retd 19.01.1945; own request)
Education: University of Manchester (BSc Div. II 1922); qualified at specialist armament course.
01.11.1922     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
04.01.1924     RAF Base Leuchars
1926 - 1927 HMS Eagle (aircraft carrier) (for flying & armament duties) (Mediterranean)
29.08.1928     HQ No. 10 Group RAF (Lee-on-Solent)
27.11.1929     RAF Depot Uxbridge
      torpedo course
1930 - 1933 36 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron RAF (Singapore)
1934 - 1937 Air Armament School, Eastchurch
01.02.1937 - (02.)1939 HMS Eagle (aircraft carrier) (for armament duties)
1939 - 06.1940 Commanding Officer, 233 Squadron RAF
Burchall,
Percival Russell
P.R. Burchall
(03?).1888
Ashton under Lyne, Cheshire
-
09.11.1950
Hammersmith, Surrey
Prob. 2nd Lt.
03.10.1915 [01127]
2nd Lt.
21.11.1915
Lt.
?
T/Capt.
?
T/Maj.
10.03.1918-...
Sq.Ldr. (retd)
01.04.1918
(T) W/Cdr.
? (retd 19.03.1946)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE
?
?
03.10.1915


commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps (Special Reserve)
10.03.1918
-
?
Commandant, School of Photography, Royal Flying Corps
?
-
?
?
Burnand,
Lewis George
L.G. Burnand
14.05.1913
Mountmellick, Ireland
-
14.08.1949
Hampshire
(A) P/O (prob)
18.05.1936 [37847]
P/O
23.03.1937
F/O
23.10.1938
(A) F/Lt.
15.07.1939
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
20.04.1942
Sq.Ldr.
01.09.1945
25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1941
(A) W/Cdr.
?
(T) W/Cdr.
01.07.1944, seniority 01.01.1944
(WS) W/Cdr.
21.11.1945
(A) Gp.Capt.
?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE
01.01.1946
New Year 46
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
15.07.1941
*
Mention in Despatches MID
24.09.1941
?
Mention in Despatches MID
08.06.1944
?
Greek Distinguished Flying Cross, 29.12.1942

* This officer has carried out numerous tactical and artillery reconnaissances in Egypt, Libya and Greece. Since December, 1940, he has flown alone on 62 of these missions over or well behind the enemy's lines, often subjected to intense fire from the ground defences. During the operations in Greece, his work was carried out under extremely difficult conditions. Flight Lieutenant Burnand has displayed great skill and keenness which, combined with his untiring efforts have contributed materially to the high standard of morale and efficiency of his flight.
18.05.1936


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
23.03.1940


transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
(1940)
-
(1941)
208 Squadron RAF
01.09.1945


permanent commission
Burnett,
[Sir] Brian Kenyon
B.K. Burnett

10.03.1913
Hyderabad, India
-
16.09.2011
P/O (prob) 27.06.1932 [36010]
P/O 29.09.1934, seniority 29.09.1933
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1939
... ...
Air Chief Marshal 07.10.1967 (retd 11.03.1972)
27.06.1932     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch)
29.09.1934     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
... - ... ...
Published: A pilot at Wimbledon : the memoirs of Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burnett GCB, DFC, AFC (2009)
 
Burrell,
Dennis Samuel Martin
D.S.M. Burrell
Son of Wilfred Burrell, and Bertha Daisy West.
Married ((09?).1939, Oxford district, Oxfordshire) Marjorie May le Dieu Griggs ((06?.1914 - ), of Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire, daughter of Charles H. Griggs, and Annie R. Branton Le Dieu.
06.09.1914
Northleach district, Gloucestershire
-
19.09.1939
(KIA) [age 25]
[Montrose (Sleepyhillock) Cemetery, Angus, Scotland, section 7, grave 9]
(A) P/O (prob) 09.08.1937 [39964]
P/O 24.05.1938
Middlesex County Cricketer.
09.08.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
21.08.1937     No. 10 Flying Training School (Tern Hill)
03.1938 - 19.09.1939 pilot, 269 Squadron RAF
[The entry in the 269 Operations Record book reads: ‘19th Sept. 10.10. Pilot Officer D.S.M. Burrell (pilot) and Sgt. W.E. Willits (navigator) encountered an enemy flying boat which was sighted circling two merchant vessels. After pursuing it for 10 minutes and when it was about to attack, the enemy opened fire at long range, two bullets striking own aircraft, one killing Pilot Officer Burrell instantly. Sgt. Willits took over control of the aircraft with great difficulty and sent off two coded messages by wireless giving the position of the encounter. He then navigated the aircraft 140 miles back to base.’ This bare entry in the ORB omits the fact that P/O Burrell had been shot through the head and had collapsed over the controls. In spite of this and the low altitude that the Anson had reached, Sgt. Willits got control of the aircraft, moved the body of the pilot, took command, then proceeded to fly and navigate the aircraft back to base. Sgt. Willitts got the DFM.]
Burt,
Percy Harry
P.H. Burt
Changed name by deed poll of 19.02.1924 to Percy Harry Wynne-Burt, which was changed back to his former name by deed poll of 10.02.1926.
10.04.1897
Plymouth, Devon
-
15.11.1981
Malmesbury, Chippenham district, Wiltshire
Lt. RFC
01.04.1918 [21001]
F/O
10.12.1923
F/Lt.
01.11.1931
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1937
(T) W/Cdr.
01.01.1940 (retd 19.06.1943)

1914/15 Star Trio; General Service Medal (George V) with Southern Desert Iraq, and Northern Kurdistan Clasps; Defence Medal; War Medal; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (George V); Belgium Croix de Guerre, to 1589 Pte P H Burt Royal Warwick Regt (2 Lieut P H Burt RFC on pair), F/O P H Burt RAF on GSM) and (1589 Sgt P H Burt 1/6th R.W.R on Territorial Medal)




served in the ranks, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
01.04.1918


first commission as Lieutenant (Aeroplane and Seaplane Officer), Royal Flying Corps (later: RAF - General Duties Branch)
10.12.1923


transferred to the Stores Branch [renamed later: Equipment Branch]
(07.1925)


Stores Branch, No. 9 (Bombing) Squadron RAF (Island Area, Kent)
(01.1939)


Officer Commanding Supplies Depot, RAF Habbaniya (Iraq)
?
-
?
?
Burton,
Eric
E. Burton (Photo courtesy of Mr Andrew Wilkinson) E. Burton
26.07.1898
-
?
P/O 01.04.1918 [08202]
F/Lt. (1931)
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.12.1940
Gp.Capt. 01.12.1943 (retd 29.06.1946)
... - ... ...
19.04.1930 - (03.1931) HQ Fleet Air Arm Flights, HMS Eagle (aircraft carrier)
... - ... ...
... - ... ...
Burton-Gyles,
Peter Robert
P.R. Burton-Gyles
Son of ... Burton, and ... Young.
06.10.1918
Southsea, Hampshire
-
10.12.1943
[Malta Memorial, panel 6, column 1]
(A) P/O 05.09.1937 [40077]
F/O 17.04.1940
(WS) F/Lt/ 17.04.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. ?
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 22.08.1943
(A) W/Cdr. ?
Distinguished Service Order DSO 13.02.1942 ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 31.05.1940 ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 18.07.1941 ?
05.09.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
(1941)     207 Squadron RAF
(1942)     44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
      418 Squadron RAF
1943 - 1943 Commanding Officer, 488 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF
12.1943 - 10.12.1943 Commanding Officer, 23 Squadron RAF
Bury,
John Edward
J.E. Bury
Married ...; ... children (one son?).
06.12.1917
-
10.05.2009
Emsworth district, Hampshire
F/Sgt. ? [550050]
P/O (prob) 12.09.1942 [49877]
(WS) F/O (prob) 12.03.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 12.09.1944
F/Lt. 01.07.1946
25.02.1947, seniority 12.03.1946 (Supplementary List 21.07.1961) (retd 06.12.1969)
12.09.1942     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
18.12.1945     extended service commission
11.11.1949     permanent commission, RAF (Technical Branch)
Bushell,
Peter Douglas [Wellesley]
P.D. Bushell (Photo courtesy of Mr John Hall) P.D. Bushelll
P.D. Bushell (Photo courtesy of Mr John Hall)
Son (with three siblings) of Neville Bushell (1888-), and Margaret Gladys Makings (1891-).
(03?).1920
Barnet district, Hertfordshire

-
07.05.1945
(killed in road traffic collision near Cannington, Somerset) [age 25]
[Cannington Cemetery, Somerset, grave 1249]
Sgt. ? [611757]
P/O (prob) 18.01.1944 [54204]
(WS) F/O 18.07.1944
18.01.1944     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
? - 07.05.1945 83 Squadron RAF
[fatally injured in a motor-car accident which occurred in the cutting on the Uphill by-pass, The New Cut, Devonshire Road, Weston-super-Mare]
Butcher,
Derek Dudley Martin
D.D.M. Butcher D.D.M. Butcher
D.D.M. Butcher D.D.M. Butcher
D.D.M. Butcher
Changed name by deed poll of 15.12.1949 to: Martin, Derek Dudley.

04.07.1920
-
04.04.2014
(A) P/O (prob) 27.05.1939 [42047]
P/O (prob) 18.11.1939
F/O 18.11.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 18.11.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 07.06.1945
Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1949 (retd 01.07.1973; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE ? ?
Mention in Despatches MID 14.01.1944 ?
27.05.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
06.03.1943     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
23.05.1946     extended service commission
16.11.1948     permanent commission
Butler,
Frank Frederick John
F.F.J. Butler
Son of ... Butler, and ... Cox.
30.07.1919
Tonbridge district, Kent
-
21.12.2014
Worthing Hospital
Cpl. ? [569164]
(A)P/O (prob) 19.08.1942, seniority 28.10.1941 [49363]
P/O (prob) 22.09.1942, seniority 20.01.1942
(WS) F/O (prob) 11.05.1943, seniority 20.01.1943 (reld 11.08.1946; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(T) F/Lt. ?
Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) MBE 08.06.1944 HM's birthday 44
19.08.1942     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
A relative writes: "We know he was delivering aircraft to Malta when he ditched in the sea."
Butler,
Kenneth Robert
"Ken"
K.R. Butler

21.08.1913
Exeter, Devon
-
30.11.1998
Barnet district, London
(A) P/O (prob) 19.02.1938 [40506]
P/O 29.11.1938
F/O 29.06.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 29.06.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1943 (Emgcy List) (reld 21.08.1958; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Mention in Despatches MID 17.12.1942 Waziristan
Learned to fly at the Bristol Flying School and gained his pilots licence in November 1937.
19.02.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
09.1938     School of Army Co-operation (flying the Hawker Audax bi-plane)
12.1938     28 (AC) Squadron RAF (Ambala, India, from 03.1939 Kohat on the North West Frontier)
29.11.1941     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
1945     Officer Commanding, A Flight, 103 Squadron RAF (Elsham Wolds) (Operation "Manna", the Netherlands)
Button,
John Edward
J.E. Button (Photo courtesy of Mrs Rhoda Neill)
Eldest son of Joseph J. Button, and Bessie M. Watts, of Bristol.
Married ...; six children.
Changed last name on 12.05.1944 to Burton [remained Button in RAF records] and in 1957 to Buchan.
25.12.1921
Bristol, Gloucestershire
-
12.2002
Bristol district, Gloucestershire
F/Sgt. ? [652069 or 652059]
P/O (prob) 15.09.1943 [53436]
(WS) F/O 15.03.1944
(A) F/Lt. 1945?
(WS) F/Lt. 15.09.1945
F/O 28.02.1946, seniority 15.09.1944
F/Lt. 15.03.1948 (retd 25.12.1976)
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 11.08.1942 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1946 ?
Mention in Despatches MID 23.01.1968 South Arabia
(1942)     7 Squadron RAF (DFM)
15.09.1943     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
28.02.1946     extended service commission
10.12.1951     transferred, Royal Air Force Regiment
13.01.1953     permanent commission
?     transferred, RAF (Security Branch)
Byram,
Clair Stanley
C.S. Byram
24.06.1906
McGregor, Manitoba, Canada
-
14.11.1985
Packwood, Lewis, Washington, USA
(A) P/O (prob) 11.07.1932 [32183]
P/O 11.07.1933
F/O 19.07.1934
F/Lt. 01.10.1936
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1939
11.07.1932     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
26.04.1935     45 (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Helwan, Egypt)
17.08.1936 - 08.11.1936 flying instructors' course, Central Flying School (passed as Class B)
09.11.1936     No. 9 Flying Training School RAF (Thornaby)
(1940)     102 Squadron RAF
[Whitley N1502 [DY-E] was airborne 22:08 hrs 12.07.1940 from Driffield. Hit by Flak at 11,000 feet over Emden destroying the Whitley's port engine. At 04:25 hrs Sgt Langton skilfully ditched the bomber in the sea 38 miles off Cromer, Norfolk. The crew were rescued, within the hour, by a trawler and taken into Yarmouth.]
11.07.1943     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
Byrne,
Vincent George Lowther Davey
"Paddy"
V.G.L.D. Byrne V.G.L.D. Byrne

Married ((03?).1945, Kensington district, London) Nona G. Lawrence; ... children.
21.06.1908
Ireland
-
09.12.1978
Chichester district, West Sussex
(A) P/O (prob) 02.03.1936 [37595]
P/O (prob) 06.01.1937
P/O 06.04.1937
F/O 06.08.1938
F/Lt. 06.08.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1946, seniority 01.09.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 26.11.1946, seniority 24.12.1945
02.03.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] (posted to RAF Depot Uxbridge)
20.12.1936 - 23.05.1940 pilot, 74 (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Hornchurch) [involved in first "friendly fire" fatality of World War II (see story)] [ while on patrol shot down by ground fire in a Spitfire I over Clarmarais Wood; wounded in leg & captured]
23.05.1940 - 1944 POW in German captivity
[shot down same day as Roger Bushell; taken to Dulag Luft, later to Stalag Luft III; had minor involvement in "the great escape"; was finally repatriated after spending much time in persuading the Germans that he was mad]
11.01.1944     transferred to reserve and called up for air force service with effect of 06.01.1940


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