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

 

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Baker,
Ernest Frank
E.F. Baker
?
-
AC2
15.04.1941
F/Sgt.
? [1337174]
P/O (prob)
25.08.1944 [184525]
P/O
25.02.1945
(WS) F/O
25.02.1945
F/O
11.06.1946 (reld 06.08.1946)
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM
08.12.1944
air gunner, 52 sorties, 245 flying hours *
39|45 St
-
-
Aircrew Europe Star AirCr Eur
-
& clasp France and Germany
Defence Medal DefM
-
-
British War Medal 1939-1945 BWM 39|45
-
-
Pathfinder Badge (07.05.1944).
* As a rear gunner, Flight Sergeant Baker has demonstrated outstanding competence and coolness in action. He has the confidence of his captain and crew and contributes to the high morale of a very successful Blind Marker Crew. This NCO has made many operational trips over some of the most heavily defended areas in Germany. His skill in directing evasive actions and the efficient operating of his guns makes him very worthy of the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
15.04.1941
 
 
enlisted (AC2, Aircraft handler Wireless Operator Air Gunner)
01.04.1944
-
23.10.1944
rear gunner, 582 (PFF) Squadron RAF (Little Staughton) (flew 45 missions)
25.08.1944


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Baldwin,
John Robert
"Johnny"
J.R. Baldwin
J.R. Baldwin
J.R. Baldwin J.R. Baldwin
Only son of Chambré Baldwin (1884-1969), and Grace Baldwin, of Bath.
Married ((12?).1945, Deben district, Suffolk) Sylvia Faith Symon (13.05.1922 - 03.2003), elder daughter of Canon Dudley James Symon (1887-1961), and Elsie Ellen H. Maisey (1895-), of Woodbridge Schjool, Suffolk, later of The Old Yard House, Ham Common, Richmond; ... children (three sons?). She re-married (1954) Stephen Robert Hunter-Jones & (1967) Terence L. Kermode.

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

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

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

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


first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
04.01.1941
 
 
force-landed a Gloucester Gauntlet aircraft near Cheswardine, Shropshire
?
-
14.11.1942
pilot, 272 Squadron RAF (flying Beaufighters) 
[he was taking part in a raid on El Aouina in Tunisia when his aircraft was shot down and he was killed]

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

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


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



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



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



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


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



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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)
-
(1945) navigator, 105 (Pathfinder) Squadron RAF
Barrett,
Thomas
T. Barrett
?
-
01.08.1942

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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
01.08.1942
pilot, 12 Squadron RAF
[taken off in Wellington II [Z8499 PH-] from Binbrook at 00:28 hrs for an operation against Düsseldorf; aircraft crashed at Heuthe, Germany, killing all five crew members]
Barry,
Joseph
J. Barry
Son of Joseph and Mary Barry, of Riddrie, Glasgow. LL.B.(Glasgow).
1907 ?
-
26.07.1944

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



served in the ranks
07.03.1942


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


transferred to Legal Branch
Bartlett,
Ronald William
"Ron"
R.W. Bartlett
Son of William Bartlett, and Winifred A. Deverill.
Married (1941?, Calgary, Alb.) Muriel Lynne Fisher; ... children (one son?).
08.09.1921
West Ham district, Greater London
-
08.02.1945

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



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


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



Harvard instructor at a flying training school in Alberta, Canada

 
 
flew Stirlings, Wellingtons and Lancasters (from the UK)
1944
-
08.02.1945
pilot, 61 Squadron RAF
[took off at 1652 hrs in Lancaster I, PB737 QR-E from RAF Skelligthorpe in Lincoln for an operation against Politz, the crew's 15th mission; he died (as only one of the crew) holding the plane steady for his crew to escape; he bailed out, but his parachute failed to open in time]
Barwell,
Eric Gordon
E.G. Barwell

06.08.1913
Clare, Suffolk
-
12.12.2007

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


first commission, RAFVR [emergency commission]
(1941)


264 Squadron RAF
(1944)


125 Squadron RAF
Bass,
Kenneth Burdett
"Ken"
K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe) K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe)
K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe) K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe)
K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe) K.B. Bass (Photo courtesy of Mr John Lowe)
Son of Charles B. Bass, and Eleanor Clarissa M. Dedman.
Married (23.09.1942, St Marys in Harlow) Margaret Eileen French; ... children.

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


enlisted & served in the ranks, RAFVR
05.06.1940

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


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

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



served in the ranks
07.03.1942


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


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


with his High Speed Rescue Launch 185 Bates picked up a group 5 Dutch "Engelandvaarders" (persons that attempted to flee occupied Dutch territory to reach England) [see also Dutch story of one of them, Flip Winckel & coverage in UK press]
Baxter,
George
G. Baxter
?
-
Ldg.Acm.
? [658748]
P/O (prob)
09.10.1942 [133453]
(WS) F/O (prob)
09.04.1943
(A) F/Lt.
?
(WS) F/Lt.
09.10.1944
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
P/O
13.05.1947 (reld 01.06.1948)
F/O
19.06.1951, seniority 13.05.1947 (reld 19.06.1956)
Distinguished Service Order DSO
27.04.1945
*
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
06.06.1944
?
* This officer, has participated in numerous sorties since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has shown the highest standard. of navigational ability, coupled with great courage and resolution. His faultless work, often in the face of fierce opposition, has played an important part in the successes obtained. Squadron Leader Baxter has rendered much loyal and devoted service.
09.10.1942


first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)
-
(1945)
navigator, 83 Squadron RAF
13.05.1947
-
01.06.1948
Training Branch RAFVR
19.06.1951
-
19.06.1956
Training Branch RAFVR (Commandig Officer, 2266 (Spilsby) ATC Squadron)
Baxter,
Raymond Frederic
R.F. Baxter R.F. Baxter
Son of Frederick Garfield Baxter and Rosina Baxter (née Rivers); married 1945, Sylvia Kathryn (née Johnson) (died 1996), Boston, Mass; one son, one daughter.

25.01.1922
Ilford, Essex
-
15.09.2006

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


first comission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)



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


602 Squadron RAF
Broadcaster and writer. Entered Forces Broadcasting in Cairo, still as serving officer, 1945; civilian deputy Dir BFN BBC, 1947-1949; subseq. short attachment West Region and finally joined Outside Broadcast Dept, London; with BBC until 1966; Dir, Motoring Publicity, BMC, 1967-1968. Member Cttee of Management: RNLI, 1979- (Vice Pres., 1987-); Air League, 1980-1985. Hon. Freeman, City of London, 1978; Liveryman, GAPAN, 1983 (Award of Merit, 1994-1995). Hon. Admiral, Assoc. of Dunkirk Little Ships, 1982-. CRAeS 1991.
Published: (with James Burke and Michael Latham) Tomorrow's World, Vol. 1, 1970, Vol. 2, 1971; Farnborough Commentary, 1980; film commentaries, articles and reports on motoring and aviation subjects, etc.
Beardon,
Graham Derek Herbert
G.D.H. Beardon
Son of Claud Charles Beardon, and Ethel Challis, of Ramsgate, Kent.
(12?).1919
Thanet district, Kent
-
19.06.1940

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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
19.06.1940
pilot, 213 Squadron RAF (lost in Hawker Hurricane Mk I [AK-] on patrol)
[other source indicates 11 Flying Training School as unit on time of death]
Bell,
James Steven
"Jim"
J.S. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Hughes) J.S. Bell (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Hughes)
Son of Lachlan Steven Bell and Mary (née Bertram).
30.09.1914
Whitehaven district, Cumberland
-
20.11.2000
Whitehaven district, Cumberland
T/Sgt.
19.02.1943 [1390484]
F/Sgt.
?
P/O (prob)
12.10.1944 [186997]
P/O
12.04.1945
(WS) F/O
12.04.1945 (reld 1946)
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George CMG
17.06.1989

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

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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944?)
 
 
69 Squadron RAF
(1945)
 
 
166 Squadron RAF
Distinguished career in the Nigerian Colonian Police, 1946-1964 (from 1962 Commissioner of Police, Western Region), and then Bahrain Public Security, Ministry of the Interior (lastly as Lt.Gen. & Director General), Bahrain until he retired (1966-1993).
Bellerby,
Peter Alfred
P.A. Bellerby
27.12.1920
Chesterton district, Cambridgeshire
-
06.11.2007

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


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



pilot, Coastal Command



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

Kensington and chelsea district, London
Ldg.Acm. ? [908823]
P/O (prob) 21.12.1940, seniority 06.12.1940 [61018]
(WS) F/O 21.12.1941, seniority 06.12.1941
(A) F/Lt. (1942)
(WS) F/Lt. 01.09.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr. (1944)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 26.05.1942 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 12.11.1943 **
Mention in Despatches MID 08.06.1944 ?
* This officer maintained a high standard of keenness and devotion to duty. His cheerful disposition and outlook have always been an asset to squadron morale.
** As flight commander during a period of ten months, this officer has made a very important contribution to his squadron's success. During a recent raid, while flying in very bad weather, one engine in his aircraft became unserviceable. By the exercise of determination and skill, however, Sqn. Ldr. Belton was successful in extricating his aircraft and crew from a perilous situation and in making safe landing at base.
21.12.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1942)     77 Squadron RAF (DFC)
(1943)     466 (RAAF) Squadron (Bar to DFC)
14.07.1947 - 14.07.1954 commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) (Reconstituted Section)
Benson,
James Gillies
"Ben"
J.G. Benson J.G. Benson
J.G. Benson
Son of A.B. Benson, and ... Gillies, of Chipstead, Surrey.
Married (07.05.1943, All Saints, Kenley) Jean Muriel Waugh, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs P.J. Roy Waugh, of Kenley, Surrey; ... children (one son, two daughters?).
17.07.1914
Islington district, London
-
12.07.1987
Sgt. ? [754580]
P/O (prob) 06.07.1940 [81365]
F/O ?
(A) W/Cdr. ?
Distinguished Service Order DSO 13.03.1945 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 02.10.1942 **
*  These officers have displayed the highest standard of skill and determination. As pilot and observer respectively they have completed a very large number of sorties and have inflicted much loss on the enemy. Among their successes is the destruction of 10 enemy aircraft, the last of which they shot down one night in January, 1945. Their devotion to duty has been unfailing.
** Flying Officer Benson and Pilot Officer Brandon have flown together in night operations as pilot and observer respectively. One night in February, 1942, they destroyed a Dornier 217. In a previous sortie, Flying Officer Benson destroyed a Heinkel III. Both these officers have always displayed a high standard of efficiency and devotion to duty.
06.07.1940     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1942)     pilot, 141 Squadron RAF
(1943) - (1945) pilot, 157 Squadron RAF
(1945?)     pilot, 488 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF
Best,
Charles Brian
C.B. Best
Son of Thomas Henry Lark Best and Elsie Brown.
1916 ?
Willoughby, Sydney, NSW, Australia
-
16.09.1944

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


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


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

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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)
-
03.1944
103 Squadron RAF (DFC)
[Airborne 1839 24.03.1944 from Elsham Wolds for an operation against Berlin in Lancaster ME665 PM-C. Homebound, came down 2 km E of Luckenwalde and exploded with great force; three crew members were found and are buried at Berlin, four others were not found. Sq.Ldr. Bickers was on the third sortie of his second tour, and at 21, he was one of the youngest flight commanders to be killed on Bomber Command operations.]
Birbeck,
Clive Robert
"Joe"
C.R. Birbeck
?
-
Ldg.Acm. ? [1277445]
P/O (prob) 18.10.1941 [108990]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 18.10.1943
18.10.1941     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1943)     pilot, 41 Squadron RAF
[was on a Ramrod operation (escorting bombers) in the afternoon when his Spitfire XII [EN608] got engine trouble after combat with a Focke-Wulf Fw190; Birbeck baled out safely south of Selsey & was rescued]
(1945)     pilot, 127 Squadron RAF
[while on an armed reconnaissance over Maassluis on 17.01.1945 with Spitfire XVI [RK896] the aircraft was hit by flak and crashed at Sommelsdijk, Goeree-Overflakkee, the Netherlands; Birbeck baled out safely & was captured]
Birkbeck,
Joseph Frank Thomas Englefield
J.F.T.E. Birkbeck (Photo courtesy of Reader Englefield)
Changed name to Joseph Englefield in 1948.
Married Katharine Coleman; four children.
28.12.1913
Rome, Italy
-
25.03.1975

Oxford, Oxfordshire
P/O (prob) 19.09.1939 [74055]
P/O 19.09.1940
(WS) F/O 19.09.1940
(T) F/Lt. 01.03.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 08.01.1944
F/Lt. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.09.1945 (reld 23.05.1948; medical unfitness for air force service; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
(T) Sq.Ldr. ?
19.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Black,
Edward Loring
E.L. Black
Son of William Kelsie Black (1876-1937), a park keeper, and Charlotte Daniels (1884-1982).
Married (28.12.1938) Edith Olivia Stradling Davies; one son.

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

03.05.1915
Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth district, Warwickshire
-
06.2005

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


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



in June 1944 he also taught meteorology
11.1945
 
 
returned to the UK after service in India
Grammar school teacher, Leeds, England, 1936-46; Loughborough Teachers Training College, Loughborough, England, lecturer in English, 1946-50; University of Manchester, Manchester, England, lecturer in education, 1950-61; Mercer House (teachers' training college), Melbourne, Australia, vice-principal, 1962; Northicote School, Wolverhampton, England, senior English master, 1963; Poulton-le-Fylde Teachers' Training College, Lancashire, England, principal English lecturer, 1963-67; Middleton St. George College of Education, principal, 1967-...
Published: (with Alec Henry Lawley) Precis and Comprehension Practice (1953); (with Edward Rudolf Wood) First Year English (1961); (with Wood) Second Year English (1961); (with Wood) Third Year English (1962); (with Wood) Fourth Year English (1962); Manual of Instructions for Comprehension Test for Training College Students (1962); (with Wood) Fifth Year English (1963, revised edition, 1969)
Edited: (with Alec Henry Lawley) Sporting Scenes, (1956); (with John Pearce Parry) Youth on the Prow: A Prose Anthology (1956); (with Parry) Aspects of the Short Story (1956); (with Parry) Starting Work: A Prose Anthology (1957); (with A.E.G. Roberts) Animal Stories of Today (1957); Recent Short Stories (1960); Schooldays: A Prose Anthology (1964); Nine Modern Poets: An Anthology (1966); (and author of commentary) Cecil Scott Forester, Death to the French (1967); Passport to Poetry (1968); 1914-18 in Poetry (1971)
Blundell,
Geoffrey Norman
G.N. Blundell (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Blundell)
Son of Bt. Col. Charles Wilson Blundell, OBE, TD, and Annie Kate Sydenham.
Brother of Lt.Cdr. Charles Sydenham Blundell, RNVR.
Married (1939); two sons, two daughters.
19.09.1916
-
10.10.1985
P/O (prob)
10.10.1939 * [75039]
P/O
10.10.1940
(WS) F/O
10.10.1940
(A?) F/Lt.
?

* Oct 1940 Air Force List gives seniority 02.12.1939
10.10.1939
 
 
commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative abd Special Duties Branch) (for special duties) [emergency commission]
24.04.1940
 
 
transferred, Technical Branch



served as an aeronautical engineer in North Africa and Malta
Blunsom,
Philip
P. Blunsom
28.08.1908
Wellingborough district, Bedfordshire / Northamptonshire
-
02.1992
Scunthorpe district, Lincolnshire
(A) P/O (prob)
19.12.1941 [114209]
P/O (prob)
19.02.1942
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942 (emgcy list) (reld ; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
19.12.1941


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



signals officer (codes & cyphers); arrived 1942 at Heliopolis (Egypt), served probably in Africa and was captured by ELAS/EAM in Kifissia, Athens at AHQ at 19.12.1944
Boiston,
John Rochester
J.R. Boiston
Son of Lt.Cdr. William Rochester Boiston, RN, and Edith Boiston of Gillingham, Kent, England.
1920 ?
-
29.07.1942
[age 22]
[Estevan Cemetery, Sask., Canada, sec. 8, plot 1, lot 12]
Flt.Sgt.
? [741832]
P/O (prob)
06.10.1942, seniority 01.06.1942 [129507]

01.06.1942


emergency commission
06.1942?
-
29.07.1942
No. 38 Service Flying Training School (RAF) in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada
[killed in a Menasco Moth accident at 11 a.m., 29 July]
Bone,
Leonard Hugh
L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel) L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel)
L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel)
L.H. Bone (Photo courtesy of Mr Robert Peel)
Son of ... Bone, and ... Searth.
Married 1st ... (marriage dissolved); two children.
Married 2nd Gunvor (née ...).

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



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



61 Air School of General Reconnaissance RAF, George South Africa



holding in Harrogate



Advanced Flying Unit RAF, Frazerburgh



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



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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
31.12.1948
-
31.12.1958
Reconstituted RAFVR
Entered his father's retail footwear business and then bought his own in 1949 in Upminster. Expanded to a second business in 1960 until 1970/71. Moved to Sweden.
Boodrie,
James Clinton
J.C. Boodrie (Photo courtesy of Mr Jim Boodrie)
Son of Joseph Charles and Nellie Boodrie.
Husband of Dora Boodrie, of St. Albans.
1918 ?
-
15.01.1943
[age 25]
[St Albans Cemetery, L.D.31]
Sgt.
? [1160663]
P/O (prob)
14.08.1942 [128460]



served in the ranks, RAFVR
14.08.1942


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Booker,
Noel David
N.D. Booker

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


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



289 Squadron RAF



134 Squadron RAF



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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
12.05.1943
B Flight, 20 Operational Training Unit
[Taken off from Lossiemouth in a Wellington IC bomber [R1153 -D] for a low-level bombing detail training flight. The aircraft caught fire in the air and crashed at 18:47 hrs into the sea. An Air-Sea Rescue search found some wreckage in position 5751N 0240W, approximately eight miles from Portsoy on the Banff coast.]
Boothby,
John Oswald
see: RN officers' section  
Borthwick,
George Wilson Syme
G.W.S. Borthwick
Son of John and Jean Martin Borthwick.
Married Robina Rennie; one daughter.
Lived in Edinburgh.
1910
West Calder district, West Lothian, Scotland
-
29.01.1944
[age 33]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 201]
Ldg.Acm.
? [1346194]
P/O (prob)
23.10.1942 [132740]
(WS) F/O (prob)
23.04.1943
(A) F/Lt.
01.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
11.02.1944
? [posthumously]
Mathematics teacher, Edinburgh.
23.10.1942


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



navigator training, Canada
?
-
04.08.1943
664 Conversion Unit (Winthorpe)
04.08.1943
-
29.01.1944
97 Squadron RAF (Bourn)
[completed 25 operations between 03/04.09.1943 and 27/28.01.1944 and on his 26th operation on 28/29.01.1944, to Berlin, he and his crew, in a Lancaster BIII serial number JB353, Squadron markings OF – L, were listed as “Missing” then subsequently “Lost without trace”]
Botell,
Henry Slade
H.S. Botell
Son of Thomas Alfred Botell, and Rose Avery, of Cambridge.
(12?).1914
Holborn district, London / Middlesex
-
02.01.1944
[age 29]
[Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh, 2.D.14]
Sgt. ? [1272601]
P/O (prob) 09.05.1942 [120786]
(WS) F/O 09.11.1942
09.05.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(06.1943) - 02.01.1944 pilot, 177 Squadron RAF (Burma)
[killed on non-operational flight in an accident flying from Feni to Comilla]
Boyce,
John
J. Boyce
?
-
Acm. 1st cl.
? [1366622]
P/O (prob)
25.03.1943 [147467]
P/O
25.03.1944 (reld 01.01.1946; on ceasing to be employed)
25.03.1943


commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Boyd,
Robert Thomas
"Bob"
R.T. Boyd
03.03.1908
Bromley, London
-
?
P/O (prob) 18.09.1939 [74714]
(WS) F/O 18.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 18.09.1941 (emgcy list) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Air Force Cross AFC 30.09.1941 ?
Merchant. Gained aviator's certificate (1046) taken on a DH60 Hermes II 106 hp at Rollason Muir & Rickard, 07.05.1932.
18.09.1939     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
 
Boyers,
James Carey
J.C. Boyers (Photo courtesy of Mr Ron Carey)
Son of Thomas Boyers, and Elizabeth Carey, of Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire.
(03?).1919
Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire
-
20.03.1942
(MPK) [age 23]
[Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 248]
Sgt.
? [986620]
P/O (prob)
17.05.1941 [68751]
17.05.1941


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

07.02.1915
Dublin
-
03.03.2007
Exmouth, Devon
P/O (prob)
22.10.1941 [109538]
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
22.10.1943
(A) Sq.Ldr.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
21.08.1945
?
22.10.1941


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


13 Squadron RAF
International Irish and British Lions rugby player and colonial judge.
Brandon,
Lewis
"Brandy"
L. Brandon L. Brandon
?
-
 
Sgt. ? [1383506]
P/O (prob) 13.02.1942 [116886]
(WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 13.02.1944
(A) Sq.Ldr. 1945?
F/Lt. 25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1943
Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1947 (reld 12.06.1959)
Distinguished Service Order DSO 13.03.1945 *
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 02.10.1942 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 10.11.1944 ***
* These officers have displayed the highest standard of skill and determination. As pilot and observer respectively they have completed a very large number of sorties and have inflicted much loss on the enemy. Among their successes is the destruction of 10 enemy aircraft, the last of which they shot down one night in January, 1945. Their devotion to duty has been unfailing.
** Flying Officer Benson and Pilot Officer Brandon have flown together in night operations as pilot and observer respectively. One night in February, 1942, they destroyed a Dornier 217. In a previous sortie, Flying Officer Benson destroyed a Heinkel III. Both these officers have always displayed a high standard of efficiency and devotion to duty.
***
This officer has set a fine example of gallantry and devotion to duty. He-is a highly skilled and resolute member of aircraft crew and has assisted in the destruction of 6 enemy aircraft and 6 flying bombs.
Pre-war a film extra & star double.
01.1941     enlisted RAFVR
      took a 3-week navigator's course at Prestwick
13.02.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1942)     observer, 141 Squadron RAF
(1943) - (1945) observer, 157 Squadron RAF
(1945?)     observer, 488 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF
12.12.1946     extended service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
12.12.1950     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service)
12.06.1951     short service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
Published: Night flyer (1961).
Briggs,
Michael Featherstone
M.F. Briggs
Only son of Gp.Capt. Edward Featherstone Briggs (1882-1963), formerly of the RAF, and Violet Long (1896-1987), of Cookham, Berkshire.
(12?).1920
Hendon district, Middlesex
-
02.04.1941
(flying accident) [age 20]
[Cookham Parish Cemetery, F.F.6]
[commemorated on a stone seat in Cookham, Berkshire]
Sgt.
? [758115]
P/O (prob)
22.09.1940, seniority 21.09.1940 [86346]

Photo courtesy of Mr Dave Cotton

22.09.1940


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



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


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)
 
 
158 Squadron RAF
Brook,
Robert
R. Brook
Son of Henry and Bayla Jeszurin, of Valenciennes, France.
1921 ?
-
16.09.1944
(KIA) [age 23]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 201]
F/Sgt.
? [1395885]
P/O (prob)
27.03.1944 [174668]
(A) F/Lt.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
12.02.1946
with effect from 15.09.44 *
* Acting Flight Lieutenant Brook, as navigator has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.
27.03.1944


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


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


commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for Special Duties) [emergency commission]
24.04.1940
 
 
transferred to Technical Branch
Broom,
[Sir] Ivor Gordon
I.G. Broom I.G. Broom
I.G. Broom 
Only son of Alfred Godfrey Broom, the Superintendent District Manager for the Prudential Assurance Company, and Janet Broom.
Married (07.1942) Jess Irene Cooepr; two sons, one daughter.

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

for details, see: www.rafweb.org

Education: West Monmouth Grammar School; Pontypridd County School, Glamamorgan
...
-
...
...
Literature: Tony Spooner, Clean sweep : the life of Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom, KCB, CBE, DSO, DFC and two Bars, AFC (2004)
Brown,
Joseph Godfrey
J.G. Brown
Son of Joseph Brown, and of Laura Brown, of Bradford, Yorkshire.
1910 ?
-
24.02.1945
[age 35]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 265]
Sgt.
? [1115845]
P/O (prob)
25.01.1943 [139397]
(A?) F/Lt.
?
25.01.1943


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
24.02.1945
GTR Operational Training Unit
Bryce,
John Magarey
J.M. Bryce
Married Jane Anne ... (died 07.05.1969).
?
-
Sgt.
? [1315621]
P/O (prob)
05.12.1941 [121271]
(WS) F/O (prob)
01.10.1942
(WS) F/Lt.
05.12.1943
F/O
28.02.1947 (reld 19.07.1947)
05.12.1941

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

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


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


12 Squadron RAF



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

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



navigator
Buck,
Jack Dalton
R.W. Buck
(03?).1909 ??
South Stoneham district, Hampshire ??
-
Cpl.
? [861794]
P/O (prob)
10.07.1940, seniority 24.06.1940 [81711]
P/O
10.07.1941, seniortiy 25.04.1941
(WS) F/O
10.07.1941, seniortiy 25.04.1941
(T) F/Lt.
01.09.1942
10.07.1940


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


commissioned, RAFVR (Balloon Branch) [emergency commission]



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


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



108 Squadron RAF (Malta) 
[severely burned when his Beaufighter crashed at Luqa, Malta 13/12/43; Pilot Flt.Sgt. C.H.M. Daniell was killed]
Buckley,
John
J. Buckley
Son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Buckley, of Oldham, Lancashire.
1921 ?
-
07.04.1944
(MIA) [age 23]
[Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 279]
F/Sgt. ? [1005988]
P/O (prob) 17.10.1942 [134357]
(WS) F/O 17.10.1943?
17.10.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Burnell,
Aubrey William Alexander
A.W.A. Burnell (Photo courtesy of Mr Richard Mitchell)
Son of William and Gertrude A. Burnell, of Streatham, London.
(06?).1920
Wandsworth district, Greater London
-
21.07.1944
[age 24]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 210]
F/Sgt.
? [1376402]
P/O (prob)
29.05.1944 [177502]
29.05.1944


commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
21.07.1944
97 Squadron RAF
[his Lancaster R for Robert- PA979 had taken off 2319 hrs from Coningsby with orders to bomb railways in the area of Courtrai and was lost without trace]
Burt,
Edward Russell
E.R. Burt
Son (with three brothers) of Ernest E. Burt, and Mabel Bloomfield.
Brother of Capt. Spencer Ernest Burt, Army Dental Corps & Lt. Herbert George Burt, RNVR.
18.11.1917
Woodbridge district, Suffolk
-
10.2003
Great Yarmouth district, Norfolk
F/O
28.01.1941 [60494]
(WS) F/Lt.
28.01.1942
28.01.1941
 
 
commissioned, RAFVR (Dental Branch) [emergency commission]
       

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