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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.

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Sanders, Paul Sampson	? - ?	Ldg.Acm. ? [1267196] P/O (prob) 06.08.1941 [103042] P/O 06.08.1942 (WS) F/O 06.08.1942 (WS) F/Lt. 06.08.1943 F/Lt. ? (reld 14.08.1952)	06.08.1941 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] ? - 10.01.1942 pilot, 40 Squadron RAF [taken off at 16.45 hrs 10.01.1942 from Alconbury in his Wellington IC [X9824 BL-] for an operation against Wilhelmshaven; believed ditched, due to engine failure; 2 of the crew died, 4 were taken POW] 01.1942 - 1945? POW in German captivity 14.08.1947     commissioned, Reconstituted RAFVR
Saunderson, Eward John	1919 ? - 09.02.2007 Berkshire [aged 88]	Sgt. ? [741978] P/O (prob) 24.08.1940 [84319] P/O 24.08.1941 (WS) F/O 24.08.1941 (WS) F/Lt. 24.08.1942 (A) Sq.Ldr. 1944? DSO 15.06.1944 ? DFC 06.06.1944 ? MID 11.06.1942 ?	26.01.1942 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] (06.1944) 692 Squadron RAF
Shuttleworth, 2nd Baron (cr. 1902), of Gawthorpe; Kay-Shuttleworth, Richard Ughtred Paul; Baronet (cr. 1849) Eldest son of late Captain Hon. Laurence Kay­Shuttleworth, RFA, JP, and Selina, daughter of Gen. Hon. Francis Bridgeman. Succeeded grandfather 20.12.1939.	30.10.1913 - 08.08.1940 (MIA) [age 26] [Runnymede Memorial, panel 6]	P/O 27.07.1937 [70356] F/O 15.12.1939	27.07.1937 first commission, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) 05.12.1938 transferred, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) ? - 08.08.1940 145 Squadron RAF (failed to return after combat over convoy CW9; at 1640 hrs. South of Isle of Wight his Hurricane P3163 from Westhampnett crashed into the Channel) Justice of the Peace (JP).
Skingley, Jack Only child of Sidney Skingley (1889-1934), Sussex police force, and Winifred Cox. Married (18.11.1940, Reigate) Marjorie Eleanor Henderson (died 30.05.2005); one daughter, one son.	07.07.1916 Watford - 21.07.1944 (KIA) [age 28] [Runnymede Memorial, panel 203]	Ldg.Acm. ? [1388132] P/O (prob) 20.11.1942 [134721] (WS) F/O (prob) 20.05.1943 (A) F/Lt. ? DFC 25.01.1946 with effect from 20.07.1944 [posthumously]	Joined Reigate Borough Police Force, 1936 (more details under 2nd "biography" button on the left). served World War II, taking part in 37 aerial operations: 04.1941   enlisted, RAFVR (trained in Canada) 20.11.1942     commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] ? - 29.10.1943 7 Squadron RAF 29.10.1943 - 19.12.1943 207 Squadron RAF (five operations to Berlin and one to Modena) 19.12.1943 - 21.07.1944 97 Squadron RAF [his Lancaster III [PA979 OF-R] took off from Coningsby 2319 hrs 20.07.1944 to attack railway yards in the Courtrai area; the aircraft was lost without trace]
Sloan, Robert William "Bob" Son of Samuel Hugh and Catherine Ann Sloan, of Clifton, Bristol; husband of Barbara Florence Sloan, of Clifton. biography (with photos) at Clifton Rugby Football Club website	1915 ? - 17.01.1941 [age 26] [Upavon Cemetery, Wiltshire, F.2]	Ldg.Acm. ? [903433] (A) P/O (prob) 28.12.1940, seniority 03.12.1940 [89812]	Education: Prior Park, Bath 28.12.1940 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Stanley, Thomas Alfred "Tom"	? - ?	F/Sgt. ? [741374] P/O (prob) 26.01.1942 [115740] F/O ? (WS) F/Lt. 26.01.1944 (T) F/Lt. 03.12.1946, seniority 26.01.1944 (A?) Sq.Ldr. ? (reld 25.07.1947)	(1939) County of Kent Squadron, Coastal Command 26.01.1942 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] eventually ended up as test pilot at RAF Boscombe Down; also selected to be part of 6 man Special Operations team to go to Germany (Lübeck) at the latter part of the war 03.12.1946 - 25.07.1947 temporary commission, RAF (Technical Branch)
Stark, Alexander Charles Son of Charles and Nancy Stark, of Crosshill, Ayrshire. Married Mary Geraldine Stark, of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.	1920 ? - 08.03.1945 (KIA) [age 25] [Hanover War Cemetery, Germany, 6.B.16]	F/Sgt. ? [568229] P/O (prob) 02.01.1942 [48313] (WS) F/O (prob) 01.10.1942 (WS) F/Lt. 02.01.1944	02.01.1942 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) ? - 08.03.1945 pilot, 464 (RAAF) Squadron
Stark, Lawrence William Fraser "Pinkie"	15.11.1920 Bolton, Lancashire - 01.08.2004 Rochester, Kent	F/Sgt. ? [1058229] P/O (prob) 12.06.1943 [148445] (WS) F/O (prob) 12.12.1943 F/O 01.09.1945 (A) F/Lt. ? (WS) F/Lt. 12.06.1945 F/Lt. 12.12.1946 (retd 16.11.1963; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.) (T) Sq.Ldr. ? DFC 10.03.1944 gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy * DFC 03.10.1944 gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy ** AFC 02.01.1950 ? BCdeG 10.11.1950 ? * This officer is a cool and resourceful fighter who has invariably displayed great keenness and determination. He has shot down 6 enemy aircraft in combat, whilst in attacks on enemy targets on the ground he has destroyed an aircraft and a locomotive; he has also attacked a number of small vessels, such as tugs and barges with damaging effect. ** Flight Lieutenant Stark has completed a large number of sorties. He has led his flight against many difficult and dangerous targets and despite heavy enemy opposition he has always pressed home his attacks to a successful conclusion. His excellent leadership, courage and fine fighting spirit have set a splendid example to all.	12.06.1943 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) 01.1943 - 02.1944 609 Squadron RAF 02.1944 - 03.07.1944 263 Squadron RAF 01.09.1945     permanent commission RAF
Steel, John Miller	? -	Sgt. ? [1365796] P/O (prob) 05.07.1942 [126588] (WS) F/O (prob) 05.01.1943 (WS) F/Lt. 05.07.1944 (retd from Emergency List 14.02.1959; retaining rank of F/Lt.)	05.07.1942 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] ? - 19.09.1942 pilot, 15 Squadron RAF [taken off at 20.05 hrs 18.09.1942 from Bourn in his Stirling I (R9351 LS-R) to lay mines in the Asparagus region; hit by Flak while flying low between Sprogo Island and Korsor, Denmark; out of control the aircraft crashed at 00.29 hrs, throwing the pilot clear as it hit the water; the others did not survive (more details)] 19.09.1942 - 04.1945? POW # 720 in German captivity (Stalag Luft III, Sagan & Belaria)
Stephens, John Albert George "Jack" Son of John Henry Stephens (1881-1943), and Lily Bessie Talbot (1884-1960). Married Amelia Maud Lillian Mary Davey; five daughters.	13.12.1921 -	Sgt. ? [1315099] (A) P/O (prob) 05.05.1943 [145841] (WS) F/O 05.05.1944? (WS) F/Lt. 05.05.1945 (reld 20.05.1949; retaining rank of F/Lt.) F/Lt. 22.07.1951 (reld 20.05.1959) DFC 10.12.1943 ?	05.05.1943 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) (1943) 207 Squadron RAF 20.05.1949 relinquished commission on appointment to the reconstituted RAFVR (which he left 10 years later)
Stewart-Jones, Wilfred Arthur Lived in Surrey.	? -	Sgt. ? [1933288] (A) P/O (prob) 18.01.1943 [161273] P/O 18.07.1943 (WS) F/O 18.07.1943 (WS) F/Lt. 18.01.1945 (reld 20.01.1946; retaining rank of F/Lt.; on account of medical unfitness for Air Force service)	18.01.1943 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
Strange, Louis Arbon Youngest son of Walter John Strange (died 1934). Married (05.11.1915) Marjorie ...; one son, one daughter.	27.07.1891 Blandford, Dorset - 15.11.1966 [London ?] [St. Nicholas Churchyard, Worth Matravers, Dorset]	Army / RFC: Trooper ? 2nd Lt. (prob) 08.10.1913 Lt. 05.1914 T/Capt. 16.02.1915 Capt. ? (reld 01.08.1919) T/Maj. 11.1915 Maj. 01.04.1918 T/Lt.Col. 13.09.1916-01.04.1917, 01.04.1918-... RFC / RAF: F/Cdr. 16.02.1915 Sq.Ldr. ? (T) W/Cdr. 13.09.1916-01.04.1917 W/Cdr. 01.11.1919 (half-pay for 6 months from 17.03.1920) (retd 24.02.1921; ill-health; retaining the rank of Lt.Col.) RAFVR: P/O (prob) 18.04.1940 [78522] (WS) F/Lt. (prob) 24.09.1940 [01107] (WS) F/Lt. 18.04.1941 (A) Sq.Ldr. 28.06.1940-... (T) Sq.Ldr. 28.10.1942-..., seniority 01.09.1942 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 19.02.1944 Sq.Ldr. 03.1943 (reld from active service 19.09.1945; reld 10.02.1954; retaining the rank of W/Cdr.) (A) W/Cdr. 18.12.1942-... (A) W/Cdr. 27.12.1943-... (A) Gp.Capt. 09.1944-... DSO 08.02.1919 *1 OBE 01.01.1945 New Year 45 *2 MC 27.03.1915 reconnaissance / bombing Courtrai *3 DFC 02.11.1918 *4 DFC 21.06.1940 *5 MID ? ? MID ? ? MID ? ? BSM 12.03.1946 *6 *1 For his exceptional services in organising his wing and his brilliant leadership on low bombing raids this officer was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross not long ago. Since then, by his fine example and inspiring personal influence, he has raised his wing to still higher efficiency and morale, the enthusiasm displayed by the various squadrons for low-flying raids being most marked. On 30th October he accompanied one of these raids against an aerodrome; watching the work of his machines, he waited until they had finished and then dropped his bombs from one hundred feet altitude on hangars that were undamaged; he then attacked troops and transport in the vicinity of the aerodrome. While thus engaged he saw eight Fokkers flying above him ; at once he climbed and attacked them single-handed; having driven one down out of control he was fiercely engaged by tlhe other seven, but he maintained the combat until rescued by a patrol of our scouts. *2 Awarded for his work in helping to develop the British Airborne Forces and Hurricats in 1940 and 1941. *3 For gallantry and ability on reconnaissance and other duties on numerous occasions, especially on the occasion when he dropped three bombs from a height of only 200 feet on the railway junction at Courtrai, whilst being assailed by heavy rifle fire. *4 To this officer must be given the main credit of the complete success attained in two recent b.ombing raids on important enemy aerodromes. In organising these raids his careful attention to detail and well-thoughtout plans were most creditable. During the operations themselves his gallantry in attack and fine leadership inspired all those taking part. *5 Pilot Officer Strange was detailed to proceed from Hendon to Merville to act as ground control officer during the arrival and departure of various aircraft carrying food supplies. He displayed great skill and determination whilst under heavy bombing attacks and machine-gun fire at Merville, where he was responsible for the repair and successful despatch of two aircraft to England. In the last remaining aircraft, which was repaired under his supervision, he returned to Hendon, in spite of being repeatedly attacked by Messerschmitts until well out to sea. He had no guns in action and had never flown this type of aircraft previously, but his brilliant piloting enabled him to return with this much needed aircraft. *6 [Awarded 06.1945] Through his tireless energy, devotion to duty, technical and practical knowledge of aircraft and wide experience in the operational employment of aircraft and airborne troops, Wing Commander Strange rendered a major contribution to the successful accomplishment of airborne operations against the enemy during the period 14 December 1944 until the cessation of hostilities.	Education: Cliff House Preparatory School; St. Edward’s School, Oxford 1908 joined Queen’s Own Dorsetshire Yeomanry ? - 01.08.1919 The Dorsetshire Regiment 05.1914 seconded, Royal Flying Corps (Military Wing), No. 6 Course at the Central Flying School 04.10.1914 - 01.08.1915 5 Squadron RFC 02.08.1915 - 20.09.1915 12 Squadron RFC 21.09.1915 ordered home by Trenchard for rest 13.09.1916 - 01.04.1917 Commandant, School of Aerial Gunnery 04.1917 - 25.06.1918 Assistant Commander Central Flying School [01.04.1918 first commission, RAF] 26.06.1918 - 31.01.1919 commanded 80th Wing 01.02.1919 - 05.1919 commanded 31st Wing 06.1919 - 01.1922 commanded the Flying Wing at RAF Cranwell 18.04.1940 - 23.06.1940 24 Squadron RAF 24.06.1940 - 11.05.1941 Parachute Training School (Ringway) 12.05.1941 - 09.1941 Chief Flying Instructor at Merchant Shipping Fighter Unit (Speke) 09.1941 Commanding Officer, RAF Valley [Illness prevented him from fulfilling the post] 08.1942 - 17.12.1942 Group HQ (Uxbridge) 18.12.1942 - 03.1943 Commanding Officer, RAF Hawkinge 03.1943 - 26.12.1943 HQ No. 12 Group RAF (supplementary Sq.Ldr.) 27.12.1943 - 10.1944 No 46 Transport Group as Wing Commander Operations, British Airborne Forces 10.1944 - 03.1945 HQ 1st Allied Airborne Army 03.1945 - 16.09.1945 Forward HQ, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionery Force A director of Spartan Aircraft. Published: Recollections of an airman (1933) Literature: Peter Hearn, Flying rebel : the story of Louis Strange (1994)
Louis Strange was a true pioneer of early 20th Century flight.  After taking a bet, Louis gained Royal Aero Club Certificate No 575 on 5th August 1913.  In January 1914 he becam one of the first aviators in Britain to “loop the loop.”  With the outbreak of World War One, Louis, now a Lieutenant in 5 Squadron RFC, was one of the 37 aviators who on the 4th August 1914 flew the English Channel to fight Germany. He quickly demonstrated that he was both a courageous and inventive pioneer of aerial combat. On the 22 August 1914 against all the rules Louis took a machine gun into the air with the express intention of shooting down an enemy aircraft. Six days later he became the first British pilot to drop bombs from his Henry Farman F20 bi-plane. Sadly the strains of 1,000 hours of wartime flying, more than half of them in combat conditions, combined with illness resulted in him leaving the RAF in 1922.  Once he had regained his health from working on his farm, Louis became a prominent figure in civil aviation. “Colonel Strange”, as he was generally known was a familiar and popular presence at aerodromes throughout the British Isles and Europe. At the age of 49 Louis found his way back into the cockpit and to serve with distinction in the RAFVR during the Second World War.  It is said that only those who served alongside him truly recognised the tremendous work that he did in the genesis of British Airborne Forces.
Swaddling, Cyril Alfred Formerly of Dorking and Middleton.	? - 24.12.2006 Blaenavon Hospital, Gwent [St Paul's Blaenavon]	Sgt. ? [657437] P/O (prob) 05.06.1942 [124781] (WS) F/O (prob) 05.12.1942 (WS) F/Lt. 05.06.1944	05.06.1942 first commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]

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