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top |
Sadd,
John Peter

Son of Maj. John Ambrose Sadd and Doris Sadd (née
Mooney), of Salisbury.
|
(03?).1918
Willesden district, Middlesex
-
19.07.1942
(KIA) [age 24]
[Idmiston (All Saints) Churchyard, south side of church]
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
? [905338]
|
P/O (prob)
|
13.09.1941 [106188]
|
|
13.09.1941
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
19.07.1942
|
pilot, 153
Squadron RAF
|
|
Sampson,
Louis David
|
?
-
20.11.1944
(KIA)
[Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, 29.C.2]
|
F/Sgt.
|
? [1602607]
|
P/O (prob)
|
12.10.1944 [186413]
|
|
12.10.1944
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
20.11.1944
|
wireless
operator/air gunner, 75
Squadron RAF
[Lancaster PB689 AA-X had taken off at 12:49 hrs
from Mepal for an operation against Homberg. Encountered heavy Flak over
Baerl, 4 km NE of Moers, and exploded.]
|
|
Sanders,
Christopher

Son of ... Sanders, and ... Morris. |
(09?).1920
Kings Norton district, Staffordshire / Warwickshire
-
12.12.1944
(KIA) [age 24]
[Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, 13.G.10] |
|
F/Sgt. |
? [1176416] |
|
P/O (prob)
|
15.04.1943 [149052] |
|
(WS) F/O (prob) |
15.10.1943 |
|
|
15.04.1943 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
| ? |
- |
12.12.1944 |
wireless
operator/air gunner, 460 (RAAF)Squadron
[His Lancaster PB542 [AR-D2] was airborne
15:59 hrs from Binbrook for an operation against Essen. Outbound, it was hit by
Flak and crashed at Berghausen.] |
|
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
|
|
Sankey,
George Edmund
|
?
-
31.05.1942
(MIA)
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 71]
|
Sgt.
|
? [1168609]
|
P/O (prob)
|
26.03.1942 [119523]
|
|
26.03.1942
|
|
|
first
commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
31.05.1942
|
405
Squadron RAF
[taken off at 00.22 hrs 31.05.1942 a
Halifax bomber [W7707 LQ-K] for an operation against Cologne; plane & crew
were lost without trace]
|
|
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
|
|
Sawyer,
Eric Alan
Younger son of F.G. Sawyer, and ... Fitzwilliams, of
Highfield, Southampton.
Married (06.1942, Maidenhead district, Berkshire) Margaret A. Davies, fourth
daughter of Mr & Mrs G.T. Davies, of Down Place, Windsor; ... children. |
(09?).1919
Southampton district, Hampshire
- |
|
Sgt. |
? [740607] |
|
P/O (prob) |
17.08.1940,
seniority 14.08.1940 [83728] |
|
(WS) F/O |
17.08.1941,
seniority 14.08.1941 |
|
(WS) F/Lt. |
17.08.1942,
seniority 14.08.1942 (reld 25.11.1945; medical unfitness) |
|
|
17.08.1940 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
Schofield,
Ernest

Married (1940) Hattie Pritchard (died 1995); two
daughters.
|
26.10.1916
Penistone, nr Barnsley
-
23.02.2009
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
? [1169758]
|
P/O (prob)
|
25.05.1941 [101044]
|
P/O
|
25.05.1942,
seniority 25.05.1941
|
(WS) F/O
|
25.05.1942
|
(WS) F/Lt.
|
25.05.1943 (reld
1945)
|
|
DFC
|
30.06.1942
|
*
|
* Flight Lieutenant Healy, Pilot Officer
Schofield and Sergeant Kingett, as captain, navigator and wireless
operator/air gunner respectively, have consistently displayed great skill,
courage and devotion to duty in the execution of their duties. They were
selected as members of the crew of a Catalina flying, boat which was recently
detailed for certain special operations. Four flights have been completed
involving a total distance of 9,500 miles, much of which was flown in the most
severe weather and icing conditions. Nevertheless this crew, displaying superb
skill and undaunted determination, accomplished their task successfully. They
displayed magnificent fortitude throughout.
|
Education: Bemrose School, Derby; St John's College,
Cambridge (read Economics).
Joined Civil Service (Inland Revenue).
25.05.1941
|
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
09.1941
|
-
|
spring
1943
|
navigator,
210
Squadron RAF
|
1943
|
-
|
1945
|
specialist
navigation instructor
|
Returned to Inland Revenue Service, 1945-1976.
Published: (wit Roy Conyers Nesbit) Arctic
airmen : the RAF in Spitsbergen and North Russia, 1942 (1987)
|
Scott,
William John Moir
"Jack" / "Scotty"

Son of William Moir Scott and Katherine Ellen
Campbell, of South Kensington, London.
|
14.06.1915
Dundee, Scotland
-
08.09.1940
(KIA) [age 25]
[Dundee Western Cemetery, compt. 19, grave 25C]
|
P/O RAFO
|
16.03.1937 (Class
AA)
|
P/O
|
01.01.1938,
seniority 16.03.1937 [70611]
|
F/O
|
06.02.1940,
seniority 16.09.1938
|
|
Education: BA (Cantab.)
16.03.1937
|
-
|
01.01.1938
|
commissioned,
Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO) (General Duties Branch)
|
01.01.1938
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
|
13.07.1939
|
-
|
08.09.1940
|
pilot, 41
Squadron RAF (Hornchurch)
[wrote off Spitfire N3100 on 29.07.1940 at 7.50am; also shot down at least one Messerschmitt 109E-1 (3320) off Folkestone on
07.09.1940 at 6pm (flown by Uffz. W Melchert who was subsequently captured and
imprisoned); crashed 08.09.1940 in Spitfire R6756 in flames into the sea near Dover at 12.15pm;
believed to be shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf 109]
|
|
Shaw,
Harold



Son
(with six brothers and two sisters) of Walter Shaw, company director, and Mabel Annie Leathley, of South Woodford, Essex.
Engaged
to Helen Patterson, from Canada.
|
22.02.1916
Hornsey, Edmonton district, Essex
-
07.08.1942
(KIA) [age 26]
[Uden War Cemetery, the Netherlands, 4.H.10]
|
Sgt.
|
? [1183316]
|
P/O (prob)
|
23.02.1942 [121375]
|
|
|
|
|
probably
trained in Canada
|
23.02.1942
|
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
07.08.1942
|
observer,
12 Squadron RAF
[Took off from Binbrook at 0043 hrs in
Wellington II bomber [Z8585 PH-W] for an operation against Duisburg. Was shot
down by a night-fighter and crashed 0255 hrs near Rosmalen, the Netherlands,
which killed all five crew members.]
|
|
Sheffield,
Joseph

Son of Joseph Sheffield, and Lockhart Begbie, of Glasgow. |
12.05.1915
-
16.04.1942
(KIA) [age 26]
[Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemetery, Loire-Atlantique, France, 2.B.20] |
|
Sgt. |
? [1116770] |
|
P/O (prob) |
23.03.1942 [119346] |
|
|
23.03.1942 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
? |
- |
16.04.1942 |
pilot, 156
Squadron RAF
[Wellington X3417 GT-? was airborne 21:16 hrs
from Alconbury to lay mines in French waters South of the River Loire's exit
into the sea. Crashed in the target area. Complete crew of six was killed.] |
|
Sheward,
Ronald Edward Goodman
"Ronnie"

Married ((12?).1949, Chelsea district) ...
Rossiter (née Simpson); ... children.
|
1913 ?
Argentina
-
18.08.2009
[aged 96]
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
? [1377607]
|
P/O (prob)
|
18.04.1942 [120531]
|
(WS) F/O (prob)
|
18.10.1942
|
(WS) F/Lt.
|
18.04.1944 (reld
03.05.1946; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
|
(A) Sq.Ldr.
|
(1945)
|
|
DFC
|
02.10.1945
|
?
|
|
18.04.1942
|
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
(1942)
|
|
|
164
Squadron RAF
|
|
|
|
137
Squadron RAF
|
|
|
|
263
Squadron RAF
|
(1945)
|
|
|
266
Squadron RAF
|
|
|
|
197
Squadron RAF
|
|
Shillitoe,
John Burton
"Peter"
Only son of Mr & Mrs Shillitoe, of Clifton Green,
York.
Married ((09?).1942, Wandsworth district, London) Joan W. Andrews. She
re-married ((03?).1948, Croydon district, Surrey) William F. Willmott. |
1921 ?
Ceylon ?
-
06.11.1944
(KIA) [age 23]
[Ermelo (Nunspeet) New General Cemetery, the Netherlands, plot 2, grave 393] |
|
Ldg.Acm. |
? [1288674] |
|
P/O (prob) |
19.06.1941 [69479] |
|
(WS) F/O |
19.06.1942 |
|
(WS) F/Lt. |
19.06.1943 |
|
|
19.06.1941 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
? |
- |
06.11.1944 |
pilot, 127
Squadron RAF
[Spitfire IX PT649 while
bombing the railway line near
Harderwijk, crashed at about 12:15 hrs at Hulshorst (Zilverbeekje)] |
|
Shortall,
Christopher Joseph
"Christie"

Son of Myles Shortall and Catherine Phelan.
Married (1939) Mary Theresa O’Hare (died 2002); four sons. |
08.03.1905
Wood of ‘O’ House,
Ballycommon,
King’s County,
Ireland
-
15.06.1950
‘Laurel Lodge’, Downshire Road, Newry, Co. Down,
Northern Ireland |
|
F/Lt. |
26.07.1938 [72370] |
|
(A) Sq.Ldr. |
03.09.1939 |
|
(T) Sq.Ldr. |
01.06.1941 |
|
(A) W/Cdr. |
25.10.1944 (reld
01.01.1945) (emgcy list; reld 10.02.1954) |
|
Education: Mount St. Joseph’s
Roscrea; National University of Ireland (1928; 1st Class Honours); MD (1933), MCh
(1932), FRCS(I) (1931).
Extern Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin.
Consultant Surgeon Daisy Hill and Newry General Hospitals from 1935 until being called up
in 1939.
|
26.07.1938 |
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (Medical Branch) |
|
25.08.1939 |
|
|
No. 1 Depot RAF (Henlow) |
|
18.10.1941 |
|
|
No. 5 Recruits Centre RAF |
|
14.12.1941 |
|
|
No. 4 Hospital RAF (Rauceby) |
|
07.01.1942 |
|
|
Middle East Pool RAF (was surgeon on WS15 convoy vessel ‘Llangibby Castle’ when
it was torpedoed by U-402 in the Atlantic 16.01.1942) |
|
10.04.1942 |
|
|
HQ RAF Middle East |
|
04.05.1942 |
|
|
Egypt - Heliopolis |
|
07.06.1942 |
|
|
RAF Hospital Aden |
|
10.07.1944 |
|
|
HQ RAF Middle East |
Following the War he returned to Newry to Private
and NHS practice and was involved in the introduction of the Health Service to
Northern Ireland. |
Shute,
Stephen Maurice

Second son of Thomas Albert Shute,
shipowner, and May Clarke.
Married ((09?).1937, Kensington district, London) Violet W. "Winnie" Ward. |
(08?).1914
All Hallows, Allerton, Liverpool
-
09.03.1943
[age 29]
[Hampstead Cemetery, London, W.E.107]
|
|
Sgt. |
? [919755] |
|
P/O (prob) |
14.08.1941 [106242] |
|
(WS) F/O (prob) |
14.08.1942 |
|
|
14.08.1941 |
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
| |
|
|
pilot (killed on
active service) |
|
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
|
|
|
commissioned, 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).
|
Simon,
Frank Radcliffe

Son of Percival Robert Simon, and Keturah
Radcliffe.
Husband of Wendy Simon, of Hordle, Hampshire.
|
(12?).1911
Alton district, Hampshire
-
03.06.1943
[age 31]
[Runnymede Meorial, panel 129]
|
Sgt.
|
? [657553]
|
P/O (prob)
|
11.09.1942 [130253]
|
(WS) F/O (prob)
|
11.03.1943
|
|
11.09.1942
|
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
03.06.1943
|
179
Squadron RAF (Gibraltar) (flew Coastal Command anti-submarine patrols over the
Mediterranean and its approaches)
|
|
Simpson,
Theodore Leonard *

Son of Leonard Simpson, and Emily Lucie
Mackett, of Tiverton, Devon.
* Birth registered as Theodore F.L. Simpson. |
12.02.1922
Hastings district, Sussex
-
20.10.1943
(KIA) [age 21]
[Eelde General Cemetery, Drenthe, the Netherlands, 3.1333] |
|
(A) Wt.Offr. |
? [133339] |
|
P/O (prob) |
13.08.1943 [157319] |
|
|
13.08.1943 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
? |
- |
20.10.1943 |
pilot, 100
Squadron RAF
[Lancaster ED555, 'HW-A', operation against
Leipzig. Airborne 17:46 hrs from Grimsby. Shot down by a German night-fighter of
Oberfeldwebel Heinz Vinke and crashed at 22:25 hrs at Eelderwolde (Drenthe), 5
km NNw of Eelde, itself 14 km N of Assen, Holland] |
|
Sinden,
Francis Edward
Son of Francis William Sinden
(1901-1956), and May Thwaites, of Hove, Sussex. |
29.01.1922
Steyning district, Sussex
-
23.05.1944
(KIA) [age 22]
[Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany, coll. grave 24.B.5-7] |
|
Ldg.Acm. |
? [1420383] |
|
P/O (prob) |
02.03.1943 [139840] |
|
(WS) F/O (prob) |
02.09.1943 |
|
|
02.03.1943 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
| ? |
- |
23.05.1944 |
air bomber, 49
Squadron RAF
[Lancaster NE125 "EA-K" was airborne 22:18 hrs 22.05.1944 from
Fiskerton for an operation against Braunschweig. Crashed in a peat-bog 1 km S of
Hagen and crew initially buried as "six unknown" airmen in the Garnisonsfriedhof
(Garrison Cemetery) of Wesermünde / Geestemünde.] |
|
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.
|
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]
|
|
Smith,
Albert Henry

Married (03.1943).
|
11.1910
-
c. 1972
|
Acm. 1st cl.
|
? [1305581]
|
(A) P/O (prob)
|
10.10.1941,
seniority 23.07.1941 [108108]
|
P/O (prob)
|
10.12.1941
|
(WS) F/O (prob)
|
01.10.1942,
seniority 23.09.1942 (emgcy list; reld 27.10.1955; retaining rank of
Sq.Ldr.)
|
|
10.10.1941
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
|
01.02.1942
|
|
|
transferred,
RAF Regiment
|
|
|
|
stationed
in Scotland, then at Swanton Morley
|
|
Smith,
Albert Henry

Changed name to: Westrup-Smith.
|
?
-
|
Sgt.
|
? [345334]
|
(A) P/O (prob)
|
22.04.1942,
seniority 08.12.1941 [119093]
|
(WS) F/O
|
? (emgcy list; reld
10.02.1954 retaining rank of F/Lt.)
|
|
22.04.1942
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (Technical Branch)
|
|
Smith,
Colin Clifton
Son of William Clifton Smith and Ethel Smith, of Newby, Scarborough,
Yorkshire.
|
1923 ?
-
13.08.1944
(KIA) [age 21]
[Becklingen War Cemetery, Germany, 23.A.11]
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
? [1489855]
|
P/O (prob)
|
30.04.1943 [152042]
|
(WS) F/O (prob)
|
30.10.1943
|
|
30.04.1943
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
13.08.1944
|
navigator,
77 Squadron RAF
[took off 21:20 hrs 12.08.1944 from Full
Sutton in a Halifax bomber [MZ347 KN-A] for an operation against Braunschweig;
cause of loss an crash site were not established]
|
|
Smith,
Francis Gordon
|
?
-
late 1950s
|
P/O
|
? [71244]
|
Hon. W/Cdr.
|
(1944)
|
Hon. Gp.Capt.
|
01.02.1948
|
|
1914?
|
-
|
1918?
|
served
in World War I in the Royal Naval Air
Reserve serving in balloons
|
?
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative and
Special Duties Branch)
|
20.05.1944
|
-
|
01.03.1946
|
commissioned
Honorary W/Cdr., RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
|
01.04.1947
|
-
|
late
1950s?
|
commissioned
Honorary W/Cdr., RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
|
|
Smith,
Kenneth Ralph
|
?
-
|
Cpl.
|
? [1600935]
|
P/O (prob)
|
26.03.1943 [151680]
|
(WS) F/O (prob)
|
26.09.1943
|
(WS) F/Lt.
|
26.03.1945
|
|
26.03.1943
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR
(General Duties Branch)
|
|
South,
Gerald John
"Gerry"
Son of Percy South, and Mary C. Hanifin.
Married ((09?).1948, Chippenham district, Wiltshire) Sheila J.
Mattingley ((03?).1927 - ); one son, one daughter.
|
21.10.1922
King's Norton district, Warwickshire
-
28.02.2010 |
|
F/Sgt. |
? [1128148] |
|
P/O (prob) |
28.02.1943 [143664] |
|
(WS) F/O (prob) |
28.08.1943 |
|
(A) F/Lt. |
? |
|
(WS) F/Lt. |
28.02.1945 |
|
F/O |
22.08.1946,
seniority 28.02.1944 |
|
F/Lt. |
28.08.1946 |
|
Sq.Ldr. |
01.07.1952 |
|
W/Cdr. |
01.07.1960 |
|
Gp.Capt |
01.01.1966 (retd
02.03.1973) |
 |
DSO |
24.10.1944 |
* |
 |
DFC |
19.11.1943 |
** |
* A first class captain and a most
conscientious officer, Flight Lieutenant South has been engaged in air
operations almost continuously for a year, he has led attacks on a wide
variety of targets including Berlin, Nuremberg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart,
Kiel and Augsburg and has always pressed home his attacks with the utmost
determination. His example when over these dangerous
targets has proved a rare source of inspiration.
** One night in October, 1943, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft
which attacked Hanover. Whilst over the target area, the bomber was hit by
anti-aircraft fire. Flying Officer South was wounded in the arm and the
aircraft went into a steep dive. This pilot quickly regained control,
however, and, disdaining first aid for the time being went on to make a
successful attack. Later on, an enemy fighter was encountered but it was
driven off. Flying Officer South displayed great fortitude and outstanding
devotion to duty. |
|
28.02.1943 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR
(General Duties Branch) |
|
early
1943 |
|
|
405 (RCAF) Squadron |
|
01.1944 |
|
|
7 Squadron RAF |
|
22.08.1946 |
|
|
extended service
commission RAF |
|
15.07.1948 |
|
|
permanent commission
RAF |
FIMgt. |
Spalton,
Bert

Married ((03?).1954, Bournemouth district,
Dorset) Myra Williams.
From Gedling near Nottingham.
|
(06?).1924
Basford district, Nottinghamshire /
Derbyshire
-
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
? [1582246]
|
P/O (prob)
|
12.11.1943
[154130]
|
(WS) F/O
|
12.11.1944
|
(WS) F/Lt.
|
12.11.1945
|
F/O
|
29.08.1946
|
F/Lt.
|
12.05.1947
(reld 13.09.1950; medical unfitness)
|
|
12.11.1943
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR
(General Duties Branch)
|
29.08.1946
|
|
|
extended
service commission, RAF
|
|
Spurdens,
Cyril Norfolk
"Spud"

Son of ... Spurdens, and ... Paye.
|
23.03.1921
Camberwell district, Greater London / London / Surrey
-
11.2002
Rutland district, Rutland
|
Sgt.
|
? [1385037]
|
P/O (prob)
|
05.02.1943 [142210]
|
P/O
|
05.08.1943
|
(WS) F/O
|
05.08.1943
|
F/O
|
30.05.1946,
seniority 05.02.1944
|
(WS) F/Lt.
|
05.02.1945
|
F/Lt.
|
05.08.1946
|
F/Lt. RAF
|
15.06.1948
|
(A) Sq.Ldr.
|
(1945)
|
Sq.Ldr.
|
01.07.1952 (retd
19.09.1958)
|
|
DFC
|
20.08.1943
|
*
|
|
AFC
|
01.01.1946
|
?
|
* This officer has completed 40 sorties and has
invariably displayed great courage and determination in pressing home his
attacks. One night in July, 1943, he took part in an attack on Syracuse and
his excellent work contributed materially to the success achieved. On another
occasion, Pilot Officer Spurdens undertook a mine-laying mission and, despite
fire from the shore batteries and much searchlight activity, accomplished his
task successfully. In other operations over the battle area, Pilot Officer
Spurdens has achieved success. On one occasion, one engine of his aircraft was
rendered unserviceable when hit by anti-aircraft fire. Nevertheless, he
skilfully flew the aircraft to base many hundreds of miles distant. This
officer has displayed courage, skill and tenacity of a high order.
|
05.02.1943
|
|
|
first
commission, RAFVR (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
(1943)
|
|
|
70 Squadron RAF
|
30.05.1946
|
|
|
extended
service commission RAF
|
15.06.1948
|
|
|
permanent
commission RAF
|
|
Stafford,
Richard George
 |
13.08.1905
Atherstone, Warwickshire
-
06.04.1946
Meriden district, Warwickshire |
|
P/O (prob) |
19.08.1940 [83943] |
|
(WS) F/O
|
19.08.1941 |
|
P/O |
05.05.1943 |
|
(WS) F/O |
05.11.1943 |
|
(WS) F/Lt. |
05.05.1945 (dismissal by sentence of a general court-martial 23.10.1945) |
|
Company director. Gained aviator's licence (No.
17413) taken on D.H. Tiger Moth, Gipsy Maj:130 at the Leicestershire Aoer Club,
18.03.1939.
|
19.08.1940 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR
(Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
(07.1942) |
|
|
A Flight, 4 Squadron RAF (13 Initial Training Wing) |
|
05.05.1943 |
|
|
relinquished rank at own request and transferred to
the General Duties Branch in the rank of P/O |
|
Stamford,
Derek Charles Hanchett

Son of Charles Wilfred Stamford, and Ella Charlotte Keene.
Married ((09?).1939, St Pancras district, Middlesex) Kathleen Desmonde Evers
(1920-).
|
07.01.1920
Dulwich, Camberwell district, Greater London
-
2006
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
? [904500]
|
P/O (prob)
|
11.01.1941,
seniority 05.01.1941 [60075]
16.09.1941, seniority 05.07.1941(reduction in rank) (reld 08.04.1942;
ill-health)
|
P/O
|
? [161448]
(commission terminated 24.04.1951)
|
|
Airline traffic officer. Obtained aviator's licence
(No. 18240) taken on a Gipsy Moth, Gipsy 11, 120 at Airwork Flying Club,
20.05.1939.
26.03.1943
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR
(General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
|
1950?
|
|
|
commissioned,
RAFVR (Training Branch)
|
Active in the Performing and Captive Animals
Defence League.
|
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.
|
?
|
* 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)
|
|
Stevens,
Richard Hubert
"Steve"
Married aged 24 (04.04.1936, Hendon) Violet
Ellen Mayhew; one son.
|
c. 1911/12
-
25.03.1944
(KIA)
[Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany, collective grave 13.L.1-7]
|
Ldg.Acm.
|
?
[1387130]
|
P/O (prob)
|
30.04.1943
[143597]
|
(WS) F/O (prob)
|
30.10.1943
|
|
30.04.1943
|
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
[emergency commission]
|
?
|
-
|
25.03.1944
|
Wireless
Operator/Air Gunner, 12 Squadron RAF
[his Lancaster III [JB359 PH-Q] had taken
of from Wickenby at 18.35 hrs for an operation against Berlin; believed to
have crashed while homebound, coming down some 3 km north of Harzgerode]
|
|
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)
|
|
Stigner,
Jack Hubert *


* in full: Jacobus Hubertus Aldegondus
Lienard Stigner.
Son of Jean Michel Stigner (1887-1961) (originally of Swalmen, Limburg, the
Netherlands), and Maria Josephina Francisca Paulina Lienard (1879-1962) (of
Belgium).
Married 1st ((12?).1943, Folkestone district, Kent; marriage dissolved)
3rd Officer Betty
Angell Money, WRNS (08.03.1920-01.1992), widow of
F/Lt. Desmond Victor Varian, RAFVR, and
only daughter of Cdr. Norman Angel Kyrle Money, OBE, RN, and Gladys Gransmore,
of Paignton; two sons. She remarried ((12?).1959)
Maj. Melville Hope McLaren
Dynes.
Married 2nd (20.09.1952, Epsom, Surrey Mid Eastern district) Jillian Sinclair Peet
(10.05.1932-28.10.2001),
daughter of Herbert Stanley Peet and Daisy Mary Jane Cotterell Martin; two sons. |
07.10.1920
Eastbourne, Sussex
-
09.06.1959
Auckland, New Zealand |
|
Ldg.Acm. |
?
[906269] |
|
P/O (prob) |
14.12.1940, seniority 24.11.1940 [89334] |
|
(WS) F/O |
14.12.1941, seniority 24.11.1941 |
|
(WS) F/Lt. |
14.12.1942, seniority 24.11.1942 (reld 14.05.1946) (reld 16.12.1949; on appointment to
Territorial Army) |
|
Army: |
|
|
Lt. |
16.12.1949, seniority 07.10.1943 |
|
Capt. |
01.06.1951 |
|
Gained aviator's certificate (No. 163437) taken on a
B.A. Swallow - Cirrus Minor 82 at the Cinque Ports Flying Club, 27.10.1938.
|
09.1939 |
|
|
enlisted RAFVR (Uxbridge) |
|
14.12.1940 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
[emergency commission] |
|
14.12.1940 |
|
|
No. 2
School of Army Co-operation (Andover) (for army co-operation course) |
|
30.04.1941 |
|
|
pilot, 53
Squadron RAF (for flying duties) |
|
27.02.1943 |
|
|
HQ No.15
Group RAF (Liverpool) (as training F/Lt.) |
|
26.10.1943 |
|
|
Junior
Commander's Course, RAF Station Banff (No. 21 Group RAF) |
|
28.03.1944 |
|
|
No. 9
Operational Training Unit RAF (for course) (No. 17 Group RAF) |
|
11.08.1944 |
|
|
RAF Station
Haverfordwest (No.17 Group RAF) (for ground instructor duties) [date possibly
11.05.1944] |
|
31.08.1944 |
|
|
School of
Air Sea Rescue RAF (Calshot) (No. 17 Group RAF, from 14.09.1944 No. 25 Group
RAF) |
|
01.10.1944 |
|
|
RAF Station
Haverfordwest (No.17 Group RAF) (for administrative duties; supernumerary) |
|
31.10.1944 |
|
|
No. 132
(Coastal) Operational Training Unit (East Fortune) (No. 17 Group RAF)(for ground
instructor duties; supernumerary) (from 11.05.1945 as President of Board & Camp
Commandant) |
|
07.06.1945 |
|
|
RAF Station
East Fortune (No. 17 Group RAF) (supernumerary; under training, flying
continued) |
|
08.06.1945 |
|
|
transferred, RAFVR (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) |
|
14.05.1946 |
|
|
No.
100 Personnel Despatch Centre (No. 28 Group RAF) (for Class 'A' release) |
|
16.12.1949 |
|
|
commissioned, Royal Regiment of
Artillery - Territorial Army |
|
08.12.1952 |
|
|
Territorial Army Reserve of Officers |
Jeweller (retired from the firm of Stigner's in
1950). |
Stonham,
James Frederick Guy

Son of James Walter Stonham (1903-1982), and Ethel May Butler (1901-1989).
Married ((12?).1945, Hastings district, Sussex) Barbara Joan Wheeler (19.01.1922
- 11.2000). |
05.11.1922
Hastings district, Sussex
-
21.07.2009
St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex |
|
Acm. 2nd cl. |
?
[1803385] |
|
P/O (prob) |
20.11.1943
[159398] |
|
(WS) F/O |
20.05.1944 |
|
(WS) F.Lt. |
20.11.1945 |
|
F/Lt. |
01.11.1947, seniority 20.05.1947 (reld 01.9.1948) |
|
(T) F/Lt. RAF |
01.09.1948, seniority 20.05.1947 |
|
F/Lt. RAF |
01.10.1952, seniority 20.05.1947
17.08.1954, seniority 20.05.1948 (forfeiture of seniority) |
|
Sq.Ldr. |
01.07.1958 (retd 05.11.1971) |
 |
DFC |
22.09.1944 |
* |
* One night in July, 1944, this officer was
captain of an aircraft detailed for mining operations in the Danube. This
involved very difficult flying along a predetermined course and against
extremely heavy ground defences. Nevertheless, Pilot Officer Stonham
determinedly pressed home his attack and successfully laid his mines in the
correct position. In so doing he received severe wounds in the head from
anti-aircraft fire and his navigator and wireless operator were also
injured. The aircraft sustained considerable damage and much equipment was
destroyed. The undercarriage and flaps were rendered inoperative and many
navigational aids were lost. Despite his own injuries and almost complete
lack of flying instruments, Pilot Officer Stonham successfully flew his
damaged aircraft over the Jugoslav mountains and reached the enemy coast. He
then set a new course for base where he effected a masterly landing. This
officer has completed numerous sorties and he has invariably displayed
coura'ge, determination and devotion to duty of a high order. |
|
20.11.1943 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (General Duties Branch)
[emergency commission] |
|
(1944) |
|
|
pilot, 150 Squadron RAF (DFC) |
|
01.09.1948 |
|
|
temporary commission, RAF (General
Duties Branch) |
|
15.02.1949 |
|
|
short service commission, RAF (General
Duties Branch) |
|
01.10.1952 |
|
|
permanent commission, RAF (General
Duties Branch) |
|
Strachan,
Daniel
|
?
- |
|
Ldg.Acm. |
? [1365214] |
|
(A) P/O (prob) |
28.09.1942 [130148] |
|
P/O (prob) |
28.11.1942 |
|
(WS) F/O (prob) |
28.05.1943 |
|
(A) F/Lt. |
(1944) |
 |
MID |
01.01.1945 |
? |
|
|
28.09.1942 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative
and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
|
|
|
served in North
Africa & Italy |
|
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.
|
Sutton,
John Mervyn Rhydderch
|
31.05.1909
Newport district, Monmoutshire
-
02.1986
Tunbridge Wells district, Kent |
|
P/O (prob) |
28.09.1939 [74782] |
|
P/O |
28.09.1940 |
|
(WS) F/O |
18.04.1941,
seniority 11.06.1940 |
|
F/Lt. (prob) |
?, seniority
10.10.1939 |
|
(T) F/Lt. |
01.12.1940 |
|
(A) Sq.Ldr. |
(1942) |
|
(T) Sq.Ldr. |
01.01.1945 |
|
Sq.Ldr. |
? (retd 31.05.1954) |
 |
MID |
01.01.1943 |
? |
|
|
28.09.1939 |
|
|
commissioned, RAFVR (Administrative
and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission] |
|
24.04.1940 |
|
|
transferred, RAFVR (Technical Branch) |
|
1940 |
- |
1942 |
served with
radar on Malta |
Published:
Magnetism and electricity for
students in technical and secondary schools (1956). |
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]
|
|
| |
|
|
|