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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 in detail. Abbreviations and explanations can be found at the help page.

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D.R.S. Bader  to  P.H. Burt

Bader, [Sir] Douglas Robert Steuart Son of Frederick Roberts Bader and Jessie Scott­Mackenzie; married 1st, 1933, Olive Thelma Exley Edwards (died 1971); no children; 2nd, 1973, Mrs Joan Eileen Murray.	21.02.1910 Marylebone, London - 05.09.1982 London	F/O 06.06.1932 [26151] (retd 30.04.1933) (A?) F/Lt. 04.1940 (WS) F/Lt. 24.09.1940 (A) Sq.Ldr. 06.1940 (A) W/Cdr. 03.1941 (T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1945 (WS) W/Cdr. 01.12.1945 (A?) Gp.Capt. 06.1945 (retd 21.07.1946) Kt 12.06.1976 HM's birthday; for services to disabled people CBE 02.01.1956 New Year 56; for services to the disabled DSO 01.10.1940 * DSO 15.07.1941 ** DFC 07.01.1941 *** DFC 09.09.1941 **** MID 01.01.1941 ? MID 17.03.1941 ? MID 31.01.1947 ? LegH ? ? CdeG ? ? * This officer has displayed gallantry and leadership of the highest order. During three recent engagements he has led his squadron with such skill and ability that thirty-three enemy aircraft have been destroyed. In the course of these engagements Squadron Leader Bader has added to his previous successes by destroying six enemy aircraft. ** This officer has led his wing on a series of consistently successful sorties over enemy territory during the past three months. His high qualities of leadership and courage have been an inspiration to all. Wing Commander Bader has destroyed 15 hostile aircraft. *** Squadron Leader Bader has continued to lead nis squadron and wing with the utmost gallantry on all occasions. He has now destroyed a total of ten hostile aircraft and damaged several more. **** This fearless pilot has recently added a further four enemy aircraft to his previous successes; in addition he has probably destroyed another four and damaged five hostile aircraft. By his fine leadership and high courage Wing Commander Bader has inspired the wing on every occasion.	Education: St Edward's School, Oxford; RAF College, Cranwell 26.07.1930 first commission 12.1931 lost both legs in flying accident 05.1933 invalided out of RAF 1933 joined Asiatic Petroleum Co. Ltd 26.11.1939 - 21.07.1946 recalled to active service 02.1940 - 04.1940 19 Squadron 04.1940 - 06.1940 Flight Commander, A Flight, 222 Squadron 06.1940 - ? Commanding Officer, 242 Squadron ? - 09.08.1941 Commanding Officer, 12 Group Wing 09.08.1941 - 15.04.1945 captured after collision with enemy aircraft over Bethune; released by American 1st Army from Colditz, near Leipzig 11.07.1940 30.08.1940 15.09.1940 27.09.1940 23 victories: 1 Do 17 ½ Bf 110 ½ Do 17 1 Bf 109 Rejoined Shell Petroleum Co. (late Asiatic Petroleum Co.); Man. Dir, Shell Aircraft Ltd, 1958-69, retd. Led first post­war Battle of Britain fly­past, 15 September 1945. Member, Civil Aviation Authority, 1972-78; Chaiman, Flight Time Limitations Board, 1974-78. FRAeS 1976. Hon. DSc New Univ. of Ulster, 1976. DL Greater London, 1977. Published: Fight for the sky : the story of the Spitfire and the Hurricane (1973) Literature: Paul Brickhill, Reach for the sky
Badley, William	23.04.1887 - died between 04.1956 and 1996	Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1937 [13057] (T) W/Cdr. 01.06.1940 (retd 23.04.1942)   Gk AFC 29.12.1942 ?	01.04.1918 first commission RAF qualified at specialist engineering course 24.04.1942 - 23.01.1945 re-employed on active service
Bailey, Leonard Shaw Meadows Married R.A. Bailey (née ...).	30.03.1909 Amesbury, Wiltshire - died before 1996 [Enborne, nr Newbury]	Wt.Off. ? [507896] F/O (prob) 01.04.1940 [43412] F/O 01.04.1940 (WS) F/Lt. 01.04.1940 (A) Sq.Ldr. (1942) (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.06.1942 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 15.12.1944 Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1947, seniority 01.09.1945 (retd 31.12.1954; own request; retaining rank of W/Cdr.) (A) W/Cdr. ? DFC 23.03.1945 ? AFC 11.07.1940 ? MID 11.06.1942 ? MID ? ? 39|45 St ? ? AirEur St ? ? Def M ? ? WM 39|45 ? ? LSGCM ? ?	01.04.1940   commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] (1945) 35 Squadron RAF 01.01.1947 transferred, Aircraft Control Branch [extended service] 02.10.1948 permanent commission
Bailey, Sidney James	30.06.1894 St Olave Southwark, London - (09?).1979 Sutton district, Surrey	F/Lt. ? [13218] Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1937 (A) Gp.Capt. ? (T) Gp.Capt. 01.01.1944 Gp.Capt. 01.07.1947 (retd 27.05.1949) CBE 01.01.1946 New Year 46 MBE 03.06.1930 HM's birthday 30	01.04.1918 first commission observer officer ? transferred from General Duties Branch to Secretarial Branch
Bain, Richard Erskine	26.10.1900 Mercara, Coorg, South India - (03?).1979 Poole district, Dorset	F/Lt. ? [17074] Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936 (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940 (WS) W/Cdr. 01.11.1942 W/Cdr. 01.07.1947 (T) Gp.Capt. 01.01.1944-01.11.1947 (retd 01.07.1950)	13.11.1922 first commission (01.1939) - late 1939 Commanding Officer, 43 Squadron RAF (Tangmere)
Baker, Ernest Reginald "Reg(gie)" Son of William and Eliza Baker. Married (28.09.1940, Portsdown, Hampshire) Norma E.M. Snelling (born 1920), of Bedhampton, Hampshire, England; one daughter, one son.	30.03.1914 Doncaster, Yorkshire - 16.06.1944 (KIA) [age 30] [Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, France, XIII.H.11]	(A) P/O (prob) 07.05.1938 [40660] F/O 17.08.1940 (WS) F/Lt. 17.08.1941 (A) Sq.Ldr. 08.1942? (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1943 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 02.04.1944 (A) W/Cdr. 05.12.1943? DSO 21.11.1944 * [with effect from 15.06.1944] (posthumously) [investiture next-of-kin 20.02.45] DFC 22.11.1940 U-boat attack 16.08.40 &tc. [investiture 03.03.41] DFC 01.10.1943 recent operations 08-09.43 * Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross in August 1943, this officer has led a large number of fighter bomber attacks against enemy shipping and constructional targets and has personally destroyed three enemy aircraft. In October 1943, Wing Commander Baker carried out a hazardous attack at point blank range on enemy shipping under heavy fire, to score a direct hit. By his outstanding leadership, courage, and determination, he has set a splendid example to his officers and men.	07.05.1938 first commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 17.01.1942 transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for Air Force service) (1939) - 30.05.1942 210 Squadron RAF 04.1941 - 12.1941 seconded for a specialist navigation course (Ottawa, Ont., Canada), but was on arrival diverted to ferrying between Bermuda and England; 08.1941 back in the UK, but then off again to Canada for his course (15.09-26.12.1941) 31.05.1942 - 28.07.1942 240 Squadron RAF (on his way to India crashed at Malta; wounded) 07.1942 - 09.1942 hospitalized, then temporary Chief Navigation Officer at HQ Malta 02.09.1942 No 1 Depot RAF, UK (pending repatriation) 09.1942 - 10.1942 possibly serving with 263 Squadron RAF 06.10.1942 HQ No. 9 Group RAF (for navigational duties) 05.11.1942 HQ Fighter Command (for navigational duties) 29.12.1942 refresher course, 59 Operational Training Unit (Millfield, Northumberland) 11.02.1943 182 Squadron RAF (Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, from 05.04.1943 Fairlop, from 29.04.1943 Lasham) (wounded 13.05.1943, in hospital till 27.05.1943) 15.06.1943 Commanding Officer, 263 Squadron RAF (Warmwell, Dorset; 19.06.1943 Zeals, Wiltshire; 12.07.1943 Warmwell; 07.09.1943 Manston, Kent; 10.09.1943 Warmwell) 05.12.1943     Wing Commander (Flying) Colerne and taken by Oxford to Fighter Leaders Course Ashton Down 01.1944 - 16.06.1944 Wing Commander (Flying) 193 Squadron (Harrowbeer), 01.02.1944 redesignated: Commander Flying of No. 146 Airfield (11.05.1944 redesignated No. 146 Wing) [crashed near St. Mauvieu, France] Honorary Freedom of Doncaster, 30.06.1941.
Baker, George Brindley Aufrere	25.07.1894 - 23.10.1968	... ... (T) Air Vice Marshal 10.01.1941 (retd 28.07.1946)	... - ... ... 1940 Member, British Purchasing Mission, USA 12.09.1941 Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Coastal Command 01.01.1943 AOA, HQ Technical Training Command 01.07.1944 - 1945 Chief of Staff RAF (Air), Mediterranean Allied Air Forces 01.12.1945 Director of Training (Plans) in Department of Air Member for Training
Baker, Thomas Herbert "Tom"	16.08.1913 Deolali, Bombay, India - 09.03.2006 [Grantham ?], Suffolk	Sgt. ? [563032] P/O (prob) 18.04.1941, seniority 09.04.1941 [45552] (A) F/O (1941) (WS) F/O 22.01.1942 (WS) F/Lt. 22.01.1943 F/Lt. 01.07.1946, seniority 01.01.1943 Sq.Ldr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.08.1947 W/Cdr. 01.01.1955 (retd 28.01.1958) DFC 12.09.1941 raid on Knapsack power station 12.08.41 DFM 24.12.1940 ? MID 12.1941 ?	Education: Portsmouth and Lancaster Grammar Schools 01.1921 joined RAF at Halton as an Aircraft Apprentice 1939 observer, 90 Squadron RAF 07.1940 observer, 107 Squadron RAF (Wattisham, Suffolk) 18.04.1941 first commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission to 30.06.1946] 04.1941 - 17.04.1942 observer (later instructor & bombing leader), 114 Squadron RAF (Norfolk) [taken off 21.36 hrs 17.04.1942 in Blenheim Z7430 RT-Q from West Raynham for an Intruder operation to Schiphol Airport (The Netherlands); damaged by light Flak and crash-landed 23.22 hrs at Aalsmeer; wounded & captured] 17.04.1942 - 29.04.1945 POW in German captivity at Stalag Luft III (Sagan), from 02.1945 Stalag Luft VIIID (Nuremburg) 01.07.1946     permanent commission ... - ... ...
Baldwin, Sir John Eustace Arthur "Jack" Eldest son of late J.H.L. Baldwin. Married Kathleen Betsy, youngest daughter of T.W.L. Terry, York; one daughter. see: www.rafweb.org	13.04.1892 - 28.07.1975	... ... (A) Air Marshal (retd) 10.10.1942	Education: Rugby; Royal Military College, Sandhurst 28.08.1939 - 14.09.1942 Air Officer Commanding, No. 3 Group RAF 09.01.1942 - 21.02.1942 Acting Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command 09.10.1942 - 1943 Deputy Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, India 16.11.1943 - 1944 Air Officer Commanding, 3rd Tactical Air Force Colonel, 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars, 01.01.1948-24.10.1958. Deputy Colonel, Queen's Royal Irish Hussars, 24.10.1958-1960. OStJ, 24.06.1952. CStJ, 01.07.1955. KStJ, 03.07.1962. Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Lincoln, 06.11.1945. Justice of the Peace (JP), Rutland. Sheriff, Rutland, 12.11.1952. High Sheriff, Rutland, 17.03.1955.
Balean, Peter Bradford	25.08.1920 - 1996 [Saint Andrew Churchyard Cranwell, Lincolnshire]	P/O 23.12.1939 [33531] ... ... Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1947 (retd 12.06.1950)	23.12.1939 first commission RAF (General Duties Branch)
Ballance, Norman	(12?).1919 Durham district, Durham - (12?).1960 King's Lynn district, Norfolk	Sgt. ? [569141] P/O (prob) 22.02.1944 [54343] P/O 22.08.1944, seniority 22.02.1944 (WS) F/O 22.08.1944 (WS) F/Lt. 13.06.1946 F/O 13.08.1946, seniority 14.05.1946 25.02.1947, seniority 14.06.1945 F/Lt. 29.03.1949, seniority 12.10.1948 Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1955 (retd 27.02.1959) DFC 08.12.1944 ?	23.12.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] (1944)     50 Squadron RAF 13.08.1946     extended service commission 29.03.1949     permanent commission
Ballantyne, Gordon Arthur Eldest son of late John Alexander and Ida Ballantyne. Married 1st (1925) Brenda Muriel, daughter of Rev. Bernard Cuzner; one daughter. Married 2nd (1945) Rachel Mary, elder daughter of late Francis Reid Brown.	12.02.1900 Wandsworth, London - 07.11.1981 Canterbury, Kent	RNAS: (P) F/O 1917 Army: 2nd Lt. ? (T) Lt. 01.01.1924 Lt. 28.08.1924 Capt. 01.07.1927 (retd 05.01.1929) Capt. 02.09.1929, seniority 25.02.1928 RAF: (T) F/O [?] 1918 [23096] (T) F/O 01.01.1924 (T) F/Lt. ? F/Lt. 01.07.1930 Sq.Ldr. 28.08.1934 W/Cdr. 01.07.1937 (A) Gp.Capt. 1941 (T) Gp.Capt. 01.03.1942 Gp.Capt. 01.06.1943 (A) A/Cdre. 1943 (T) A/Cdre. 1944 A/Cdre. 01.09.1947, seniority 01.07.1947 Air Vice-Marshal 01.10.1952 (retd 01.01.1955) CBE 14.06.1945 HM's birthday 45 DFC 1918 ?	Education: King's College School; London Hospital 1917 Probationary Flight Officer, Royal Naval Air Service 1917 - 1918 served in France with No 8 Squadron, RFC (France & Belgium; wounded) 01.04.1918 first commission RAF 11.09.1919 transferred to the unemployed list 1923 qualified as Dental Surgeon (LDS, RCS), General List, Army 01.01.1924 temporary commission RAF (Medical Branch) [on attachment to the RAF] 1924 Lieutenant, Army Dental Corps 05.09.1927 - 05.01.1929 returned to Army duty (resigned comission) 02.09.1929 - 01.07.1930 served again in the Army Dental Corps 01.07.1930 permanent commission, RAF (Dental Branch) 1935 Senior Dental Officer, Iraq 1938 Inspecting Dental Officer, Home Commands 1941 Training Officer (Dental) 01.06.1943 - (04.)1954 Director of Dental Services, Directorate- General of RAF Medical Services, Air Ministry FDSRCS; FDSRCS (Edin.) Honorary Dental Surgeon to King George VI, 13.04.1945-10.06.1952 & to Queen Elizabeth II, 10.06.1952-01.01.1955. Member Board of Faculty of Dental Surgery of Royal College of Surgeons of England, 1947-53; Honorary member, British Dental Association; Honorary President Armed Forces Commission, Federation Dentaire Internationale, 1953; Honorary Dental Surgeon to the Queen, 1952-54. Published: various professional papers
Balsdon, Denys Finlay "Jimmy" / "Charles" Youngest son of the late Robert Percy Balsdon (1874-1920), and of Mabel Olive Finlay (1874-1959), of St Aubines, Sturry, nr Canterbury, Kent. Engaged (04.1939) Hilda Olive Myers, daughter of Mr & Mrs W.T. Myers, of London SW6. Married ((09?.)1939, Inch district, Wigtownshire) Phyllis Mary Ralston Adair (died 1991), of Portpatrick, younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Percy John Adair, of North West Castle, Stranraer, Wigtownshire. She re-married (02.04.1947, Portpatrick) Capt. George Cleland Gourlay, KOSB.	(06?).1913 Torrington, Devon - 18.12.1941 (KIA) [age 28] [Portpatrick Cemetery, Wigtownshire, A.206]	(A) P/O (prob) 06.06.1933 [34065] P/O 06.06.1934 F/O 06.05.1936 F/Lt. 06.03.1938 Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1940 (A) W/Cdr. 1941? (T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1941 MID 24.09.1941 ?	Service and International Hockey Player. 06.06.1933     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 23.06.1933 - 06.1934 flying training, No. 4 Flying Training School RAF (Abu Sueir, Egypt) 29.06.1934 - 05.1937 70 (Bomber Transport) Squadron RAF (Hinaidi, Iraq) 31.05.1937 - 12.1938 No. 6 Armament Training Camp RAF (Woodsford) 12.1938 - ? joined an anti-aircraft co-operation unit working with the Army late 1940 - 1941 "A" Flight Commander, 214 Squadron RAF 1941?     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers ? - 18.12.1941 Commanding Officer, 97 Squadron RAF [Returning in a Manchester I (L7490 OF-U) from a daylight attack on the Gneisenau in the port of Brest, Balsdon's aircraft, a Halifax, which had been damaged by anti-aircraft fire over the target, crashed on landing at Coningsby and the whole crew were killed. From the Operations Record Book: "On reaching home base, the visibility being bad, overshot the aerodrome and on opening up the engines to apparently circle round again, the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing all the crew. The aircraft was completely burnt. The aircraft had been seen to be hit by flak over the target, smashing the tailplane and elevator, the rear turret also being put out of action. The rear gunner was a casualty. W/C Balsdon having signalled for the ambulance to be ready on landing. W/C Balsdon led the formation to the target and back to the English coast and then gave over command to S/L Sherwood DFC owing to damage caused by flak."]
Bandon, 5th Earl of, cr. 1880, succ. 1924; Baron Bandon, cr. 1793; Viscount Bandon, cr. 1795; Viscount Bernard, cr. 1800; Bernard, Percy Ronald Gardner Son of late Lt­Col Ronald P. H. Bernard and Lettice Mina, younger daughter of late Captain Gerald C. S. Paget (she married 2nd, late Hon. Charles C. J. Littleton, DSO); married 1st, 1933, Elizabeth (marr. diss., 1946; she married 1965, Sir Reginald Holcroft, 2nd Bt, TD), 2nd daughter of R. W. Playfair; two daughters; 2nd, 1946, Lois White, daughter of Francis Russell, Victoria, Australia.	30.08.1904 - 08.02.1979 [Bandon, Co. Cork ?]	P/O 17.12.1924 [16145] Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 Air Chief Marshal 01.07.1959 (retd 06.02.1964)   GBE 1961 ?   KBE 01.01.1957 ? CB 05.07.1945 ?   CVO 1953 ? DSO 30.07.1940 ? MID 01.01.1941 ? MID 01.01.1943 ? MID 01.01.1945 ?   DFC(US) 20.12.1946 ?	Education: Wellington; RAF College, Cranwell (psa); RAF Staff College (1938); Imperial Defence College (idc, 1949) 1939 - 1940 commanded No 82 Squadron 1941 - 1942 commanded RAF Station, West Raynham 1945     AOC No 224 Group, South­East Asia (despatches thrice, US DFC and Bronze Star) 1945 - 1948 Commandant, ROC 1950 - 1951 AOC No 2 Group, BAFO, Germany 1951 - 1953 AOC No 11 Group 01.10.1953 - 12.1955 Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Training), Air Ministry 1955 - 1957 Commander-in-Chief, 2nd Tactical Air Force, and Comdr, 2nd Allied Tactical Air Force 1957 - 1960 Commander-in-Chief, Far East Air Force 1961 - 1963 Commander, Allied Air Forces, Central Europe
Bardon, Harold Rice	17.11.1902 - 09.1986 Winchester, Hampshire	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [19178] (T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940 (retd 14.10.1947; medical unfitness)	31.03.1925 first commission qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering 24.04.1940 transferred fron the General Duties Branch to the Technical Branch
Barham, Harold John Son of Joseph Barham, and ... Hill. Married (12.01.1941, Wycombe district, Buckinghamshire) Joan K. Philby-Tilbury; two sons.	31.05.1917 Wandsworth district, London - 12.06.1974 Romford, Havering district, Greater London [buried at Montreal, Quebec, Canada]	Sgt. ? [520300] (A) P/O (prob) 28.01.1943 [50832] P/O (prob) 03.06.1943 (WS) F/O (prob) 03.12.1943	28.01.1943     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission] may have served in Norway, Felixstowe & Horsham
Barling, Leslie Clement Son of Percy Clement Barling and Julia Bertwell; married 1st Claudia E.T. Phillips (02.1939); married 2nd Katherine Yvonne Beith or Clifford-Turner; one son.	13.12.1901 Chertsey - 08.04.1984 Cheltenham	Sq.Ldr. RAFO 12.09.1939	1930 - ? 24 Squadron
Barnett, Reginald James William Only son of Mr and Mrs W. Barnett, formerly from Dover and Capel. Married (19.05.1936, Southsea) Diana Mary Allan (born 27.07.1913, Reigate, Surrey) [her elder sister married F/Lt. J.F.L. Zorn, RAFO]; three children.	(03?).1909 Dover district, Kent - 15.02.1943 (flying accident at asmara airport) [age 33] [Asmara War Cemetery, Eritrea, 3.D.3]	P/O (prob) 11.04.1930 [29057] P/O 11.04.1931 F/O 13.10.1931 F/Lt. 01.02.1936	Education: Godwynhurst College, Dover Secretary of the Dover Motor Cycle Club. 11.04.1930 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 11.04.1936 transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class A); joined Imperial Airways, flying in Africa since 1940 Engaged as as a pilot by Portsmouth, Southsea, and Isle of Wight Aviation, then joined Imperial Airways. 10.1937 posted to Empire Flying boat Operations as 1st Officer. Two years later transferred for a short time to European Landplanes. 09.1940 posted to Durban South Africa, taking part in the delvery flight of Coo-ee to South Africa via West Africa . Served on the horseshoe route for a year then posted to the Trans-African service.  did not actually serve in the RAF in World War II, but borne on the Oct 1940 Air Force List; died as a Captain with the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) [for details see "personal touch" button]
Barraclough, [Sir] John Son of late Horatio and Marguerite Maude Barraclough. Married (1946) Maureen (née McCormack) (died 2001), niece of George Noble, Count Plunkett; one daughter.	02.05.1918 Hounslow, Middlesex - 10.05.2008	(A) P/O (prob) 07.05.1938 [40662] F/O ? (WS) F/Lt. 12.08.1941 (T) Sq.Ldr. 03.12.1946, seniority 01.07.1943 Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1945 (A) W/Cdr. (1945) Air Vice Marshal 1964 Air Marshal 1970 Air Chief Marshal 03.09.1973 (retd 03.04.1976) KCB 1970 ? CB 1969 ? CBE 1961 ? DFC 16.02.1943 ? AFC 1941 ? MID ? ? MID 01.01.1946 ?	Education: Cranbrook School; FRAes, FRSA 1935 - 1938 Artists' Rifles 07.05.1938 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) 269 Squadron RAF (Abbotsinch, near Glasgow) (flew Ansons) 1940     240 Squadron RAF (Shetland Islands) (flying boats) chief instructor of the Flying Boat Conversion Unit at Invergordon (AFC) 02.1942 -  1943 209 Squadron RAF (Indian Ocean) 1943  - 1944  Commanding Officer, RAF Mogadishu 05.1944     chief instructor at a flying-boat training unit 1948 - 1951 examining wing, Central Flying School 1952 - 1954 staff, Imperial Defence College 1954 - 1956 Commander, RAF Station, Biggin Hill 1956 - 1958 Commander, RAF Station, Middleton St George (1957 first single-engine jet flight to South Africa) 1958 - 1961 Group Captain Operations, Far East Air Forces 1961 - 1964 Director of Public Relations, Air Ministry 1964 - 1967 Air Officer Commanding 19 Group, Coastal Command, RAF and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Air Commander, Central Sub-Area, Eastern Atlantic Command 1967 Harvard Business School 1967 - 1968 Air Officer in charge of Administration, Bomber Command, RAF 1968 - 1970 Air Officer in charge of Administration, Strike Command, RAF 1970 - 1972 Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence 1972 - 1974 Air Secretary, Air Ministry 1974 - 1976 Commandant, Royal College of Defence Studies Member, RAF Training and Education Advisory Board 1976-1979; Vice Chairman, Air League Council 1977-1981; Chairman, Royal United Services Institute Council 1977-1980; Editorial Director then Vice Chairman, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Sixteen Nations 1978-1986 . Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State, 07.04.1980-1988; Vice­Chairman, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 1981-1986 (Commissioner 1974-1986); Director, Data­Track Fuel Services Ltd, since 1996; Chairman, TROIKA Consortium Ltd, since 1992.  Hon. Air Cdre, No 3 (County of Devon) Maritime HQ Unit, RAuxAF, 1979-1990; Hon. Inspector Gen., RAuxAF, 1984-1989. British Export Finance Adv. Council, 1982-1989; Vice-Pres., 1980-1990; President: Air Public Relations Assoc., 1976-; West Devon Area, St John Ambulance, 1977-1985; Royal Crescent Soc., Bath, 1990-; Coastal Comd and Maritime Air Assoc. OStJ 1985. Past President: RAF Modern Pentathlon Assoc.; Combined Services Equitation Assoc. Published: (jtly) The Third World War, 1978; contrib. to The Third World War: The Untold Story, 1982; contribs to professional jls.
Barratt, Sir Arthur Sheridan Eldest son of Charles Henry Barratt, Clifton; married 1916, Norah Lilian (marriage dissolved 1948), 3rd daughter of Edgar Crew, Clifton; one daughter; married 1949, Judith Rhoda Cartmell, widow of Terence Horsley.	25.02.1891 - 04.11.1966	Army: Cadet ? 2nd Lt. 23.12.1910 .. ... RAF: ... ... Air Marshal 01.07.1939 Air Chief Marshal 01.01.1946 (retd 27.03.1947) KCB 11.07.1940 ? CB 11.05.1937 ? CMG 03.06.1919 ? MC 1916 ? MID 30.11.1915 ? MID 09.04.1917 ? MID 07.04.1918 ? MID 20.05.1918 ? [possibly the same as 07.04.1918] MID 20.12.1940 France 40 RestMil 12.06.1945 ?   25.07.1918 Officer, Order of the Crown (Belgium)   15.07.1919 Chevalier, Order of the Crown, with Croix de Guerre with Palms (Belgium)	Education: Clifton College; Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; Staff Colege, Camberley 01.08.1919 transferred from Royal Regiment of Artillery to RAF ... 12.01.1935 - 31.12.1935 Director of Staff Duties, Air Ministry 01.01.1936 - 1939 Commandant, RAF Staff College, Andover 1939 Principal RAF Liaison Officer to the French Air Force 15.01.1940 - 1940 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Air Forces in France 20.11.1940 - 1943 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Army Co-operation Command   01.06.1943 - 1945 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Technical Training Command   29.10.1945 - 1947 Inspector-General of the RAF Deputy Lieutenant, Hampshire, 20.07.1956. Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State, 22.03.1946-04.11.1966.
Barrett, Frederick Oliver "Barry" Times obituary RAFWeb.org	02.12.1918 - 23.10.2007	P/O 25.10.1938 [40355] F/O 25.05.1940 ... ... A/Cdre. 01.01.1970 (retd 08.02.1973) CBE ? ? DFC ? ?	RAF (General Duties Branch)
Barrett, John	? -	P/O 25.10.1938 [37341] F/O ? (A) F/Lt. ? (WS) Sq.Ldr. 01.06.1944? (A) W/Cdr. ? (T) W/Cdr. ...-31.10.1947 Sq.Ldr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.06.1944 (reld 25.07.1962; retaining the rank of W/Cdr.) DFC 03.11.1939 see details of DFC for T.M.W. Smith MID 14.01.1944 ?	RAF (General Duties Branch) 1944? transferred to RAF Reserve of Officers 25.07.1952 extension of service for 5 years 25.07.1957 - 25.07.1962 extension of service for 5 years
Barrett, James Burney	(12?).1901 Camberwell, London -	Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 [16016] (T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1940	qualified at specialist photographic course
Bartholomew, Gilbert	? -	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [24019] Gp.Capt. ? Cloud and Banner with special cravat (China) (20.12.1946)	Education: psa       qualified by examination as interpreter
Barthropp, Patrick Peter Colin * "Paddy" * third Christian name also found as: Colum	09.11.1920 Dublin - 16.04.2008	P/O 31.10.1938 [41512] F/Lt. ? (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1946, seniority 01.07.1944 Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1947 (retd 28.12.1957; retaining rank of W/Cdr.) DFC 08.1941 ? AFC 10.06.1954 ?	31.10.1938 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] ... - ... ... 16.05.1946 extended service commission 19.10.1948     permanent commission
Barton, Robert Alexander "Butch"	07.06.1916 Kamloops, British Columbia - 2007 still alive	(A) P/O (prob) 23.03.1936 [37664] P/O 27.01.1937 F/O 27.10.1938 (A) F/Lt. 1939? F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1944, seniority 01.01.1944 W/Cdr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.07.1947 (retd 27.02.1959) OBE 14.06.1945 ? DFC 22.10.1940 * DFC 31.10.1941 ** MID 01.01.1945 ? * This officer has displayed outstanding leadership. His skill was particularly displayed on September 28 [= 27], when his squadron destroyed twenty enemy aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Barton has destroyed four enemy machines and shared in the destruction of others. ** Squadron Leader Barton is Officer Commanding No.249 Squadron. During his period of service in the United Kingdom this officer shot down seven and one-half enemy aircraft confirmed and since his arrival in Malta has shot down four and one-half enemy aircraft including one enemy bomber at night. He shows a high standard of courage and initiative and his excellent leadership has been a tonic to his flight commanders and fellow pilots and to the station in general. He leads his squadron on all interceptions and offensive fighter patrols which entails being on "Standby" every other day. In addition to this he performs night fighter duties which on many occasions have entailed being on watch for the entire 24 hours without a break. The results obtained by the fighter effort on the island of Malta can be largely credited to the efforts of this officer in the manner in which he inspires the pilots under his command.	27.01.1936 enrolled in RAF (pupil pilot) 23.03.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 11.10.1936 - 15.05.1940 41 Squadron RAF 15.05.1940 - 08.12.1941 249 Squadron RAF (Battle of Britain and Malta) [from 12.1940 onwards as Commanding Officer; took the squadron to Malta 21.05.1941 flying from deck of HMS Ark Royal; 01.08.1941 crash-landed and sustained second-degree burns on but Remained on Malta and returned to action] scored 11½ enemy aircraft destroyed, 4½ probably destroyed, and damaged 9 others 12.1941 Operational Training Unit (UK) 17.01.1942     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers staff officer in Fighter Command, commanded Skeabrae (Orkneys) early 1945 - 08.1945 Commanding Officer, North Weald 08.1945 - 1948 posted to India (01.11.1947 permanent commission, RAF) 1948 - 1959 served in staff appointments including Germany & as commanding officer at RAF Acklington, Northumberland 1952-1953
Barwell, Philip Reginald	(09?).1907 Solihull -	Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 [22062] (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940 W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940 (T) Gp.Capt. 01.12.1941 DFC ? ?	qualified at specialist engineering course
Beadon, Clive Vernon Elder son of Col. Vernon Beadon, 9th Gurkha Rifles, and Beryl Martin. Married 1st ((03?).1952, Westminster district, London) Flight Officer Violet Mary "Vicky" Oliver, MBE, WAAF (1909?-1964). Married 2nd (11.02.1965, Westminster district, Middlesex) Mrs Vera Jane Whigham (née Brooke) (04.12.1913-07.1999), of Cookham Dean, Berkshire.	15.04.1919 Conoor, near Poona, India - 15.09.1996 Windsor and Maidenhead district, Berkshire	P/O 28.07.1939 ... ... W/Cdr. 01.07.1953 (retd 15.04.1966) DFC 17.08.1945 * * This officer has completed three tours of operational duty, two of which have been served in the Far Eastern theatre of war operations. He has led the squadron on several occasions achieving excellent results. On one occasion he flew his badly damaged aircraft safely back to base, a distance of over 1,000 miles, after attacking, at low level. trains on the Bangkok-Chiengasi railway. Squadron Leader Beadon is an exceptionally able and courageous flight commander who by his enthusiasm and fine fighting spirit have set an inspiring example to the other members of his squadron.	Education: Imperial Service Colllege, Windsor; RAF College, Cranwell. 28.07.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)       101 Squadron RAF       502 Squadron RAF 09.1940 - 09.1942 qualified as a flying instructor at the Central Flying School and spent the next two years training pilots 09.1942 - 12.1942 No. 1 Middle East Ferry Control 12.1942 - 1944 215 Squadron RAF 1944? - 1945? operations staff at HQ Air Command, South-East Asia
Beamish, Francis Victor   Son of Francis George Beamish, and of Mary Elizabeth Beamish, of Castlerock, Co. Derry; unmarried. Brother of Air Marshal Sir George R. Beamish and of Air Vice Marshal C.H. Beamish.	27.09.1903 Dunmanway - 28.03.1942 (KIA) [age 39] [Runnymede Memorial, panel 64]	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [16089] (T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940 (A) Gp.Capt. ? DSO 23.07.1940 * DSO 02.09.1941 ** DFC 08.11.1940 *** AFC 1938 ? MID 20.02.1940 ? * Wing Commander Beamish took over command of a Royal Air Force station after two squadrons there had been intensively engaged in successful fighting operations over France for thirteen days and personally led them on many patrols against the enemy. In June, 1940, during an offensive mission over France, six Messerschmitt 109's were destroyed, two of them by Wing Commander Beamish himself, and twelve driven off. One day recently he assisted in the destruction of a Messerschmitt no, whilst leading the escort to a convoy, and three days later he shot down a Dornier 17. This officer's outstanding leadership and high courage have inspired all those under his command with great energy and dash. ** Group Captain Beamish commanded a Royal Air Force Station from October, 1940, to March, 1941, and during that period carried out 71 operational sorties in which he destroyed an enemy fighter, probably destroyed three other hostile aircraft and damaged others. Since his appointment to Group headquarters he has taken part in further sorties and has probably destroyed two more enemy aircraft. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Group Captain Beamish are of the highest order and he has set a magnificent example. *** The work of this station commander has been outstanding. He has displayed exceptional keenness in his engagements against the enemy and has recently destroyed one and possibly a further seven enemy aircraft. His coolness and courage have proved an inspiration to all.	Education: Coleraine; RAF College, Cranwell (autumn 1921); RAF Staff College (psa) 1923 first commission since served at Home, in Overseas Commands, and also two years lent to the Royal Canadian Air Force (1940) 151, 249 & 56 Squadrons 504 Squadron 1940 - 1941 Commanding Officer, RAF Station, North Weald 1941 Commanding Officer, RAF Station, Debden 1942 Commanding Officer, RAF Station, Kenley Station 1942 Senior Air Staff Officer, 11 Group ? - 28.03.1942 485 (RNZAF) Squadron scored a total of 10 victories Played Rugby for Harlequins, Leicester, Hants, Royal Air Force and Irish Trials for several years. Literature: Doug Stokes, Wings aflame : the biography of Gp Capt Victor Beamish DSO and Bar, DFC, AFC (1998)
Beamish, [Sir] George Robert Son of late Francis George Beamish, Coleraine, County Londonderry. Brother of Gp.Capt. F.V. Beamish and of Air Vice Marshal C.H. Beamish.	29.04.1905 - 13.11.1967 [Castlerock, Co. Londonderry ?]	P/O 17.12.1924 [16146] F/O 17.06.1926 F/Lt. 08.01.1930 Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940? W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940 (T) Gp.Capt. 1941 (WS) Gp.Capt. 01.11.1942 Gp.Capt. 01.12.1944 (A) A/Cdre. 01.05.1942 (T) A/Cdre. 01.10.1944 A/Cdre. 01.07.1947 (A) Air Vice Marshal 15.06.1945-01.04.1946 Air Vice Marshal 01.01.1950 (A) Air Marshal 15.09.1955 Air Marshal 01.01.1956 (retd 07.02.1958) KCB 09.06.1955 ? CB 1944 ? CBE 1942 ? MID 01.01.1943 ?   GeoI 29.12.1942 ?   LoM 10.03.1944 ?	Education: Coleraine Academical Institution; RAF College, Cranwell (1923-1924); RAF Staff College (psa, 1937) 1924     first commission RAF       qualified at specialist engineering course 23.12.1943 - 1945 Air Officer Commanding 44 Group, RAF 1945 - 1948 Air Officer Commanding 45 Group, RAF 01.01.1949 - 1950 Air Officer Commanding RAF Cranwell and Commandant RAF College 02.09.1950 - 1952 Air Officer Commanding Army Headquarters, Iraq 01.10.1952 - 1954 Director General of Personnel (II), Air Ministry 15.03.1954 - 1955 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Transport Command 15.09.1955 - 1958 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Technical Training Command Additional Air ADC to the King, 01.01.1944-01.10.1944. High Sheriff, County Londonderry, 1962.
Beardsworth, George Braithwaite Married 1934, third daughter of late William Seager of Broomfield, Kent.	10.02.1904 Queensland - 05.08.1959	Sq.Ldr. 01.02.1937 [16147] W/Cdr. ? (T) Gp.Capt. 01.09.1942 (WS) Gp.Capt. 01.07.1945 Gp.Capt. 01.07.1947 A/Cdre. 01.01.1948 Air Vice Marshal ? CB 1947 ? MIMechE; MInstT; FRAeS	Education: Christ's Hospital; Royal Air Force College, Cranwell       qualified at specialist engineering followed by torpedo course 1936 - 1938 Commanding Officer, 36 Squadron (Far East) 1939 - 1945 served war in UK (despatches), Canada, and Middle East 21.07.1941     transferred from the Technical Branch to the General Duties Branch 30.04.1942     transferred from the General Duties Branch to the Technical Branch 1946 - 1947 Command Technical Officer, RAF, Middle East 1949 - 1951 Senior Technical Staff Officer Fighter Command 1952 - 1953 Senior Technical Staff Officer Far East Air Force 11.02.1954 - 1955 Director of Aircraft Engineering, Air Ministry 15.02.1955 - 1957 Commanding No. 24 Group, RAF 1957 - 1959 Senior Air Staff Officer of Technical Training Command
Beattie, Hedley Son of William Beattie (1861-1914), and Beatrice Laura Coles (1863-1935). Married ((09?).1920, Croydon district, Surrey) Florence E. Brigg; two daughters.	22.12.1893 Gosport, Alverstoke district, Hampshire - 17.01.1945 [Yaba Cemetery, Nigeria, plot 4, row J, grave 1]	Seaman ? [F8582] Wt.Offr. ? [208582] F/O (prob) 01.02.1941, seniority 29.11.1940 [45311] F/O 01.02.1942 (T) F/Lt. 01.03.1942 (A) Sq.Ldr. ? MID 14.06.1945 ?	WW I ?     served in the ranks in the Royal Navy 01.02.1941     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for Special Duties (Engineering)) [emergency commission]       based at RAF Takoradi West Africa 17.01.1945     killed as a passenger in a Wellington of 26 (SA) Squadron RAF
Bedford, Eric Peter Son of Frederick Bedford, and Florence Nash. Married; one son, one daughter.	25.09.1922 Moreton, Dorset - 08.08.2000 Simonstown, Cape Town, South Africa	Ldg.Acm. ? [575698] P/O (prob) 09.09.1944 [55454] P/O 09.03.1945 (WS) F/O 09.03.1945	RAF 57 Course A C.O.S (A Wing, A Squadron, B Flight) 09.09.1944 first commission RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] crashed and was invalided to South Africa to recover; after recovery he went on to train pilots at No. 6 Air School, Potchefstroom, Transvaal, South Africa
Bell, Cedric Arnold	14.09.1905 - 08.1996 Colchester, Essex	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [19129] (T) Gp.Capt. ? (WS) Gp.Capt. 11.05.1947 A/Cdre. 01.01.1949 (retd 29.11.1958)	Education: BA 17.01.1925     first commission RAF (Engineering Branch)       qualified at specialist signals course; additionally qualified at university course in electrical engineering and wireless telegraphy 16.05.1938 - (10.1939) Joint Directorate of Research and Development, Air Ministry (1954)     still serving
Benge, Arthur Norman	25.08.1895 Dartford, Kent - 1969 Hailsham district, Sussex	Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1925 [02054] (retd 14.08.1930) (WS) W/Cdr. 27.12.1942 (A) Gp.Capt. ?	01.04.1918     first commission RAF 31.08.1939 - 23.10.1945 recalled to active service
Bennett, James Johnston	? -	P/O ? [39056] F/O 06.02.1939 (A) F/Lt. ? F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 Sq.Ldr. ? (retd 18.05.1958; retaining rank of Wg.Cdr.) (A) Wg.Cdr. 1942? DFC 26.03.1940 * DFC 26.06.1942 ? Hkn 18.04.1947 ? * Flight Lieutenant Bennett was the captain of one of the aircraft which attacked the seaplane base at Sylt on the night of the 19-20th March 1940. In spite of being held and dazzled by searchlights he descended to 1,000 feet over the base and pressed home his attacks at this low altitude under heavy antiaircraft fire with great deliberation and resolution, securing direct hits on the seaplane base and causing an outbreak of fire.	06.07.1940 transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service) (1942) 144 Squadron RAF ? Commanding Officer, RAF North Killingholme
Bennett, Leslie Clive Son of Frederick H. and Gertrude Bennett; husband of Joan Bennett, of Chichester, Sussex. Native of New Zealand.	1906 ? - 09.07.1940 (KIA) [age 34] [Lonstrup Churchyard]	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [16216] (T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940	25.03.1937 - ? Commanding Officer, 52 Squadron 04.1940 - 09.07.1940 Commanding Officer, 21 Squadron (killed in action)
Bennett-Baggs, James Leonard Neville	? [(09?).1898 Aston ??] - 1956 Folkestone district, Kent	Sq.Ldr. RAFO 04.09.1939 [06214]
Bertram, Frederick Clifford Son of Frederick A. and Lucy Bertram, of Hillingdon, Middlesex; husband of Doris Mary Bertram.	1913 ? - 01.05.1943 [age 30] [Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, 17.E.5]	Sgt. ? [561985] P/O (prob) 01.04.1940 [43195] P/O 01.04.1941, seniority 01.04.1940 (WS) F/O 01.04.1941 (WS/ F/Lt. 01.04.1942 (A) Sq.Ldr. 1943?	01.04.1940     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] ? - 01.05.1943 77 Squadron RAF [HP Halifax II JB846, KN-L . T/o Elvington 23.52 hrs for an operation against Essen.]
Bethridge-Topp, Edward	see:	Topp, Edward Bethridge
Bitmead, Ernest Ralph	? - 1955 (died on active service)	(A) P/O (prob.) 16.03.1934 [34139] P/O 16.03.1935 F/O 16.09.1936 F/Lt. 16.09.1938 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.06.1940 Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1945 25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1941 (A) Gp.Capt. ? (T) W/Cdr. ? (WS) W/Cdr. 11.03.1945 W/Cdr. 01.07.1947, seniority 01.10.1946 DFC 21.11.1944 ? MID 01.01.1946 ? OON 23.01.1948 ?	Education: Cranleigh School, Surrey (1926); RAF Staff College (psa) 16.03.1934 commissioned, RAF, General Duties Branch [short service commission] 03.04.1934 - 04.03.1935 No. 5 Flying Training School (Sealand) 04.03.1935 - 05.11.1936 54 Squadron RAF (Hornchurch) 05.11.1936 - 16.07.1938 instructor, No. 5 Flying Training School (Netheravon) 16.07.1938 - 09.01.1939 permanent staff, 501 Squadron AuxAF (Filton) 09.01.1939 - 08.07.1940 instructor, Central Flying School, Upavon 08.07.1940 - 10.07.1940 Commanding Officer, 29 Squadron RAF [but was posted away, non-effective sick on the 10th] 07.1940? - 08.1940 266 Squadron (Wittering) 08.1940 - 09.1940 310 Squadron RAF (Duxford) 09.1940 - 09.1940 253 Squadron RAF 09.1940 - 19.10.1940 229 Squadron RAF 19.10.1940 - 18.05.1941 Commanding Officer, 611 Squadron RAF [01.1941 destroyed a Bf 109 and a Do 215] 05. 1941, after an engagement over the Channel, his aircraft was damaged and he made a forced landing in a field near  East Grinstead. An insecure hood fractured the base of his skull.] 14.08.1941 - 08.1941 Commanding Officer, 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF (North Weald) [After a week, he felt that he was not fit enough and relinquished his command] 16.03.1945 transferred to Reserve (and called up for Air Force service)
Blackburn, James	(03?).1916 Acton, London - 1993	P/O 22.12.1936 [10067] F/O 30.09.1939 F/Lt. 06.11.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 08.08.1942 * (A) W/Cdr. (10.1943) DSO 01.10.1943 ** DSO 08.12.1944 *** DFC 04.11.1941 **** DFC 18.09.1942 ***** MID 01.01.1943 ? DFC(US) 27.03.1945 ? * Takes rank and precedence as if his appointment as Temporary and War Substantive Sq. Ldr. bore date 29.03.1944. Reduction to take effect from 29.03.1944. ** Since he was appointed to command this squadron, Wing Commander Blackburn has completed 300 hours operational flying nearly all of which have been at night. His sorties have involved very long nights over difficult and mountainous country when he has displayed skill, endurance and courage of a high order. The success of the operations completed by his squadron has been largely due to this officer's personal example and masterly leadership. *** This officer has an outstanding record. He has completed five tours of operational duty. He has commanded this squadron for the past few months and during the period has participated in a number of bombing attacks and several mine-laying missions. During these operations, despite very bad weather not once has he lailed to attack his allotted target. Both in the air and on the ground his example has proved inspiring. His genius for leadership, great skill and fine fighting spirit have contributed in good measure to the high standard of efficiency of the squadron he commands. **** This officer has completed 44 operational missions over enemy territory, involving 335 hours flying. Within the past four months, Flight Lieutenant Blackburn has completed 25 sorties, the majority of which have been made from advanced landing grounds, with an average of 11 hours flying time per sortie. Throughout he has displayed great skill and efficiency and set an excellent example. He is always ready to carry out any duty and his experience has proved invaluable. ***** This officer is engaged on his second tour of operational flying. As flight commander he has displayed outstanding enthusiasm and keenness, which has proved a source of inspiration. Undeterred by enemy opposition, he always presses home his attacks with the utmost skill and determination. Recently, over Benghazi, his aircraft was held in searchlight beams and subjected to accurate anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, he made another run over the area and released his bombs alongside a ship moored in the outer Mole. On another occasion, in similar circumstances, at Martuba, Squadron Leader Blackburn bombed the landing ground, starting three fires. His efficiency is of a high standard.	Education: Wellington College, Berkshire; Oxford University 22.12.1936 commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers, Royal Air Force Reserve (General Duties Branch) 57 Squadron RAF ? - (11.1941?) 70 Squadron RAF 05.1942 - 08.1942 Commanding Officer, 104 Squadron RAF 09.1942 - 11.1942 survived the torpedoing of the troop ship Laconia, was captured, escaped & made his way back to American lines in Morocco  ? - (10.1943?) Commanding Officer, 148 Squadron RAF 03.1944 - 07.1944 Commanding Officer, 227 Squadron RAF ? - (12.1944?) Commanding Officer, 159 Squadron RAF 08.01.1946 - ? Commanding Officer, 196 Squadron RAF allegedly the only RAF officer to complete 5 tours of operations during WW II Probably court-martialled in 1944 for losing some 'top secret' documents.
Blake, Arthur Giles Son of John Henry Laws Blake and Mary Jayne Blake.	1917 ? - 29.10.1940 (KIA) [age 23] [Langley Marish (St. Mary) Churchyard, 13.3]	Midsh. (A) 01.05.1939 A/S.Lt. (A) 16.09.1939 S.Lt. (A) ?	Fleet Air Arm [HMS Daedalus] (01.07.1940) attached 19 Squadron 09.09.1940 15.09.1940 15.09.1940 17.09.1940 27.09.1940     5 victories (confirmed): 1 He 111 1 Bf 109 ½ He 111 2 Bf 109 2 Bf 109
Blockey, Paul Sandland Son of Albert and Mabel Blockey. Married (1926) Ella Temple; three sons (one daughter deceased).	23.02.1905 - 10.10.1963 [Fernhurst, Haslemere, Surrey ?]	P/O (prob) 15.07.1924 [19045] P/O 15.01.1925 F/O 15.01.1926 F/Lt. 05.03.1930 Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940 W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940 (T) Gp.Capt. ? (WS) Gp.Capt. 03.10.1944 (T) A/Cdre. 01.01.1946 A/Cdre. 01.01.1948 (A) Air Vice Marshal 15.02.1954-15.09.1954 Air Vice Marshal ? (retd 1960) CB 1955 ? CBE 1945 ?	Education: Dulwich College; Trinity Hall, Cambridge (Mech. Sciences Tripos, 3rd class, BA); RAF Staff College (psa, 1939) 15.07.1924 first commission RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 01.09.1930 permanent commission 1929 - 1931 qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering 24.04.1940 transferred from the General Duties Branch to the Technical Branch 1943 - 1945 AOC, No. 230 Maintenance Group 1948 - 1950 Senior Technical Staff Officer, Transport Command 1950 - 1954 Dir Aircraft Engineering 15.02.1954 - (04.)1954 Director-General of Technical Services, Air Ministry 1954 - 1956 Senior Technical Staff Officer, MEAF 1956 - 1959 Deputy Director­General of Aircraft Research and Development (RAF), Ministry of Supply 1959 - 1960 Senior Air Staff Officer, RAF Technical Training Command
Blucke, Robert Stewart Son of late Rev. R.S.K. Blucke, Monxton Rectory, Andover, Hants; married 1926, Nancy, daughter of late Frank Wilson, Auckland, NZ; one daughter (one son decd).	22.06.1897 - 02.10.1988 [Crowborough, East Sussex ?]	Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936 Air Vice Marshal 01.07.1947 (retd 01.07.1952) CB 1946 ? CBE 1945 ? DSO 1943 ? AFC 1936 ? AFC 1941 ?	Education: Malvern College 24.04.1918 first commission qualified at specialist signals course Dorset Regt and RFC, 1915-18; Mesopotamia, 1916-18; Royal Air Force, 1922; India, 1927-32; Test Pilot Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, 1933-37; Air Ministry, 1938-42; served in Bomber Comd, 1942-46; AOC No 1 Group RAF, 1945; Senior Air Staff Officer, AHQ, India, 1947; AOA, Technical Trg Comd, 1947-49; AOA, Far East Air Force, 1949-50; AOC Malaya, 1951; AOC-in-C Transport Comd, 1952; retired 1952. General Manager, National Assoc. for Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen, 1952-65.
Boddie, Donald George Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Littleboy Boddie; husband of Ellen Beatrice Boddie, of Twickenham, Middlesex. Brother of R.Adm. (E) Ronald Charles Boddie, CVO, DSO, RN.	1893 - 18.08.1947 [age 55] [Mortlake Crematorium, panel 2]	F/Lt. 13.07.1920 [14129] Sq.Ldr. 19.08.1925 W/Cdr. 01.01.1935 Gp.Capt. 01.01.1939 A/Air Cdre. ? (retd 25.10.1946; medical unfitness) MB, ChB	19.08.1915 temporary commission as Surgeon in the Royal Navy 13.07.1920 commissioned into the Royal Air Force (Medical Service [later: Medical Branch])  24.04.1939 - (10.1939) Principal Medical Officer, Maintenance Command
Bond, Alfred Gordon	06.04.1891 Gravesend, Kent - 1961 Tonbridge district, Kent	F/O 20.05.1916 2nd Lt. 03.10.1916, seniority 04.09.1916 T/Lt. ? T/Capt. (Flight Cdr.) 10.12.1917 Sq.Ldr. (retd) 29.05.1929 [02058] (T) W/Cdr. ? (retd 21.01.1936) AFC ? ?	03.10.1916 commissioned into The South Lancashire Regiment 03.10.1916 seconded for services with the Royal Flying Corps 01.04.1918 first commission RAF 01.08.1919 joined RAF (permanent commission) 25.08.1939 - 24.07.1942 recalled to active service
Bond, Frank Edgar	01.05.1895 Croydon district, London / Surrey - 02.1986 Croydon district, London / Surrey	Lt. 01.04.1918 [09064] F/O 27.09.1920 F/Lt. 01.07.1926 Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1935 W/Cdr. 01.01.1939 (retd 27.01.1942; own request; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.) (T) Gp.Capt. 01.06.1941	01.04.1918     commissioned, RAF (as Aeroplane & Seaplane Officer) 27.09.1920 short service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) 11.12.1923     RAF Base, Gosport 19.01.1925     Armament and Gunnery School, Eastchurch 14.09.1925     RAF Base, Gosport 15.09.1925     No. 461 (F Torpedo) Flight, RAF (Gosport) 18.08.1926     No. 405 Flight, RAF (Donibristle) 01.11.1927     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) 15.08.1928     RAF Depot, Uxbridge 17.09.1928     41 Squadron RAF (Northolt) 07.07.1931     RAF College, Cranwell 21.11.1934 802 (FF) Squadron RAF (Netheravon) 15.01.1940 - (10.1940) staff of Directorate of Operations (Home), Department of the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Ministry
Booth, Maurice Married Philippa Bennett.	? - died before 1996	P/O ? .. ... W/Cdr. 01.10.1946 (retd ) DFC ? ? DFC ? ?	1943 - 1945 Commanding Officer, 271 Squadron RAF
Borthwick-Clarke, Ernest Shakespeare	07.05.1899 Cardiff, Glamorgan - died between 04.1956 and 1996	Sq.Ldr. 01.06.1936 [03184] (WS) W/Cdr. 13.01.1943 (A) Gp.Capt. ? (retd 13.09.1945) OBE ? ?	01.04.1918 first commission RAF
Boult, Norman de Warrenne "Ben" Younger son of V. de V. Boult, of Gerrards Cross, and Mrs Boult, late of Thorney Weir, Iver. Married ((06?).1938, Westminster district, London) Margaretta Dorothy Marshall "Peggy" Symons, only daughter of S.M. Symons, of Salisbury, Rhodesia, and Mrs Symons, of Capetown.	06.04.1913 - 05.02.1998 Whitby district, Yorkshire	(A) P/O (prob) 06.06.1933 [34066] P/O 06.06.1934 F/O 06.12.1935 F/Lt. 06.12.1937 Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1940 (T) W/Cdr. 01.09.1941 Sq.Ldr. (permanent) 21.05.1946, seniority 01.09.1945 25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1941 W/Cdr. 01.07.1947, seniority 01.10.1946 Gp.Capt. 01.01.1952 (retd 31.03.1960) DFC 19.09.1944 * AFC 01.01.1942 ? GkAFC 12.03.1943 ? * In July, 1944, this officer took part in an attack on a target south of Caen. Considerable antiaircraft fire was encountered and, in his run over the target, Wing Commander Boult's aircraft was hit. The hydraulic gear was put out of action, causing the bomb doors to fall open and the landing wheels to drop to the down position; other damage was also sustained. Wing Commander Boult was wounded in the arm and in the eye but despite this he maintained formation and made two more runs over the target. This officer set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty throughout.	Education: Rossall School, Fleetwood. 06.06.1933     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 23.06.1933 - (07?).1934 No. 4 Flying Training School (Abu Sueir) 07.1936     seriously injured as pilot as the result of an accident which occurred at Mersa Matruh on July 7, to an aircraft of No. 216 (Bomber Transport) Squadron, Heliopolis, whilst engaged in a night flying exercise in co-operation with the Army 28.03.1937     Home Aircraft Depot RAF, Henlow 04.04.1938     No. 615 (County of Surrey) (A.C.) Squadron RAF (Kenley) 06.06.1944     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service) [re-transferred to active list 21.05.1946] (1944)     pilot, 180 Squadron RAF (wounded on 24.07.1944 on a night raid near Caen) 1947     Chief Instructor at the Central Flying School, Little Rissington 1956     Commanding Officer, RAF Acklington
Bourne, Alistair Hugh Richmond Son of Mr. and the late Mrs. A.H. Bourne, Purley, Surrey. Engaged (22.02.1939) to Jacqueline Lemmon, daughter of Col. & Mrs. C.H. Lemmon, Burleigh, Nr. Stroud, Gloucestershire.	(09?).1914 Croydon, Greater London - 18.12.1939 (KIA) [age 25] [Runnymede Memorial, panel 1]	(A) P/O (prob) 09.07.1938 [40882] P/O 16.05.1939	09.07.1938 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] ? - 18.12.1939 9 Squadron RAF [his Wellington Mk. 1A bomber [N2939 WS-H] took off at 0855 from Honington for a reconnaissance operation; it broke up in the air and crashed into the sea off Wilhelmshaven, Germany, after being engaged by Me-110s; there were no survivors]
Bowles, John Edward Wymer	01.01.1905 - died between 04.1956 and 1996	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 [16139] Gp.Capt. 01.10.1946 (retd 21.11.1947) DFC ? ?	31.07.1924 first commission
Boyce, John Charles	? -	(A) P/O (prob) 18.05.1940 [79327] P/O (prob) 21.06.1940 P/O 18.05.1941 (WS) F/O 21.06.1941 (T) F/Lt. 01.07.1943 (emgcy list) (retd 16.07.1956; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)	18.05.1940     commissioned, RAF (Accountant Branch) [emergency commission]
Boyle, [Sir] Dermot Alexander	02.10.1904 - 05.05.1993	Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936 [16138] Marshal of the RAF 1958 AFC ? ?	Education: psa qualified at specialist armament course
Braham, John Randall Daniel "Bob"	06.04.1920 Holcombe, Somerset - 07.02.1974 Nova Scotia, Canada	(A) P/O 07.05.1938 [40667] ... ... Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1947 (retd 11.05.1952; retaining rank of W/Cdr.) (A) W/Cdr. (1943) (T) W/Cdr. ? DSO 09.10.1942 * DSO 24.09.1943 ** DSO 13.06.1944 *** DFC 17.01.1941 ? DFC 25.11.1941 **** DFC 15.06.1943 ***** AFC 01.01.1951 New Year 51	07.05.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] (1940) - (1941) 29 Squadron RAF (1943)     141 Squadron RAF 01.09.1945     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Brnach)
* Since being awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Squadron Leader Braham has destroyed a further four enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to ten. On one occasion his aircraft sustained much damage and one engine was put out of action when at an altitude of only 150 feet. Nevertheless, displaying great courage and determination he completed the return journey and made a safe landing on a small emergency landing ground. Squadron Leader Braham has led both his flight and his squadron with courage and resolute determination. ** Since being awarded a second bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Wing Commander Braham has undertaken many sorties at night during which he has destroyed a further 5 enemy aircraft. He is a brilliant leader, whose exceptional skill, gallantry and unswerving devotion to duty have been reflected in the fine fighting qualities of the squadron which has obtained notable successes. *** Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has taken part in many sorties, including numerous successful attacks on rail targets and on mechanical transport. In air fighting he has destroyed many more enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to at least 29. This officer has displayed the highest qualities of skill and leadership and his achievements are a splendid testimony to his courage and fighting spirit. **** Since January, 1941, this officer has carried out many operational sorties at night during which he has destroyed 6 hostile aircraft bringing his total victories to at least 7 destroyed, 1 probably destroyed and a further 2 damaged. His most recent success was one night in October, 1941, when he intercepted a raiding aircraft and, following a burst from his guns at short range, the raider went down in flames, finally crashing into the sea. This officer has always shown the utmost zeal and keenness and has flown with great skill in adverse weather conditions on many occasions. ***** This officer is a fearless and determined leader, whose impressive qualities have inspired the squadron he commands. Wing Commander Braham has destroyed n enemy aircraft, whilst his more recent achievements include a damaging attack on a U-boat and another attack on a motor torpedo boat which was set on fire. His fine fighting spirit and keenness have set a praiseworthy example.
Brazendale, Harry Married; ... children (one son?).	17.06.1909 Wilmslow, Bucklow district, Cheshire - 17.12.1967 Headington, Oxford	F/Sgt. ? [366145] (A) P/O (prob) 10.12.1942 [50313] P/O (prob) 11.03.1943 (WS) F/O (prob) 11.09.1943 (WS) F/Lt. 11.09.1946 (retd 30.05.1947; own request) MID 14.06.1945 ?	served approx. 22 years in the RAF; based in Grantham in 1934 where he was a band leader, with the Accordion Bandits; later to South Cerney in Gloucestershire; he then went to officer training, and might then have been in 601 Squadron RAF 10.12.1942     commissioned, RAF (Technical Duties Branch) [emergency commission] Insurance agent.
Brecknell, Douglas Frank Charles Son of Henry Brecknell, and Marjorie Edwards. Brother of Maj. Mervyn St. James Brecknell. Married ((09?).1935, Bristol district, Gloucestershire) Audrey M. Ling.	(12?).1907 Bristol district, Gloucestershire - (09?).1940 Holderness district, East Riding of Yorkshire	P/O (prob) 21.06.1927, seniority 08.06.1927 [70080] P/O 08.06.1928 F/O 08.12.1928 * * Showing as relinquishing commission on the Emergency List 10.02.1954, with no retention of rank	21.06.1927     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class AA2) Civil aviation pilot (by 1938 serving as pilot for Jersey Airways Ltd., St Peter's Airport, Jersey).       may have been killed as a test pilot flying a sabotaged aircraft
Briggs, Geoffrey Harry "Buster" Married (1947) Elizabeth ("Wizzie") Swithinbank (died  1982); three sons, one daughter.	22.03.1918 - 13.04.2005	Army: Cadet ? 2nd Lt. 27.01.1938 [74592] Lt. 01.01.1941 Capt. 27.01.1946 (retd 12.07.1946; disability) RAF: (T) P/O (prob) 23.01.1941 [45270] P/O 23.01.1942 F/O 23.01.1942 F/Lt. ? (A) Sq.Ldr. ? (WS) Sq.Ldr. 24.07.1945 (A?) W/Cdr. ? (reld 12.07.1946; medically unfit) DFC 1944? Normandy 06.44 MID ? Sicily 07.43 MID 14.01.1944 Arnhem 09.44	Education: Abingdon School; Eton; Royal Military College, Sandhurst 27.01.1938 commissioned into the Coldstream Guards (1st Battalion) 1938 - 1940 served in the 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards & from 01.12.1939 HQ 7th Guards Brigade (UK, France [Cherbourg, Dyle, Dunkirk 09.1939-06.1940], UK [Rustington, Sussex]) 23.01.1941 seconded to the RAF 23.01.1941 Glider Exercise Unit (Ringway, Manchester) [Army Co-operation Command] 01.1942 redesignated: 296 Squadron RAF 12.06.1942 Airborne Forces 01.1943? 295 Squadron RAF (SOE operations, tugging gliders in Morroco, Tunisia, Sicily) (temporary in command) 17.10.1943 - 16.11.1944 Flight Commander, 298 Squadron RAF (Tarrant Rushton, Normandy & Arnhem) 02.12.1944 Instructor, School of Air Support, Old Sarum 24.03.1945 Commanding Officer, 190 Squadron RAF (1st Allied Airborne Army) Briggs farmed in West Sussex, where he was appointed a High Sheriff and a Deputy Lieutenant.
Brinsden, Francis Noel New Zealander	27.03.1919 Takapuna -	P/O 27.09.1938 [40338] F/O 27.03.1940 (WS) F/Lt. 27.03.1941 F/Lt. 28.06.1947, seniority 01.12.1942 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.06.1942-01.01.1944, 28.06.1947-01.11.1947 Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1948, seniority 01.08.1947 W/Cdr. 01.01.1954	1937 joined RAF (01.07.1940) 19 Squadron 31.08.1940 safely baled out of his Spitfire I R6958 after combat above the Thames Estuary at 0845 hrs. 10.1940 posted to 303 (Polish) Squadron 03.1941 Flight Commander, 485 Squadron 27.09.1941 transferred to reserve (RAFO) 01.01.1944 relinquished commission 01.1944 transferred RNZAF 28.06.1947 permanent commission RAF 09.09.1940 victories: ½ He 111 (1965) still serving
Bromet, Sir Geoffrey Rhodes see: www.rafweb.org	28.08.1891 - 16.11.1983	A/Cdre. 01.01.1933 (retd 25.04.1938) (reverted to retd 10.10.1945; retaining the rank of Air Vice Marshal) (A) Air Vice Marshal 04.03.1940-12.09.1941 (T) Air Vice Marshal 01.06.1943	... - ... ... 30.06.1936 - 1938 Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Coastal Command 08.01.1940 - 1941 Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Coastal Command 12.09.1941 - 1943 Air Officer Commanding, No. 19 Group (Plymouth) 18.09.1943 - 1945 Air Officer Commanding, No. 247 Group (Senior British Officer, Azores Force)
Brooke, John Callaghan	25.06.1893 Kensington, London - died between 04.1956 and 1996	Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1927 [02066] (retd 25.06.1941) DSC ? ?	01.04.1918 first commission RAF qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering 26.06.1941 - 31.10.1941 re-employed on active service
Brookes, Donald Scott	20.04.1900 Rugby, Leicestershire - 1968 Hatfield district, Hertfordshire	Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936 [17155] (WS) W/Cdr. 09.12.1944 (T) Gp.Capt. ? (retd 09.10.1946)	19.03.1919 first commission qualified at specialist engineering course
Brookes, Hugh Hamilton Son of late W. H. Brookes and of Evelyn, daughter of J. Forster Hamilton (she married 2nd Sir John Simpson, KBE, CIE). Married (1932) Elsie Viola Henry; one daughter. see: rafweb.org	14.10.1904 Andaman Islands, Bengal - 16.03.1988 Port Alfred, South Africa	P/O 31.07.1924 [16137] ... ... Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936 (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940 (T) Gp.Capt. 01.12.1941 W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940 ... ... Air Vice Marshal 01.01.1953 (retd 10.11.1958) CB 10.06.1954 ? CBE 07.06.1951 ? DFC 08.12.1944 ? MID 06.05.1932 ? MID 24.09.1941 ?	Education: Bedford School; Cranwell; psa ... - ... ... 1939 - 1940 Commanding Officer, 39 Squadron RAF (Western Desert) 1940 - 1941 Air Staff, HQ British Forces in Aden 21.11.1941 - 1942 Staff Officer (Air), Army HQ West Africa 11.1942 - 1943 Commander, 298 Wing RAF 1943 - 1946? Commander, RAF Breighton ... - ... ...
Brothers, Peter Malam Son of late John Malam Brothers; married 1939, Annette, daughter of late James Wilson; three daughters.	30.09.1917 - 1996 still alive [Topsham, Devon ?]	(A) P/O 23.03.1936 [37668] P/O 27.01.1937 F/O 27.10.1938 (A) F/Lt. 02.03.1939 F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (A) Sq.Ldr. 23.06.1941 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 02.01.1943 Sq.Ldr. 02.06.1949 (A) W/Cdr. 02.10.1942 (T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1945 (retd 28.03.1947) Gp.Capt. 1959? A/Cdre. 1965? (retd 1973) CBE 13.06.1964 HM's Birthday 64 DSO 03.11.1944 * DFC 13.09.1940 ** DFC 15.06.1943 *** * Wing Commander Brothers is a courageous and outstanding leader whose splendid example has inspired all. He has led large formations of aircraft on many missions far into enemy territory. Much of the success obtained can be attributed to Wing Commander Brothers brilliant leadership. He has destroyed 13 enemy aircraft. ** During an offensive patrol in August, 1940, this officer's flight encountered about one hundred enemy aircraft. He led the flight in attack against them, but before this could be pressed home, he was himself attacked by a number of  Messerschmitt 110's. Turning to meet them, he found himself in a stalled position; he spun out of it and immediately sighted and engaged a Dornier 215 which he shot down. Later in the day he destroyed a Messerschmitt 109. Altogether Flight Lieutenant Brothers has destroyed seven enemy aircraft. He has at all times displayed great courage and initiative. *** This officer has displayed outstanding keenness and efficiency. Within recent months he has led a wing in many operations and, by his skilful work and personal example, has contributed in a large measure to the high standard of operational efficiency of the formation. He has displayed great devotion to duty.	Education: North Manchester School (Br. of Manchester Grammar); RAF Staff College (psa, 1954) 23.03.1936 short service commission RAF, General Duties Branch 11.10.1936 32 Squadron 09.09.1940 257 Squadron (RAF Biggin Hill) 16.12.1940 55 Operational Training Unit 20.06.1941 Commanding Officer, 457 Squadron 27.01.1942 transferred to reserve (RAFO) 20.06.1942 Commanding Officer, 602 Squadron 02.10.1942 RAF Station Tangmere (Tangmere Fighter Wing Leader) 02.04.1943 52 Operational Training Unit 29.07.1943 61 Operational Training Unit 22.11.1943 Staff HQ 10 Group 01.04.1944 HQ Air Defence of Great Britain 04.04.1944 RAF Station Milfield 23.04.1944 RAF Station Exeter (Exeter Wing Leader) 24.04.1944 RAF Station Culshead 08.10.1944 Special Duties List, USA (US Command and General Staff School) 07.02.1945 - 1946 Central Fighter Establishment 28.03.1947 retired 20.07.1940 16.08.1940 18.08.1940 18.08.1940 24.08.1940 15.09.1940     16 victories: 1 Bf 109 1 Bf 110 1 Do 215 1 Bf 109 1 Bf 109 ½ Do 17 1947 - 1949 colonial service, Kenya 02.06.1949     recall to permanent commission 27.01.1950 - 1952 Commanding Officer, 57 Squadron 1952 - 1954 HQ 3 Group 1955 - 1957 HQ Fighter Command 1957 - 1959 Commanding Officer, Bomber Squadron 1959 - 1962 Staff Officer, SHAPE 1962 - 1965 Director of Operations (Overseas) 1965 - 1968 AOC Military Air Traffic Operations 1968 - 1973 Director of Public Relations (RAF), Ministry of Defence (Air) Managing Director, Peter Brothers Consultants Ltd, 1973-1986. Freeman, Guild Air Pilots and Air Navigators, 1966 (Liveryman, 1968; Warden, 1971; Master, 1974-1975); Freeman, City of London, 1967. Editorial Adviser, Defence and Foreign Affairs publications, 1973-1976. Patron, Spitfire Association, Australia, 1971-; Vice­President: Spitfire Society, 1984-; Devon Emergency Volunteers, 1986-1993 (Chairman, 1981-1986); President, RBL, Halberton, 1994-.
Broughton, George William Married Eleanor Boxall (died 02.2007, aged 88).	05.07.1923 - 04.1996 Poole, Dorset	Ldg.Acm. ? [1320371] P/O 23.10.1942 [132879] (WS) F/O 23.04.1943 (WS) F/Lt. 23.10.1944 F/O 03.04.1947, seniority 23.10.1943 F/Lt. 01.10.1953 Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1971 (retd 30.03.1978)	23.10.1942 first commission RAF [emergency commission] 03.04.1947 - 01.10.1953 extended service (8 years) 01.10.1953 permanent commission
Brown, Maurice Peter Son of ... Brown, and ... Christie.	(09?).1919 St Pancras district, London -	P/O 04.06.1938 [40796] F/O 03.09.1940 (WS) F/Lt. 03.09.1941 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1944 AFC 01.01.1946 ?	04.06.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]       pliot, 81 Squadron RAF 09.1939 - 27.09.1940 pliot, 611 Squadron RAF (Duxford) 28.09.1940 - 27.06.1941 pliot, 41 Squadron RAF (flying Hurricanes & Spitfires) total score:     three confirmed victories 28.06.1941     Flight Commander, 61 Operational Training Unit (Heston) 04.04.1942     transferred, Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers (and called up for air force service) Published: Honour restored : Dowding, the Battle of Britain and the fight for freedom (2005).
Brownrigg, Henry Charles	11.01.1909 - 2004 [age 95]	Sgt. ? [508984] (A) P/O (prob.) ? [47522] P/O (prob.) 04.03.1942 F/O (prob.) 01.10.1942, backdated 19.12.1941, seniority 19.06.1941 Fl.Lt. 31.10.1946, seniority 01.09.1945 A/Sq.Ldr. ? (retd 11.01.1964)	1928 joined RAF as a clerk 19.12.1941 first commission RAF, Equipment Branch [emergency commission] early 1940s served in Egypt 1942 HQ Bengal Command (Equipment) 31.10.1946 extended service commission 1946 HQ Reserve Command 20.12.1948 permanent commission 1950 commanding maintenance unit, Malta 1950 Air Ministry (Equipment) 21.10.1955 transferred to Branch List 1959 air movements, Changi, Singapore 1961 - 1963 senior equipment officer of RAF stations
Bruce, Robert Samuel	11.12.1890 - 1976 Kingston upon Thames district, Surrey	Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1936 [13219] (T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940 (retd 11.12.1945) MBE ? ?	01.04.1918 first commission RAF qualified at specialist armament course 11.12.1945 - 26.08.1946 re-employed on active service
Bryant, Walter Edward George Son of Walter Edwin and Amy Louise Bryant; husband of Sybil Mary Bryant, of Hove, Sussex. see: rafweb.org	(09?).1893 St Saviour Southwark, London, Surrey - 22.08.1945 [Saint Andrew Churchyard Cranwell, Lincolnshire, 2.D.21]	... ... Gp.Capt. 01.11.1938 ... ... A/Cdre. ? MBE 03.06.1919 ?	Education: psa 09.02.1938 - (10.1940) Air Attaché, Tokyo
Buchanan, John Kenneth "Buck" Only son of Mr & Mrs W.A. Buchanan, of Southsea.	19.03.1918 Southsea - 16.02.1944 (MPK) [age 25] [Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 279]	(A) P/O (prob) 03.05.1937[39628] F/O 01.12.1939 F/Lt. 01.12.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (A) W/Cdr. ? DSO 29.01.1943 * DFC 30.07.1940 ? DFC 07.04.1942 ? MID 24.09.1941 ? MID 01.01.1943 ? CdeG 01.02.1944 ? * This officer has participated in a very large number of sorties, involving bombing attacks against many countries occupied by the enemy. He arrived in Malta in November, 1942, and, within the next 14 days, led his squadron in 6 bombing attacks on enemy shipping. During these operations, Wing Commander Buchanan destroyed 6 enemy aircraft in combat. He is a magnificent leader whose great skill and fine fighting qualities have been of incalculable value.	Gained aviator's licence (13517) on 04.01.1936, taken on a Gipsy Moth 80 h.p. at the Portsmouth Aero Club. 03.05.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 09.06.1937     No. 8 Flying Training School (Montrose) 27.11.1937 - ? 101 Squadron RAF (Bicester) (flew Boulton Paul Overstrand bombers, then Blenheim I's) ? - 1940 37 Squadron RAF (flew Wellingtons) 1940 - 11.1941 14 Squadron RAF (Sudan, Eritrea, Egypt, Iraq) (flew Blenheim IV's) 01.03.1941     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service) 11.1941 - 05.1942 Commanding Officer, 14 Squadron RAF (Western Desert) 11.1942 - 06.1943 Commanding Officer, 272 Squadron RAF (flew Beaufighters) 10.1943 - 16.02.1944 Commanding Officer, 227 Squadron RAF (Berka, Libya) [shot down off the coast of Greece]
Buckle, Neville Raby	04.06.1902 - 14.02.1981	P/O 06.01.1926 [22106] F/O 08.08.1927 F/Lt. 30.06.1931 Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 (T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940 (WS) W/Cdr. 01.09.1942 W/Cdr. 20.11.1942, seniority 01.10.1941 (T) Gp.Capt. 01.03.1942 (WS) Gp.Capt. 01.04.1945 Gp.Capt. 01.10.1946 (A) A/Cdre. ? (retd 02.12.1947)   MVO ? ?	06.01.1926 first commission qualified at specialist armament course 15 Jan 1926:            U/T Pilot, No 4 FTS. 12 May 1927:          U/T Pilot, No 11 Sqn. xx xxx xxxx:              Pilot, No 11 Sqn. 17 Sep 1928:           Pilot, No 100 Sqn. ? 1 May 1929:           QFI, No 2 FTS. 5 May 1931:           Pilot, RAF Upper Heyford Station Flight xx Nov 1931:           Officer i/c?, RAF Upper Heyford Station Flight  5 Dec 1932:            QFI & Command Examining Officer, HQ ADGB. 14 Jul 1936:             Air Staff, HQ Fighter Command.  9 Aug 1938:            Staff, Directorate of Communications Development. 24 Oct 1938            Staff, Joint Directorate of Research and Development xx xxx xxxx:             ? xx xxx 1946:            Deputy Director of Operations.
Bullock, William Charles Penry	(06?).1900 Oswestry -	Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936 [05082] (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940 W/Cdr. 14.04.1942, seniority 01.01.1940  (retd 19.01.1945)	qualified at specialist armament course
Burchall, Percival Russell	(03?).1888 Ashton under Lyne, Cheshire - 1950 Hammersmith	Prob. 2nd Lt. 03.10.1915 [01127] 2nd Lt. 21.11.1915 Lt. ? T/Capt. ? T/Maj. 10.03.1918-... Sq.Ldr. (retd) 01.04.1918 (T) W/Cdr. ? (retd 19.03.1946) OBE ? ?	03.10.1915 commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps (Special Reserve) 10.03.1918 - ? Commandant, School of Photography, Royal Flying Corps ? - ? ?
Burnand, Lewis George	? -	(A) P/O (prob) 18.05.1936 [37847] P/O 23.03.1937 F/O 23.10.1938 (A) F/Lt. 15.07.1939 F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 20.04.1942 Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1945 25.02.1947, seniority 01.01.1941 (A) W/Cdr. ? (T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1944, seniority 01.01.1944 (WS) W/Cdr. 21.11.1945 (A) Gp.Capt. ? OBE 01.01.1946 New Year 46 DFC 15.07.1941 * MID 24.09.1941 ? MID 08.06.1944 ? Greek Distinguished Flying Cross, 29.12.1942 * This officer has carried out numerous tactical and artillery reconnaissances in Egypt, Libya and Greece. Since December, 1940, he has flown alone on 62 of these missions over or well behind the enemy's lines, often subjected to intense fire from the ground defences. During the operations in Greece, his work was carried out under extremely difficult conditions. Flight Lieutenant Burnand has displayed great skill and keenness which, combined with his untiring efforts have contributed materially to the high standard of morale and efficiency of his flight.	18.05.1936 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 23.03.1940 trasnferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service) (1940) - (1941) 208 Squadron RAF 01.09.1945 permanent commission
Burt, Percy Harry Changed name by deed poll of 19.02.1924 to Percy Harry Wynne-Burt, which was changed back to his former name by deed poll of 10.02.1926.	10.04.1897 Plymouth, Devon - 1981 Chippenham, Wiltshire	Lt. RFC 01.04.1918 [21001] F/O 10.12.1923 F/Lt. 01.11.1931 Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1937 (T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940 (retd 19.06.1943) 1914/15 Star Trio; General Service Medal (George V) with Southern Desert Iraq, and Northern Kurdistan Clasps; Defence Medal; War Medal; Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (George V); Belgium Croix de Guerre, to 1589 Pte P H Burt Royal Warwick Regt (2 Lieut P H Burt RFC on pair), F/O P H Burt RAF on GSM) and (1589 Sgt P H Burt 1/6th R.W.R on Territorial Medal)	served in the ranks, Royal Warwickshire Regiment 01.04.1918 first commission as Lieutenant (Aeroplane and Seaplane Officer), Royal Flying Corps (later: RAF - General Duties Branch) 10.12.1923 transferred to the Stores Branch [renamed later: Equipment Branch] (07.1925) Stores Branch, No. 9 (Bombing) Squadron RAF (Island Area, Kent) (01.1939) Officer Commanding Supplies Depot, RAF Habbaniya (Iraq) ? - ? ?
Burton-Gyles, Peter Robert Son of ... Burton, and ... Young.	06.10.1918 Southsea, Hampshire - 10.12.1943 [Malta Memorial, panel 6, column 1]	(A) P/O 05.09.1937 [40077] F/O 17.04.1940 (WS) F/Lt/ 17.04.1941 (T) Sq.Ldr. ? (WS) Sq.Ldr. 22.08.1943 (A) W/Cdr. ? DSO 13.02.1942 ? DFC 31.05.1940 ? DFC 18.07.1941 ?	05.09.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] (1941)     207 Squadron RAF (1942)     44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF       418 Squadron RAF 1943 - 1943 Commanding Officer, 488 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF 12.1943 - 10.12.1943 Commanding Officer, 23 Squadron RAF
Byrne, Vincent George Lowther Davey "Paddy" Married ((03?).1945, Kensington district, London) Nona G. Lawrence; ... children.	21.06.1908 Ireland - 09.12.1978 Chichester district, West Sussex	(A) P/O (prob) 02.03.1936 [37595] P/O (prob) 06.01.1937 P/O 06.04.1937 F/O 06.08.1938 F/Lt. 06.08.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1946, seniority 01.09.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 26.11.1946, seniority 24.12.1945	02.03.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] (posted to RAF Depot Uxbridge) 20.12.1936 - 23.05.1940 pilot, 74 (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Hornchurch) [involved in first "friendly fire" fatality of World War II (see story)] [ while on patrol shot down by ground fire in a Spitfire I over Clarmarais Wood; wounded in leg & captured] 23.05.1940 - 1944 POW in German captivity [shot down same day as Roger Bushell; taken to Dulag Luft, later to Stalag Luft III; had minor involvement in "the great escape"; was finally repatriated after spending much time in persuading the Germans that he was mad] 11.01.1944     transferred to reserve and called up for air force service with effect of 06.01.1940