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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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E.J. Kain  to  G.E. Kosh

Kain, Edgar James "Cobber" Son of Reginald G. Kain, and of Nellie Kain, of Wadestown, Wellington, New Zealand.	27.06.1918 Hastings, New Zealand - 07.06.1940 [age 21] Choloy War Cemetery, France, 1A.C.8]	(A) P/O (prob) 08.03.1937 [39534] F/O 21.07.1939 DFC 29.03.1940 * MID 02.1940 ? * In March, 1940, while on patrol with another aircraft, Flying Officer Kain sighted seven enemy bombers about 5,000 feet above him, and while giving chase well into Germany, he was attacked from behind by an enemy fighter. Showing the finest fighting spirit this officer out-manoeuvred the enemy and although his own aircraft was badly damaged he succeeded in bringing the hostile aircraft down. Thick smoke and oil fumes had filled his cockpit and although unable to see his compass, he skilfully piloted his aircraft inside allied lines in spite of being choked and blinded by the smoke.	08.03.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 11.1937 - 07.06.1940 73 Squadron RAF
Kean, Raymond Thomas Son of Michael and Margaret Kean, of Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand.	05.04.1918 Green Island, NZ - 05.08.1940 (KIA) [age 22] [New Hunstanton Cemetery, O.52]	(A) P/O (prob) 29.10.1938 [41295] P/O 29.08.1939 DFC 09.07.1940 * * The award followed an early morning shipping strike off the Elbe Estuary, where the Hudson was attacked by three ME109’s. E.A. Deverill (at that time a Sergeant) was the navigator in the three-man crew. The gunner, Townend, was killed after shooting down one fighter and Deverill and the pilot (P/O R T Kean) were injured. Deverill helped the pilot fly the plane back to Bircham Newton. Deverill was awarded the DFM, Kean the DFC.	08.1938     joined RAF 29.10.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]       training at Prestwick (Scotland), in Shropshire and at Kings Lynn ? - 05.08.1940 pilot, 206 Squadron RAF [the Hudson P5133 from Bircham Newton stalled and crashed at Syderstone, Norfolk, at 18.05 hrs after a search patrol]
Keary, John D'Arcy	05.08.1905 Lymington, Hampshire -	P/O 30.07.1925 Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 W/Cdr. 01.04.1941 (retd 01.02.1948)
Kee, James Son of Robert and Janet Kee, of Bothstown, Manchester.	1917 ? - 28.10.1941 [age 24] [Worsley (St Mark) Churchyard, Lancashire, grave 847]	(A) P/O (prob) 18.09.1939 [42713] P/O (prob) 20.04.1940 P/O 24.07.1940 (WS) F/O 20.04.1941	Education: B.A. Hons. (Cantab.). 18.09.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]       pilot, 101 Squadron RAF ? - 28.10.1941 pilot, 219 Squadron RAF [His Beaufighter on a dusk patrol crashed four miles west of Merston soon after take-off in the evening. Both F/O J. Kee and Sgt. T.G.F. Dixon were killed.]
Kellaway, Sydney Edward Son of Percy Warburton Kellaway and Harriet Mary Kellaway. Husband of Barbara Kellaway of Hinckley, England.	17.02.1901 Birmingham - 24.11.1946 Northampton, Northamptonshire	Wt.Offr. ? [265000] F/O (prob) 07.03.1940 [43448] F/O 07.03.1941 (T) F/Lt. 01.03.1942 (WS) F/Lt. 19.02.1943 (A) Sq.Ldr. 1942? (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.0.1946 MID 11.06.1942 ? MID 01.01.1943 ? MID 02.06.1943 ?	18.09.1939     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) (for administrative and miscellaneous duties) [emergency commission]
Kellaway, Winston Herbert Son of ... Kellaway, and ... Endacott.	16.11.1915 Honiton district, Devon - 04.1994 Torbay district, Devon	P/O (prob) 22.07.1942 [49688] (WS) F/O (prob) 22.01.1943 (A) F/Lt. ? (WS) F/Lt. 22.07.1944 F/Lt. 01.07.1946 Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1951 (retd 01.10.1957) DSO 30.03.1943 * DSO 09.05.1944 ** AFC 10.06.1954 ? * Flight Lieutenant Kellaway has completed a large.number of operational 'sorties. In March, 1943, he was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Hamburg. Shortly after the target had been bombed, the aircraft was caught in a cone of searchlights and subjected to heavy and concentrated anti-aircraft fire. The aircraft was hit - many times, sustaining very severe damage. A considerable quantity of fuel was lost from holed tanks in both mainplanes. The starboard outer engine failed shortly afterwards and the propeller was feathered. As the English coast was crossed the port outer engine also stopped. Though all petrol gauges were now reading zero, this engine was restarted and Flight Lieutenant Kellaway then effected a 'masterly landing at the nearest airfield. This officer has achieved a fine record of sustained. gallantry and has been a source of inspiration to all with whom he has come into contact. ** This officer has completed a third tour of operations and has continued .to display, the highest standard of skill and bravery. Notable amongst his achievements on his last tour are five attacks on Berlin, missions which he completed with great skill and determination. His example has been outstanding and' has done much to foster a high standard of morale throughout the squadron. His record is worthy of the greatest praise.	22.07.1942     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] 12 Squadron RAF (flying Fairey Battles in France 1940 and then Wellingtons from Binbrook) 149 Squadron RAF (flying Stirlings from Lakenheath) 617 Squadron RAF (flying Lancasters from Scampton from 1.7.1943 until a flying accident on 5.8.1943) 630 Squadron RAF (flying Lancasters from East Kirby) post-war he was involved with the introduction of the English Electric Canberra into 231 Conversion Unit at RAF Bassingbourn in the '50's
Kellett, Richard see: RAFweb.org	12.10.1905 East Stonehouse, Devon - 03.01.1990 Hastings and Rother, East Sussex	P/O 30.07.1925 [16177] F/O 30.01.1927 F/Lt. 05.11.1930 Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 (A) Wg.Cdr. ? (T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940 W/Cdr. 01.10.1946, seniority 01.10.1941 (A) Gp.Capt. ? Gp.Capt. ? (A) A/Cdre. ? (T) A/Cdre. 01.01.1946 (retd 10.04.1947) CBE 01.01.1943 prisoner of war DFC 16.01.1940 * AFC 28.04.1939 ? MID 07.01.1947 ? * This officer displayed courage, coolness and determination in leading his squadron and a combined formation of aircraft in operations over an enemy naval base in December, 1939, which resulted in the infliction of heavy casualties on enemy aircraft. In spite of the formidable opposition by aircraft and ground defences, he so controlled the formation for which he was personally responsible that casualties were slight and by his personal example and cool leadership he won the confidence of all pilots under him.	30.07.1925 first commission RAF qualified at specialist engineering course 1939 - 1940? Commanding Officer, 149 Squadron RAF (Mildenhall) Senior Air Staff Officer, 205 Group RAF 13/09.1942 - 20.09.1942 joined a crew of 70 Squadron RAF as second pilot for a raid against Tobruk (13/14 Sept.); on the return journey the aircraft was force landed and the crew evaded capture until 20 Sept. 20.09.1942 - 1945? prisoner of war
Kelly, Charles Edmund Son of William Kelly (1855-1914), and Bridget Kane (?-1934).	10.03.1898 Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland -	P/O ? [70939] F/O 24.06.1921 (reld 23.06.1930) F/O 14.10.1933 (reld 14.10.1937) F/Lt. 08.04.1941 (reld 08.01.1947; retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.) (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1944	1917     enlisted, Royal Flying Corps (Canada) 24.06.1921     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 08.03.1925     RAF Depot (on transfer to Home Establishment) 24.06.1926 - 23.06.1930 Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) (Class C) 14.10.1933 - 14.10.1937 Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) (Class A, from 16.06.1934 Class C) 29.08.1939     transferred, RAFO (Administrative and Special Duties Branch)
Kelsey, Richard John Son of John C. Kelsey, and Norah Guard.	17.07.1917 Portsmouth district, Sussex -	(A) P/O (prob) 29.06.1936 [39117] P/O 03.07.1937 F/O 03.02.1939 F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01,12,1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 15.03.1945 (T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1945 Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1946, seniority 01.06.1944 (T) W/Cdr. 25.02.1947, seniority 26.01.1946 W/Cdr. 01.07.1950 (retd 15.09.1959)	29.06.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 29.09.1936     No. 6 Flying Training School (Netheravon) 22.05.1937     213 (Fighter) Squadron RAF (Northolt) 03.07.1942     transferred to reserve (and called up for air force service) 25.06.1946     extended service commission 01.07.1946     permanent commission 03?.1958     HQ Flying Training Command (for planning staff duties)
Kendall, Colin Franklin Only son of Edward William Allen Kendall (1871-1952), and Minna Octavia Gibson (1877-1972). Married (23.10.1936, Kensington district, London) Dorothy Merelina Louise Dennis (16.04.1910 - 01.2000) (she remarried 1950 MacKendrick), of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire; two daughters.	24.05.1909 - 11.11.1940 (MIA) [age 32] [Runnymede Memorial, panel 6]	P/O (prob) 09.07.1934 [70358] P/O 09.07.1935 F/O 09.01.1936	09.07.1934     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) ? - 11.11.1940 pilot, 83 Squadron RAF [his Handley Page Hampden Mk.I [L4095 OL-R] had taken off from Scampton and ditched in the north Sea off the coast of the Netherlands returning from a raid on rail targets in the Danzig area; all four occupants were killed]
Kennedy, Frederick Williams Son of ... Kennedy, and ... Williams.	26.05.1917 Houghton district, Durham - 11.1992 Surrey Mid-Eastern district, Surrey	Sgt. ? [566726] (A) P/O (prob) 19.08.1942 [49463] 28.09.1943, seniority 25.10.1941  P/O (prob) 23.04.1943, senioirity 21.11.1942 (WS) F/O (prob) 21.05.1943 05.11.1943, seniority 27.01.1943 (A) F/Lt. (1945) MID 01.01.1946 ?	1940 was in Paris in 1940 returning to the UK on 26th June 19.08.1942 commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
Kennedy, William Maxwell Cassilis	27.08.1905 - 01.03.1957 Surrey South Western district, Surrey (lately of Fleet, Hampshire, formerly of Chettle, nr Blandford, Dorset)	P/O 30.07.1925 Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 Gp.Capt. 01.07.1947 (retd 27.08.1955) CBE	qualified by examination as interpreter
Kent, John Alexander "Johnny [Kentowski]" Married 1st (11.1939, Surrey NW district; marriage dissolved) Janet Jensen, WAAF ((06?).1919 - ), elder daughter of J. Jensen, and ... Palmer, of Camberley. Janet Kent remarried (1946) Capt. Quentin Lyon Cazalet, Nottinghamshire Yeomanry. Married 2nd ((06?).1948, Surrey NW district) Elizabeth Nora Weale (16.03.1922 - 28.03.1973); one son, two daughters.	23.06.1914 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - 07.10.1985 Surrey North Western district	(A) P/O (prob) 15.03.1935 [37106] P/O 15.03.1936 F/O 15.09.1937 F/Lt. 15.09.1939 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1940 Sq.Ldr. 11.1942, seniority 01.12.1940 (A) W/Cdr. (1941) W/Cdr. 01.07.1947 Gp.Capt. 01.07.1952 (retd 01.12.1956) DFC 10.1940 * DFC 21.10.1941 ** AFC 01.02.1939 made over 300 airborne collisions with various types of barrage balloon 39|45 St - & clasp Battle of Britain AirCrEur St - - Afr St - & clasp North Africa 42-43 It St - - Def M - - WM 39|45 - - ? ? ? ? VM 31.01.1941 ? * Early in October, 1940, this officer, when entirely alone, attacked 40 Messerschmitt 109's, and shot down two of them. He has personally destroyed at least four enemy aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Kent has been responsible in a large measure for the fighting efficiency of his squadron and has materially contributed to its successes. He has proved himself a born leader. ** This officer has led his wing in an efficient and fearless manner on many operational sorties within the last two months. He has now destroyed a further 6 enemy aircraft, bringing his total successes to 13 destroyed and 3 probably destroyed. Wing Commander Kent has set a grand example.	15.03.1935     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 15.03.1935     No. 5 Flying Training School RAF 29.02.1936     19 Squadron RAF (Duxford) 10.1937     Royal Aircraft Establishment (Farnborough) 05.1940     Photographic Development Unit RAF 07.1940     RAF Hawarden (flying Hawker Hurricanes) 02.08.1940     Flight Commander, 303 (Polish) Squadron RAF (Northolt) 26.10.1940     Commanding Officer, 92 Squadron RAF (Biggin Hill) 15.03.1941     permanent commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) 06.1941     Wing Leader, Polish Wing (Northolt) 08.1941     Wing Leader, Kenley Wing 10.1941     53 Operational Training Unit RAF (Heston, then Llandow) 12?.1941     lecture tour of Canada and America 06.1942     Station Commander, RAF Church Stanton 10.1942     Wing Commander of Training, Fighter Command HQ 12.1942     Commander, 17 Sector RAF (Benghazi, Libya) ?     Command Training Inspector at Air Defences East Mediterranean, Air HQ 03.1944     instructor's course, Central Flying School RAF (Upavon) ? - 1956? Commanding Officer, RAF Tangmere Published: One of the few (1970; memoirs of pre-war test flying & Battle of Britain).
Ker-Ramsay *, Robert Gerald "Crump" Son (with two sisters) of Robert Ker-Ramsey, and Ellie Grace Stringer. Married 1st ((06?).1938, Wirral district, Cheshire) Barbara H. Metcalfe; one son. Married 2nd ((09?).1948, Surrey South Eastern district) Diana McGee. * Born as Ker-Ramsey. Obviously chose to write the last part of his surname with an "a".	25.09.1916 Wirral district, Cheshire - (03?).1981 Petersfield district, Hampshire	(A) P/O 30.09.1935 [37321] P/O 06.08.1936 F/O 06.04.1938 F/Lt. 06.04.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.03.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1946 Sq.Ldr. 22.07.1947, dated 23.05.1946, seniority 01.06.1944 (reld 21.02.1948; medical unfitness for Air Force service; retaining rank of W/Cdr.) (T) W/Cdr. 01.11.1946-01.11.1947, seniority 01.06.1942 MBE 28.06.1946 for services as prisoner of war	30.09.1935     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 19.10.1935     No. 5 Flying Training School RAF (Sealand) 28.06.1936     17 Squadron RAF (Kenley) 11.02.1937     staff, Home Aircraft Depot RAF (Henlow) 30.05.1938     staff, No. 8 Flying Training School (Montrose) 07.1940     25 Squadron RAF (Marlesham Heath) 12.07.1940     Fighter Interception Unit RAF (Shoreham) [Shot down in Blenheim Z5721 13.9.40 which crashed in the English Channel off Calais. He and his crew of 2 bailed out and were captured.] 09.1940 - 04.1945 POW in German captivity [1941 on Escape Committee of Stalag Luft 1. At Stalag Luft 3 in 1944 . Organiser and controller of the tunnel exit during the Great Escape. Appointed Camp Security Officer in April 1944. In charge of radio at Westortimke from Feb to April 1945.] 06.08.1941     transferred to Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for Air Force service) 23.05.1946     extended service commission
Kerr, Robert Ernest Son of Ernest Kerr, and May Clarabel Kerr, of Ingleburn, New South Wales, Australia.	1917 ? - 05.07.1941 (KIA) [age 24] [Brest (Kerfautras) Cemetery, France, 40.1.13]	(A) P/O (prob) 12.04.1940 [43295] P/O (prob) 27.07.1940 P/O 16.10.1940 MID ? ?	12.04.1940     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] ? - 05.07.1941 pilot, 51 Squadron RAF [Whitley V [Z7641 MH-] had taken off from Dishforth at 23:10 hrs 04.07.1941 for an operation against Brest; the aircraft crashed near Brest, where the crew of four is buried.]
King, Rev. Cecil	? - ?	Chapl. (with the relative rank of Sq.Ldr.) 22.11.1939 [76452] MID 17.03.1941 ?	22.11.1939     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (Chaplains' Branch) (Church of England) [emergency commission] (03.1945)     officer in a RAF unit in Iceland (1946)     Padre, No. 11 Group RAF (Fighter Command) 25.05.1949     permanent commission, RAF (Chaplains' Branch) Wycliffe College Tor. 1931. d 1931, p 1932 Montr. C. of Ch. Ch. Cathl. Montr. 1931-33; Commiss. in Canada to Jamaica 1932; C. of St. Pet. Sherbrooke, P.Q. 1933-37; St. Luke, Finchley, 1938-39; Chap. R.A.F. 1939-61; V. of Clympinq, Dio. Chich. from 1962 ; Chap. to H.M. Pris. Ford, from 1962. (St. Mary's Vicarage, Clymping, Littlehampton, Sussex.)
King-Lewis, Arthur	22.06.1900 - (03?).1965 Uxbridge district, Middlesex	Sq.Ldr. 01.02.1937 W/Cdr. 01.03.1940 (A) Gp.Capt. ? (retd 04.02.1948)	16.08.1922 first commission
Kirk, Philip Son of ... Kirk, and ... Barber. Married ...; ... children.	05.07.1919 Macclesfield district, Cheshire - 07.1999 Wayland district, Norfolk	F/Sgt. ? [550733] P/O (prob) 30.04.1942 [48727] (WS) F/O (prob) 30.10.1942 (WS) F/Lt. 30.04.1944 F/O 18.12.1945 F/Lt. 01.07.1946, seniority 30.10.1945 15.06.1948, seniority 30.10.1946 Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1953 W/Cdr. 01.07.1961 (retd 05.07.1974) DFM 23.12.1941 ?	(1941)     226 Squadron RAF (DSM) 30.04.1942     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission] 18.12.1945     extended service commission 15.06.1948     permanent commission 17.11.1948     transferred, RAF (Secretarial Branch) AMBIM.
Knocker, Kenneth Duke Son of Leslie Duke Knocker, and of The Baroness Elizabeth de T'Serclaes, M.M., of Ashtead, Surrey; husband of Susan Knocker.	(03?)1907 Marlborough, Wiltshire - 03.07.1942 (KIA) [age 35] [Westernieland General Cemetery, De Marne, The Netherlands, N.474]	Fl.Lt. RAFO 01.04.1936 [28043] (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1940 W/Cdr. ?	Reserve of Air Force Officers 04.1942 - 03.07.1942 Commanding Officer, 214 Squadron RAF
Kosh, George Edward "Ted" Son of Charles Kosh, and Kate Mary Wood, of Folkestone, Kent.	(09?).1922 Elham district, Kent - 01.07.1944 (KIA) [age 21] [Hawkinge Cemetery, JJ.B.917]	Ldg.Acm. ? [575060] P/O (prob) 19.03.1943 [55058] (WS) F/O (prob) 20.09.1943	19.03.1.943     commissioned into the RAF [emergency commission] ? - 01.07.1944 3 Squadron RAF [crashed at 05.45 with his Hawker Tempest JN765 at House Field, Winchelsea Marsh, Icklesham, Sussex, on a mission to shoot down a V1 flying bomb]

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