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Royal Air Force (RAF) Officers
1939-1945

 

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J. Rankin  to  D.W.R. Ryley
Rankin,
James
J. Rankin
1913
-
F/O
16.10.1937 [37210]
W/Cdr.
?
Gp.Capt.
01.07.1952
A/Cdre.
?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
?
?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
?
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
02.1941


Commanding Officer, 92 Squadron
04.1942
-
07.1942
Wing Leader Biggin Hill



Wing Commander Training, 11 Group
Ranson,
George Edward
G.E. Ranson
?
-
Sq.Ldr.
01.02.1932
       
Rapley,
Cyril
C. Rapley

10.11.1895
-
1980s ?
P/O 01.04.1918 [04186]
... ...
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1936
(T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1940
(WS) W/Cdr. 01.09.1942
W/Cdr. 20.11.1942, seniority 01.04.1941
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.03.1942
Gp.Capt. 01.07.1947 (retd 26.01.1950)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE 13.06.1946 HM's birthday 46
Education: Qualified at specialist engineering course.
01.04.1918     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
24.04.1940     transferred, RAF (Technical Branch)
Rawlins,
Sydney John
C. Rapley
25.07.1921
-
05.11.2007
P/O
05.08.1939 [42437]
...
...
Gp.Capt.
01.01.1966 (retd 27.03.1976)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC ? ?
05.08.1939


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
FIMgt
Ray,
George Edward
G.E. Ray (Photo courtesy of Mr Colin Ray) G.E. Ray (Photo courtesy of Mr Colin Ray)
Son of Edward and Mary Elizabeth Ray.
Married (22.07.1929, All Saints' Church, Bloxwich, West Midlands) Dorothy Emma Tunstall (09.02.1910 - 07.1996); five sons.
12.07.1904
Rickinghall, Hartismere district, Suffolk
-
26.07.1971
Brentwood District Hospital, Brentwood, Essex
Wt.Offr. ? [352907]
F/O (prob) 01.02.1943 [50474]
(A) F/Lt. ? (reld 15.12.1945; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
01.02.1943     commissioned, RAF (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
Rayment,
Gordon David
G.D. Rayment
Son of ... Rayment, and ... Galbraith.
Married ((06?).1945, Watford district, Hertfordshire) Marie E. Brown; ... children (one son?).
30.05.1920
Romford district, Essex
-
01.04.1958
Manor Farm, Meesden, Buntingford, Bishop Stortford district, Hertfordshire (formerly of Watford, Hertfordshire)
F/Sgt. ? [642762]
P/O (prob) 15.06.1944 [54987]
(WS) F/O 15.12.1944
(WS) F/Lt. 15.06.1946
F/Lt. 06.07.1951
Sq.Ldr. 31.03.1954 (reld 01.08.1955)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 17.04.1945 ?
15.06.1944     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1945)     218 Squadron RAF (DFC)
06.07.1951 - 01.08.1955 commissioned, RAF Reserve of Officers (General Duties Branch) (Class CC)
Airline pilot. Killed when the Hermes 4 (G-ALDV) owned by Skyways Ltd. (for whom whom he worked since April 1949, latterly as chief test and training captain) crashed shortly after take-off from Stansted. There were no passengers, but the crew of three were killed. Captain Rayment held a valid Airline Transport Pilot's license endorsed in Group I for Hermes aircraft. His flying time amounted to 10,321 hours, of which 2,802 were in Hermes aircraft.
Read,
George John Lacey
G.J.L. Read
Son of Charles Robert W. Read (1873-1934), and Jessie Maud Jarden.
Married ((12?).1935, Surrey North Eastern district) Margaret C. Leverich.
09.06.1911
Hackney district, London
-
07.1993
Weymouth district, Dorset
P/O 25.07.1931 [26211]
F/O 25.01.1933
F/Lt. 01.04.1936
Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1938
(T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1941
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.07.1944-01.11.1947
Gp.Capt. 01.01.1952 (retd 08.06.1959)
Air Force Cross AFC 01.07.1941 HM's birthday 41
Education: RAF College, Cranwell.
25.07.1931     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
25.07.1931     101 Squadron RAF (Andover)
01.1936     specialist navigation course, RAF Base, Calshot
11.11.1936     Central Flying Training, Upavon
? - 07.11.1937 completed specialist navigation course, School of Air Navigation, Manston
28.01.1938     HQ RAF, India (New Delhi)
? - ? ?
Redmond,
Edwin John *
E.J. Redmond
* also found as: Edward John
23.12.1902
-
?
? [352623]
F/O (prob)
27.11.1941, seniority 01.11.1941 [47575]
F/Lt.
01.09.1945 (retd 30.03.1947)
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE
?
?
27.11.1941


commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
09.05.1946


extended service
Rees,
Vivian
V. Rees
?
-
Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1936



qualified at specialist engineering course; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
Reid,
Michael Edward
"Mike"
M.E. Reid (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Gell) M.E. Reid (Photo courtesy of Mr Wayne Marriott)
M.E. Reid (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Gell) M.E. Reid (Photo courtesy of Mr Tim Gell)

Son (with three sisters) of Rev. Edward Reid (1878-1959), Prebendary of Exter, and Frederica Mary Stanley Longridge (1885-1959).
Married 1st ((06?).1941, All Saint's, Kenley, Surrey; divorced) Barbara Eleanor Marriott (03.01.1917 - 04.11.1993), younger daughter (with one sister and one brother) of Lt.Col. Sidney Charles Marriott (1880-1972), and Cicely Kepp Adams (1888-1986), of Shord Hill, Kenley, Surrey; one son. She remarried (1949) Sq.Ldr. Colin Russel Glen, AFC, RAF (1915-2001).
Married 2nd (04.10.1950, All Saint's Cathedral, Khartoum, Egypt) Joan Rosa Lumley (1913 - 2004), daughter of James Maddy Lumley (1876-), and widow of Robert Paus Platt (1905-1946).
16.08.1916
Exeter, Devonshire
-
11.02.2000
Portimão, Faro, Portugal
(A) P/O (prob) 09.03.1936 [37638]
P/O 06.01.1937
F/O ?
(A) F/Lt. 26.03.1939
F/Lt. 06.07.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1944
Sq.Ldr. 29.02.1947, seniority 01.06.1944
(T) W/Cdr. 01.07.1944-01.11.1947
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC ? ?
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - -
Aircrew Europe Star AircrEur - & France & Germany clasp
Africa Star Afr St - -
Defence Medal Def Med - -
British War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
General Service Medal GenSM - -
09.03.1936     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
06.01.1942     transferred to reserve (and called up for Air Force service)
10.1943 - 04.1944 Commanding Officer, 182 Squadron RAF
08.04.1948     extended service commission (transferred to Class C 07.03.1949)
Cotton inspector.
Reynolds,
[Sir] Bryan Vernon
B.V. Reynolds (Photo courtesy of Mr Andrew Wilkinson) B.V. Reynolds (© National Portrait Gallery, London NPG x159882)

04.06.1902
Highgate
-
06.12.1965
Walberton, near Arundel, Sussex
P/O (prob) 01.05.1922 [15237]
P/O 01.11.1922
F/O 01.11.1923
F/Lt. 01.07.1928
Sq.Ldr. 01.08.1936
Wg.Cdr. 01.04.1939
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.09.1941-12.05.1944
(WS) Gp.Capt. 12.11.1944
(T) A/Cdre. 01.07.1947
Air Vice Marshal 01.07.1950
(A) Air Marshal 17.11.1953
Air Marshal 01.01.1956 (retd 13.07.1959)
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath KCB 09.06.1955 ?
Companion of the Order of the Bath CB 01.01.1954 ?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) CBE 02.06.1943 ?
Mentioned in Despatches MID 01.01.1943 ?
Mentioned in Despatches MID 08.06.1944 ?
?     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
... - ... ...
Reynolds,
Bruce
B. Reynolds
?
-
20.08.1940
(DOW)
[Bayeux War Cemetery, France, XXVIII.J.4]
(A) P/O (prob)
19.08.1939 [42528]
P/O (prob)
01.02.1940
P/O
26.06.1940
Mentioned in Despatches MID
01.01.1941
? [at that moment shown as "reported missing"]
19.08.1939


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
?
-
20.08.1940
pilot, 59 Squadron RAF (Coastal Command)
[Blenheim IV [R2795 TR-D] had taken off from Thorney Island at 19.08.1940 at 22.00 hrs for an operation against Caen. The aircraft failed to return. The two other crew members were killed instantly, P/O Reynolds died of wounds the next day.]
Reynolds,
Robert James
R.J. Reynolds (Phioto courtesy of Mr Jaime Reynolds) R.J. Reynolds (Phioto courtesy of Mr Jaime Reynolds)
Son of James H. Reynolds, and Elizabeth Moran.
10.01.1919
Islington district, London
-
26.03.1984
North Cotswold district, Gloucestershire
Aircr.Appr.
1935 [567808]
Sgt. (FII)
15.05.1941
(T) F/Sgt.
01.05.1943
(T) Wt.Offr.
01.05.1944
P/O (prob)
11.05.1945 [56848]
P/O
11.11.1945, seniority 11.05.1945
(WS) F/O
11.11.1945 (reld 14.04.1946)
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St
-
-
Africa Star Afr St
-
& clasp
Aircrew Europe Star AircrEur
-
-
Italy Star It St
-
-
Defence Medal Def Med
-
-
British War Medal 1939-1945 39|45 BWM
-
-
1935


Aircraft Apprentice, RAF Halton
1940
 
 
served in France (evacuated from Dunkirk)
08.1941
-
02.1942
pilot training, No. 18 Elementary Flying Training School RAF (Fairoaks) & No. 14 Service Flying Training School RAF(Lyneham) & No. 6 Flying Training School RAF (Little Rissington) [qualified as a pilot 21.02.1942]
04.1942
-
07.1942
advanced flying course, 21 Operational Training Unit RAF (Moreton-in-the-Marsh)
[took part in 1000 bomber raid on Bremen (Wellington N2847) 26.06.1942]
07.1942
-
11.1942
148 Squadron RAF (2nd pilot in Wellingtons) (Tobruk, 2nd Battle of El Alamein)
01.1943
-
08?.1943
37 Squadron RAF (Cyrenaica/Tripolitania, from 06.1943 Tunisia, Sicily & Southern Italy 07/08.1943) (04.1943 1st pilot)
[44th & last operation over Rome to find out if it was an open city 30.08.1943)
10.1943
-
06.1944
76 Operational Training Unit RAF (Palestine)
06.1944
-
1945
1675 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF (Lydda, Palestine)
1945


3 Ferry Unit RAF (British North African
Forces)
11.05.1945


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Rhind,
George Bruce Milligan
G.B.M. Rhind
(06?).1904
Portsmouth, Hampshire
-
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1936



qualified at a specialist course in engineering; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
Rhys,
Richard Owen
R.O. Rhys
Son of ... Rhys, and ... MacKay.
(06?).1915
Aberystwyth district, Cardiganshire
-
P/O
28.09.1937 [90386]
F/O
28.03.1939
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1943 
(WS) W/Cdr.
11.01.1945
Gp.Capt. ?
?
28.09.1937


commissioned, No. 614 (County of Glamorgan) (Army Cooperation) Squadron - Auxiliary Air Force (General Duties Branch)
19.09.1941


transferred, Administrative and Special Duties Branch
Deputy Lieutenant (DL), Glamorgan, 03.05.1965.
Ricalton,
Alan Leslie
"Les" / "Ricky"
A.L. Ricalton A.L. Ricalton
A.L. Ricalton

Son of William Ricalton, and Margaret Jane Darling, of Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

21.01.1914
Castle Ward district, Northumberland
-
07.10.1940
(KIA) [age 26]
[Sittingbourne Cemetery, Kent, old ground, section W, grave 142]
(A) P/O (prob) 26.03.1938 [70872]
P/O (prob) 17.01.1939
P/O 17.01.1940
F/O 17.08.1940
Mentioned in Despatches MID 01.01.1941 posthumously
26.03.1938     commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch)
17.01.1939     short service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
? - 07.10.1940 pilot, 74 Squadron RAF
Richards,
Singleton Powell
"Dickie"
S.P. Richards
Married ((09?).1938, Kensington district, London / Middlesex) Barbara Yvonne Rigg ((06?).1916 - ); ... children (two sons, two daughters?).
20.10.1908
Weymouth district, Dorset
-
21.06.1968
Bath, Somerset
P/O (prob) 24.08.1928 [27112]
P/O 24.08.1929
F/O 24.02.1930
F/Lt. 03.09.1939
(T) Sq.Ldr. 03.09.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 21.08.1943
(A) W/Cdr. ?
(T) W/Cdr. 01.01.1944
F/Lt. 20.12.1949, seniority 01.01.1940
Sq.Ldr. 01.01.1957 (retd 20.10.1963; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE 14.06.1945 *
Air Force Cross AFC 01.01.1934 ? [investiture 27.02.34]

* This officer is in command of the station and has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm in forming it into an efficient operational unit. Prior to this appointment Wing Commander Richards served for two years as a flying instructor, followed by 18 months duties in night fighting. Thereafter he became Station Commander at Warmwell, Northolt and Biggin Hill. He was at the last-mentioned station during the invasion period and the flying bomb attack on London, which he faced with energy and great efficiency.

24.08.1928     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
24.08.1928     RAF Depot Uxbridge
08.09.1928     No. 1 Flying Training School (Netheravon)
31.03.1933     intended departure from Cairo of a flight by five Fairey Gordons of No.6 (Bomber) Squadron to tour the Rhodesias and Nyasaland; he was one of those so engaged (AFC)
24.08.1933 - 20.12.1949 transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class A)
      flying instructor (for two years)
      duties in night fighting (for 18 months):
(07.1942)     29 Squadron RAF
(1942)     Officer Commanding, "B" Flight, 456 Squadron RAAF
05.1943 - 10.1943 Commanding Officer, 151 Squadron RAF (Colerne, then Middle Wallop)
      Commanding Officer, RAF Station Warmwell
03.1944 - 05.1944 Commanding Officer, RAF Station Northolt
(1944)     Commanding Officer, RAF Station Biggin Hill
(1945)     Commanding Officer, RAF Station Andrews Field (OBE)
20.12.1949     short service commission, RAF & transferred to Secretarial Branch
11.01.1952     permanent commission
Richdale,
Conroy Richdale
C.R. Richdale C.R. Richdale
Born as Conroy Richdale Jones as son of Thomas Ernest Jones, a Superintendent of Insurance, Walsall, and Ada Elizabeth Brookes.
Married Group Officer Eily Beatrice De Lany, WAAF.
29.10.1897
Stafford, Staffordshire
-
1968
Natal, South Africa
Army:
 
2nd Lt.
26.08.1915
Lt.
14.09.1917, seniority 26.05.1917
A/Capt.
15.07.1918-30.12.1918,
26.12.1919-...
Capt.
26.05.1920 (retd 05.12.1922)
RAF:
 
F/O (prob) (Hon. F/Lt.)
10.08.1931 [05194]
F/O (Hon. F/Lt.)
10.08.1932
F/Lt.
15.02.1936
Sq.Ldr.
23.02.1939
(A) W/Cdr.
(1941)
(T) W/Cdr.
01.07.1943, seniority 01.03.1942
(WS) W/Cdr.
26.05.1944
W/Cdr.
01.07.1947, seniority 01.01.1945
Gp.Capt.
01.07.1948 (retd 29.10.1952)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
01.01.1945
New Year 45
Mentioned in Despatches MID
01.01.1941
?
Bronze Star Medal (USA) BSM
27.11.1945
?
Education: King Edward VI, Bury St Edmund.
?
-
13.09.1917
1/5th Battalion The Suffolk Regiment (attached 2nd Battalion, 94th Russell's Infantry)
14.09.1917


commissioned, Indian Army
15.07.1918
-
30.12.1918
Officer Commanding, ... Depôt
26.12.1919
-
?
Officer Commanding, ... Company
01.10.1920
-
15.11.1920
Staff Captain
16.11.1920
-
15.11.1922
Administrative Commandant (graded as Staff Captain), requalified as Adjutant and Quartermaster
10.08.1931


permanent commission, RAF
10.08.1931
-
?
Assistant Provost Marshal [later: Deputy to the Provost Marshal] and Deputy Chief of Air Police
01.11.1937
 
 
No. 1 RAF Depot, Uxbridge
?
-
31.07.1944
Deputy to the Provost Marshal and Deputy Chief of Air Force Police
(1945)


Provost Marshal of the Mediterranean Allied Air Force
01.07.1947
 
 
transferred, Provost Branch
Riddell,
Robert Nesbitt
R.N. Riddell
?
-
Sq.Ldr. RAFO
01.09.1939
       
Ridley,
Claude
C. Ridley
?
-
Sq.Ldr. (retd)
01.01.1925
Distinguished Service Order DSO
?
?
Military Cross MC
?
?
       
Robb,
Sir James Milne
J.M. Robb J.M. Robb
J.M. Robb J.M. Robb
J.M. Robb
26.01.1895
-
18.12.1968
...
...
(A) Air Marshal
15.10.1944
Air Marshal
01.01.1946
Air Chief Marshal
01.10.1948
...
-
...
...
14.12.1936
-
1940
Commandant, Central Flying School
17.04.1940


Air Officer Commanding, No 2 (Bomber) Group
23.02.1941


Air Officer Commanding, No 15 (Reconnaissance) Group
1942


Deputy Chief of Combined Operations
04.12.1942


Deputy Air Commander, ?
11.03.1943
-
1944
Deputy Air Commander, North West African Air Forces/Air Officer Commanding, RAF North West Africa
1944


Staff, HQ Mediterranean Allied Air Forces
1944
-
1945
Deputy Chief of Staff (Air), SHAEF
14.05.1945
-
1947
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Fighter Command RAF
...
-
...
...
Roberts,
David Neal
D.N. Roberts
04.06.1906
Cuckfield, Sussex
-
10.2000
Andover, Hampshire
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937
Air Force Cross AFC
?
?




Roberts,
the Rev. Matthew John
M.J. Roberts
Residence: (1960s) The Rectory, Main Street, Sutton West, Ontario, Canada.
?
-
Chapl. (with relative rank of Sq.Ldr.) 01.05.1939 [38093] (reld 31.08.1941)
Education: King's College, London (AKC 1937). Trinity College, Dublin (BA 46, MA 49); University of Glasgow (PhD 49).
Church of St James the Less, Bethnal Green, 1936-1939.
01.05.1939     commissioned, RAF (Chaplains Branch - Church of England)
1939 - 1941 Chaplain, No. 8 Flying Training School, Montrose
Permission to Officiate at St Mary Montrose and St David's Inverbervie 39-40; Rector of Stubton 41-43.
Robinson,
Donald Neil
D.N. Robinson
?
-
(A) P/O (prob) 09.07.1938 [40945]
F/O 03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.03.1942
F/Lt. 01.05.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 22.11.1940 ?
09.07.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
(1940)     38 Squadron RAF (DFC)
16.05.1942     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
01.05.1947     extended service commission, RAF (General Duties Branch)
01.05.1951     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
06.11.1951     reverted to reserve (retaining rank of Sq.Ldr.)
Robinson,
Michael Lister
M.L. Robinson
?
-
F/O
16.04.1938 [37300]
W/Cdr.
?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
?
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
08.1942
-
09.1942
Wing Leader Biggin Hill
Robinson,
Norman Frank Thomas
N.F.T. Robinson
Son of ... Robinson, and ... Carter.
Married (1941) Lorna Murrelle Wright (1913 - (03?).1965); ... children.
18.09.1912
Greenwich district, London
-
04.1991
Manchester district, Lancashire
Wt.Offr. ? [514554]
(A) P/O (prob) 31.12.1942 [50578]
P/O (prob) 25.02.1943
(WS) F/O (prob) 25.08.1943
(WS) F/Lt. 12.12.1944
F/O 01.01.1947, seniority 25.02.1945
04.1948, seniority 25.02.1944
F/Lt. 30.06.1947
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 14.07.1947
Sq.Ldr. 01.11.1947, seniority 01.08.1947
W/Cdr. 01.07.1949 (retd 18.03.1964; own request)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) OBE 30.12.1978 New Year 79: Assistant Chief Constable, Ministry of Defence
1931     joined RAF (Aircrafthand / General Duties)
1931 - 1933 18 Squadron RAF (Upper Heyford) & 12 Squadron RAF (Andover)
1933 - 1936 Instructor RAF Police School (RAF Halton)
1936 - 1937 RAF Felixstowe
1937 - 1938 RAF Upwood (as Sgt.)
1938 - 1939 RAF Police School Uxbridge
08.1939     RAF in France – HQ Advanced Air Striking Force, Rheims
1940 - 1942 RAF Uxbridge RAF Police Special Investigation Branch (as Wt.Offr.)
31.12.1942     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
03.05.1943 - 1946 Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal, ... (Middle East)
08.1946 - 1947 Provost Duties, London Group RAF
01.01.1947     permanent commissioned, RAF (Provost Branch)
1947 - 1949 No 3 RAF District, RAF Syerston, Nottinghamshire
06.1949 - 1951 Deputy Provost Marshal (Middle East Command)
06.1951 - 1953 RAF Pershore and RAF Netheravon
1953 - 1954 Air Ministry London
1954 - 1958 Germany HQ Tactical Air Force
03?.1958 - 1959 HQ No. 7 Police District (for provost duties)
28.04.1959 - 1962 RAF Turnhouse (for provost duties) (No 1 Police District Edinburgh Scotland)
04.06.1962 - 1964 HQ Provost and Security Services (UK) as Assistant Provost Marshal (Administration) (Defence College?)
Roe,
Derek John Aubrey
D.J.A. Roe
?
-
P/O (RAFO)
23.09.1938 [70818]
F/O (RAFO)
23.03.1940
(A) F/Lt. (RAFO)

(WS) F/Lt. (RAFO)
23.03.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr.
03.12.1946, seniority 01.06.1942
Sq.Ldr.
01.09.1945
W/Cdr.
01.07.1951
Distinguished Service Order DSO
26.05.1942
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
22.11.1940
?
Mentioned in Despatches MID
01.01.1941
?
Education: psa, pfc
(1940)


107 Squadron
(1942)


82 Squadron
12.02.1952
-
(04.1956)
Operations and Training, Allied Forces Northern Europe (RAF Element)
Roe,
Edmund Charles
E.C. Roe
04.05.1906
Portsmouth, Hampshire
-
10.1995
Norwich, Norfolk
F/Sgt.
? [362991]
(A) P/O (prob)
08.07.1941 [46359]
P/O (prob)
?
P/O
15.08.1942
(WS) F/O
05.09.1942, seniority 29.07.1942
(T) F/Lt.
?
(WS) F/Lt.
18.11.1945
(A) Sq.Ldr.
? (retd 02.09.1946)
08.07.1941


first commission RAF (Technical Branch)
Roe,
Richard George
R.G. Roe
Brother of Robert Douglas Roe.
10.10.1916
-
07.2003
Keighley, Yorkshire
?
[unclear if he was an officer]
Education: engineering



served RAF
Roe,
Thomas Benjamin Edward
T.B.E. Roe
Married (10.01.1931, Wandsworth district, London) Ethel Maud Jones; one son, one daughter.
10.08.1902
Fulham, Greater London
-
26.10.1960
Salisbury, Rhodesia
P/O 22.10.1940 [45132]
F/O (prob) ?
(WS) F/O 01.06.1941
F/O 06.11.1941
(T) F/Lt. ?
(WS) F/Lt. 01.11.1943
F/Lt. 01.09.1945
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.09.1942 (retd 03.06.1948)
22.10.1940     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch)
A granddaughter writes: "According to my uncle my grandfather was an instructor on airframes and aero engines. He was promoted from Sergeant instructor to Warrant Officer Class II around 1937. Around 1942 he was posted to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where he was responsible for setting get up what was known as empire training scheme; his area of expertise being engines and airframes. In 1945 he returned to England and was sent to Rolls-Royce to be trained in the very secret new jet engines. Then he was posted to St Athan's in Glamorgan where he was required to set up training schools for the newest engines in service and to train instructors to take the schools. At one time he was responsible for over 3000 men in training. He retired from the RAF in 1948 after serving his 30 years."
Roe,
Valcourt Desmond Meredith
V.D.M. Roe
Son of Capt. Charles Edward Meredith Roe and Marie Eveleen Roe, of Talawakele, Ceylon.
(12?).1911
Portsmouth, Hampshire
-
14.05.1940
(KIA) [age 28]
[Choloy War Cemetery, 2.J.8]
(A) P/O
19.08.1939 [42530]
P/O
?
?
-
14.05.1940
73 Squadron
Roe,
William Sleath
W.S. Roe
05.07.1914
-
06.2004
Salford, Lancashire
(A) P/O (prob)
17.04.1939 [31376]
P/O (prob)
17.07.1939
P/O
17.04.1940
F/O
17.04.1940
(T) F/Lt.
?
(WS) F/Lt.
06.10.1944



served RAF (Equipment Branch)
Rollo,
Arthur Alexander
A.A. Rollo
Son (with two sisters) of Alexander Lees Rollo (1889-1955), and Hilda Hunter (1889-1929).
Married (20.03.1937, Paddington district, London) Lilian West (27.02.1914 - 04.2003), daughter of George Henry West (1879-), and Maud Rutt (1881-); one son, one daughter.
Residence: (1946) Ramsgate, Kent.
06.01.1914
Bootle, Liverpool, Toxteth Park district, Lancashire
-
09.12.1981
Eccles, Salford district, Greater Manchester, Lancashire
Sgt. ? [565336]
P/O 02.07.1941 [47003]
(WS) F/O 02.07.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 02.07.1943 (reld 06.01.1959; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
Air Force Cross AFC 11.06.1942 ?
02.07.1941     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
(1944)     464 Squadron RAAF
20.06.1944     de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito FB.Mk VI (HX976) overshot single-engined and flapless landing at RAF Thorney Island returning from intruder mission; crew of two were safe; aircraft was written off
Obtained civil aviator's licence (No. 21812) on 20.09.1946 being a qualified service pilot.
Rook,
Anthony Hartwell
"Tony"
A.H. Rook A.H. Rook
A.H. Rook 
Cousin of Sq.Ldr. Michael Rook, RAuxAF.
(12?).1912
Nottingham district, Nottinghamshire
-
1966 still alive
P/O
23.06.1937 [90071]
F/O
23.12.1938
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
17.08.1942
(A) W/Cdr.
(1944)
Sq.Ldr.
01.08.1946 (reserve 07.05.1948) (reld 31.07.1958)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
03.03.1942
gallantry and devotion to duty in the excution of air operations
Air Force Cross AFC
08.06.1944
?
Mentioned in Despatches MID
14.06.1945
?
Order of Lenin (USSR) Len
31.03.1942
?
23.06.1937
-
(1940?)
commissioned as pilot, 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force [24.08.1939 mobilized AuxAF]
03.1941
-
07.1941
Commanding Officer, 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron AuxAF
07.1941
-
(09?).1942
Commanding Officer, 81 Squadron RAF (Russia)
07.09.1942
-
(1945?)
Commanding Officer, 43 Squadron RAF (North Africa)
01.08.1946
-
07.05.1948
Commanding Officer, 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron RAuxAF
07.05.1948
-
31.07.1958
Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserve of Officers
Rook,
Michael
"Mike"
M. Rook (Photo courtesy of Mr Michael Rook Jr.) M. Rook
M. Rook 
Son of Col. William Robert Rook (1877-1944), and Dorothy Sophia Brewill (1888-1981).
Cousin of W/Cdr. Anthony H. Rook, RAuxAF.
(12?).1915
Bingham district, Nottinghamshire
-
(03?).1948
Basford district
(killed in a flying accident) [age 33]
P/O
08.08.1938 [90077]
F/O
08.08.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
08.08.1941
(A) Sq.Ldr.
1942?
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1943
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
23.04.1944 (reld 11.12.1946; retaining rank of W/Cdr.?)
F/Lt.
11.12.1946, seniority 25.08.1946
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
16.02.1943
*
* This officer has rendered valuable service during an extensive period of operational flying. He served in France and later fought in the Battle of Britain when he destroyed 2 enemy aircraft. During operations in Russia he destroyed a Messerschmitt 109. On 8th November, 1942, during the assault on Algiers, this officer led his squadron on a flight to Maison Blanche airfield before it was known that the airfield had been captured. The squadron reached the airfield at an early hour and its arrival had a most beneficial effect on the fighting and on the negotiations that were proceeding. Squadron Leader Rook's energetic leadership and splendid example have contributed materially to successes achieved by his squadron, which has completed a large number of hours flying since its arrival in North Africa.
08.08.1938
-
03.1941
commissioned as pilot, 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force (UK, France, Battle of Britain) [24.08.1939 mobilized AuxAF]
(1941?)
-
(1942?)
"B" Flight, 81 Squadron RAF (Russia)

15.09.1940
27.09.1940
    6 victories:
½ Do 17
1 Bf 110
11.12.1946


commissioned, Reconstituted Auxiliary Air Force
Rose,
Frederick Arthur
F.A. Rose (Photo courtesy of Mrs Diana Davies)
?
-
Wt.Offr. ? [5107069]
(A) P/O (prob) 31.12.1941, seniority 14.11.1941 [47623]
31.12.1941     commissioned, RAF (Accountant Branch) [emergency commission]
Rose,
William Edward
W.E. Rose (Photo courtesy of Mrs Diana Davies)
?
-
F/Sgt. ? [346242]
(A) P/O (prob) 31.12.1941, seniority 27.10.1941 [48083]
31.12.1941     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
Ross,
Ellis Henry
E.H. Ross (Photo courtesy of Mr Lyall Brown) E.H. Ross (Photo courtesy of Mr Lyall Brown)
Second son of Thomas Digby Aubrey Ross, and Sarah Jane Henry, of Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.
1914
Portland, NSW, Australia
-
13.08.1940
[age 26]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 6]
P/O 26.08.1937 [40060]
F/O 26.05.1939
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 31.05.1940 *

* In difficult weather Flying Officer Ross was despatched to launch an attack on the German-occupied base at Aalborg. As soon as he appeared over that centre, where ground defences were particularly strong, an intense fire was directed at his machine. Nevertheless, he made five runs over the target, and, being one of the leaders of the attack, he set an excellent example of enthusiasm and zeal to the other pilots in the formation.

Education: Taree High School, NSW.
      graded medically unfit on his first interview to gain selection for the Air Force; after medical treatment he was accepted
07.1936     training, RAAF Flying School, Point Cook. Victoria, Australia
26.08.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
? - 13.08.1940 83 Squadron RAF (RAF Scampton)
[Pilot of Hampden I, P4410, OL-H, that was lost without trace raiding the Dortmund-Ems canal 12/13.08.1940. Buried at Münster. Unfortunately the cemetery, where many allied airmen were buried, was hit by several bombs during an allied attack of the city 10.10.1943 with the result that many graves were lost.]
Rothwell,
Talbot Nelson Conn
"Tolly"
T.N.C. Rothwell (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Deacon)

Wikipedia
Carry On Line
12.11.1916
Bromley, Kent
-
28.02.1981
Worthing, Sussex
(A) P/O (prob)
14.12.1938 [41475]
P/O (prob)
03.09.1939
P/O
06.10.1939
(WS) F/O
03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
03.09.1941
F/Lt.
01.11.1947, seniority 01.09.1945
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) OBE
1977
services to the cinema industry
14.12.1938


first commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
?
-
13.06.1940
pilot, 224 Squadron RAF
[shot down in his Hudson I [N7359 „QX-Q“] northwest of Stavanger by Flak of the 3. Räumbootsflottille while on a special coastal reconnaissance; taken off from Leuchars at 06.25 hrs]
13.06.1940
-
1945?
POW in German captivity at Stalag Luft III
06.11.1945


transferred to Reserve of Air Force Officers, dated 06.10.1942 (and called up for Air Force service)
06.10.1948


granted an extension of service for five years in Class 'C' [extended by 5 years with effect from 06.10.1953]

Writer of 22 Carry On films.
Routh,
Eric John Daubeney
E.J.D. Routh
± 1895
Malta
-
Sq.Ldr.
17.07.1929
       
Rowland,
Frederick Cecil
F.C. Rowland
Son (with one brother) of Alfred Rowland (1863-1935), and Annie Louise Cowan (1879-1905).
Married Jean Patricia Southall, daughter (with two brothers) of John Southall (1895-), and Muriel Douglas Mcwilliam (1897-); one son.
13.11.1902
Bombay, India
-
11.04.1988
Farnham, Surrey South-Western district, Surrey (formerly of Hindhead, Surrey)
P/O (prob) 15.09.1924 [19090]
F/O 15.05.1926
F/Lt. 14.05.1930
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937 (retd 13.11.1949; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
(T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1940-01.11.1947
Education: University of London; qualified at specialist engineering course.
15.09.1924     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
01.09.1929     permanent commission
24.04.1940     transferred, RAF (Technical Branch)
His son writes: "He was I believe station commander, Farnborough in 1948/9 and I believe he served on Hermes in China. He had a very bad flying accident before WW2. Lost his teeth and his face was scarred."
Royce,
Michael Elliott Appelbee
"Scruffy"
M.E.A. Royce
Brother of W/Cdr. William Barrington Royce, RAuxAF.
(12?).1919
Mansfield district, Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire
-
1998
Isle of Wight
P/O
28.06.1938 [90076]
F/O
28.12.1939
(WS) F/Lt.
28.12.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1943
28.06.1938


commissioned, Auxiliary Air Force (General Duties Branch): 504 (County of Nottingham) (Bomber) Squadron AuxAF
24.08.1939


mobilized



504 Squadron RAuxAF
15.09.1940


flew Hurricane L 1913, was hit 1225 hrs over London, but only suffered repairable damage; returned to RAF Base Hendeon with oil cooler problem after combat action
Royce,
William Barrington
"Joe"
W.B. Royce
Brother of Sq.Ldr. Michael Elliott Appelbee Royce, RAuxAF.
?
-
P/O (prob)
04.06.1932 [90062]
P/O
22.05.1933
F/O
04.12.1933
F/Lt.
03.09.1939
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1940
(T) W/Cdr.
01.03.1942
(WS) W/Cdr.
17.08.1944
W/Cdr.
? (retd 22.08.1958; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
31.05.1940
*
* This officer assumed command of a squadron after its three previous commanders had been lost. One day in May his squadron had completed seven sorties, including two ground attacks, by 1300 hours and were eager to go out yet again. Flight Lieutenant Royce shot down four enemy aircraft. He led the squadron in a most efficient and determined manner.
04.06.1932
 
 
commissioned, Royal Air Force Reserve - Special Reserve (General Duties Branch)
18.05.1936


transferred, Auxiliary Air Force (General Duties Branch): 504 (County of Nottingham) (Bomber) Squadron AuxAF
24.08.1939


mobilized
(01.07.1940)


504 Squadron RAuxAF



4 victories
Ryan,
Richard Stephen
J.A.T. Ryde
Son of Cdr. Richard Cecil Francis Ryan, RN (1888-), and ... Grehan, of Inch, Thurles, Ireland.
Married (26.05.1937, Paddington district, London) Mary Wilford Taylor (15.04.1915 - 08.1993), only daughter of Mr & Mrs Edwin Taylor, of Hong Kong; three daughters.
15.01.1912
Holywell district, Flintshire
-
03.2000
Cheltenham district, Gloucestershire
P/O (prob) 28.12.1931 [32130]
P/O 28.12.1932
F/O 28.07.1933
F/Lt. 28.07.1936
Sq.Ldr. 01.02.1939
(T) W/Cdr. 01.03.1941
(WS) W/Cdr. 13.01.1944
W/Cdr. 01.10.1946
(T) Gp.Capt. 01.07.1944-01.11.1947
Gp.Capt. 01.07.1950 (retd 15.10.1956)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE 01.06.1953 HM's coronation
Mentioned in Despatches MID 11.06.1942 ?
28.12.1931     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
29.12.1931     RAF Depot, Uxbridge
09.01.1932     No. 2 Flying Training School RAF (Digby)
19.12.1932     33 (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Bicester)
16.06.1934     803 (FF) Squadron RAF
28.12.1936     permanent commission
08.08.1938     Central Flying School RAF (Upavon)
25.08.1941 - 09.03.1942 Commanding Officer, 103 Squadron RAF
28.12.1944 - 1946? Commanding Officer, RAF Station Pershore
07.1946 - 01.1948? Commanding Officer, RAF Station Leeming
1949 - 1951? Commanding Officer, RAF Station Driffield
(03?).1954 - (06.)1956 Air Attaché Stockholm (Sweden)
Ryde,
John Alexander Thomson
J.A.T. Ryde
19.07.1904
Scarborough, Yorkshire
-
Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1936
W/Cdr.
?
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.12.1941 (retd 17.11.1945)
Air Force Cross AFC
?
?
03.07.1924


first commission




Ryley,
Douglas William Robert
D.W.R. Ryley
11.11.1905
-
01.1986
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937



qualified at a specialist armament course


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