No.264 Sqn RAF - Squadron Details

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No.264 Sqn RAF - Squadron Details - Aviation Directory

No.264 Sqn RAF

Name : No.264 Sqn RAF
Founded : 27th September 1918
Disbanded : 30th November 1962
Country : UK
Fate : Disbanded 30th November 1962
More Details : Madras Presidency

We defy
Known Code Letters : , PS, VA,

264 Squadron was formed from two former Royal Naval Air Service flights, No.439 and No.440, on 27th September 1918 at Souda bay in Crete with the role of anti-submarine patrols, and equipped with the Short 184 floatplanes. The Squadron was disbanded on 1 March 1919. On 8th December 1939 at Martlesham Heath, 264 Squadron was reformed and equipped with the new Boulton Paul Defiant fighter. In March 1940 the squadron started operations doing convoy patrols. After initial successes the Luftwaffe soon realised that the Defiant was vulnerable to frontal attack, and 264 Squadron along with the other Boulton Paul Defiant squadrons started to suffer heavy losses of aircraft and crew. At the end of May 1940, 264 Squadron was withdrawn from operations as a day-fighter squadron and began to train in the night-fighter role. During the Battle of Britain 264 Squadron was used again for day fighting but again suffered losses and returned to the night-fighter role. In May 1942 the squadron was re-equipped with Mosquito II and moved to RAF Colerne, and later receieved the new Mark VI. The squadron operated as night-fighters in the west of England and also in the role of day patrols in the Bay of Biscay and western approaches. 264 Squadron later became part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force providing night patrols over Europe and near the end of the war it was based at Twente in Holland patrolling over Berlin. 264 squadron was disbanded at Twente on 25th August 1945.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
William James [Marmaduke] Alington	sqd leader	24th June 1943	24th April 1944		Mosquito
B Baker	Sergeant	unknown	26th August 1940		Defiant	L6985	Killed in Action
A. J. Banham	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	7th September 1940		Defiant	L6985
Frederick Barker	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L7005
Eric Barwell	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L6972
A. Berry	Sergeant	unknown	24th August 1940		Defiant	L7027	Killed in Action
J. S. M. Bromley		unknown	13th May 1940			L6958	Killed in Action
G. E. Chandler	Pilot Officer	unknown	13th May 1940		Defiant	L6960	Killed in Action
W. E. Cox	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L6965
L. C. W. Daisley	Sergeant	unknown	28th May 1940		Defiant	L6953	Killed in Action
G. D. Garvin	Squadron Leader	unknown	28th August 1940		Defiant	L7021	Killed in Action
R. S. Gaskell	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L6965	Killed in Action
H. I. Goodall	Pilot Officer	unknown	8th October 1940		Defiant	N1627	Killed in Action
F. D. Greenhalgh		unknown	unknown		Defiant	L6977
P. E. J. Greenhous	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L6977
Arthur John Hodgkinson		unknown	unknown
C. E. Johnson	Pilot Officer	unknown	28th August 1940		Defiant	L7026	Killed in Action
J. T. Jones	Pilot Officer	unknown	24th August 1940		Defiant	L6966	Killed in Action
D. H. S. Kay	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	L6957
P. L. Kenner	Pilot Officer	unknown	28th August 1940		Defiant	L7026	Killed in Action
Fredrick Harry King	Pilot Officer	unknown	24th August 1940		Defiant		Killed in Action
W. R. A. Knocker	Pilot Officer	unknown	15th November 1940		Defiant		Killed in Action
A. John Lauder	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Defiant
Kenneth R Lusty		9th October 1943	unknown
W. H. Machin	Sergeant	unknown	24th August 1940		Defiant	L6965	Killed in Action
Robert Olding		April 1954	May 1956		Meteor
W. A. Ponting	Pilot Officer	unknown	24th August 1940		Defiant	L6966	Killed in Action
H. Scott	Pilot Officer	unknown	28th May 1940		Defiant	L6959	Killed in Action
W. J. Scott	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Spitfire	N3038
John de Severne		October 1945	1947		Mosquito
I. G. Shaw	Flight Officer	unknown	24th August 1940		Defiant	L7027	Killed in Action
A. E. Skelton	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L6969
I. R. Stephenson	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Defiant	L7025
R. W. Stokes	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	L7019
F. A. Toombs	Pilot Officer	unknown	15th November 1940		Defiant	N1547	Killed in Action
R. C. Turner	Sergeant	unknown	28th August 1940		Defiant	N1574	Killed in Action
E. H. Whitehouse	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	28th May 1940		Hurricane	L6959	Killed in Action
R. B. M. Young	Sergeant	unknown	8th October 1940		Defiant	N1627	Killed in Action

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.264 Sqn RAF

A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this squadron. A profile page is available by clicking their name.

Name

Info

Adams, R T
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Died : 30 / 6 / 1942

Adams, R T

Missing June 30th 1942

Alington, William James [Marmaduke]
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Died : 4 / 1 / 1969

Alington, William James [Marmaduke]

Officer, Merchant Navy. Gained aviator's licence (No. 10571), taken on 24.06.1932 on a D.H. 60X Cirrus II 30/80 h.p. at Hampshire Aeroplane Club. Joined the staff of Aberdeen Airways as a pilot, 1935. 04.04.1936 commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) William Alington was born on 26th March 1926 in Hythe, Kent and was the son of Lt.Col. A C M Alington. His brothers Paym Lt.Cdr Rupert Hildebrand Alington and W/Co Patrick Hamilton Alington RAF also served in WW2 with distinction. He was flying as far back as 1932 as a civilian pilot and gained his aviator's licence (No.10571) in June 1932 at the Hampshire Aeroplane Club. He later joined the staff of Aberdeen Airways and Alan Clark's Peak District aircraft crash research reveals that he was the pilot of Moth G-EBWA which crashed on Burbage Edge near Buxton on 11th October 1934. On 28th April 1936 he was granted a commission as P/O on probation in the Reserve. In the years before the War he rose in rank and on 13th November 1940 in the RAF, Reserve of Air Force Officers, he was made F/Lt. He was awarded the AFC, Gazetted on 30th September 1941, this was gained for service with 2 CFS. Hugh Halliday's research discovered a recommendation for his award which states.."This officer has completed 2,700 hours of instructional flying of which 595 hours have been flown since December 1939. His great enthusiasm for the work is reflected in the high standard attained by his pupils." Later, on 16th December 1941, he rose to S/Ldr. On 2nd February 1943 he was awarded the DFC for service and commanding 25 Squadron, the citation reads.."This officer has completed a large number of sorties and has destroyed two enemy aircraft at night. He is an extremely able flight commander, whose efforts to achieve success in night fighting have been most praiseworthy." He was also awarded the Bar to the DFC, Gazetted on 23rd July 1943 for service with 264 Squadron. This citation reads.."This officer has displayed exceptional keenness and determination to inflict loss on the enemy. On one sortie, he damaged seven locomotives. More recently, in June 1943, he led a formation of light bombers on an operation which resulted in the destruction of four enemy aircraft on the ground, while much damage was caused to a hangar. In addition, a minesweeper was attacked and damaged. By his fearless and skilful leadership, Wing Commander Alington played a large part in the success of the sortie." Post-War he stayed with the RAF Reserve of Officers and relinquished his commission of S/Ldr but retaining his rank of W/C with effect from 10th February 1954. On 18th May 1941 He was the pilot of Master T8550 which was flying at night and had just taken off from Church Fenton when the aircraft's engine cut out, the aircraft struck a tree at 23.30hrs near Ulleskelf and crashed seriously injuring both the airmen on board. Pilot - F/Lt William James "Marmaduke" Alington . Injured. Passenger - Sgt D W Poole (926724). Injured. (05.1941) 54 Operational Training Unit RAF (09.1941) No. 2 Central Flying School RAF (AFC) (1943) 25 Squadron RAF (DFC) 24.06.1943 -24.04.1944 264 Squadron RAF (Bar to DFC) P/O 04.04.1936 P/O 04.10.1936 F/O 04.10.1937 F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 24.06.1943 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of W/Cdr.) (A) W/Cdr. (1943)

Andrews, M. R.
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Andrews, M. R.

Ash, R. C. V.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Ash, R. C. V.

Flight Lieutenant R.C.V. Ash of No 264 Squadron and his pilot, Squadron Leader G.D. Garvin were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7021) was shot down by a Bf 109 of JG26 over Faversham.

Bailey, J. R. A.
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Bailey, J. R. A.

Passed away.

Baker, B
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Died : 8 / 10 / 1979

Baker, B

Sergeant B.Baker of No 264 Squadron was flying as gunner in Defiant's during the early part of the Battle of Britain. Baker was shot down on the 26th of August 1940 off Herne Bay. His Defiant I (L6985) crashed into the sea and Sergeant Baker died. His pilot Flight |Lieutenant A.J.Banham escaped the crash.

Baker, B.
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Died : 26 / 8 / 1940

Baker, B.

Missing August 26th 1940**

Banham, A. J.
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Died : 0 / 0 / 1987

Banham, A. J.

Flight Lieutenant A.J.Banham was part of No 264 Squadron flying Defiant's during the early part of the Battle of Britain. Flight Lieutenant A.J. Banham was promoted to Squadron Leader and from then on commanded over No 229 Squadron from 7th of September 1940. On 15th of October 1940 he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3124) wounded with burns after being shot down near Kent. Passed away 1987.

Barker, Frederick
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Barker, Frederick

Sergeant F.J.Barker and his Pilot Sergeant E.R.Thorn both of No 264 Squadron shot down 3 Bf 109's and a Bf 110 on the 28th of May 1940. On May 29th they shot down 2 Ju 87's and a He 111 on the 31st. Both men were promoted to Flight Sergeant and awarded the D.F.M. for their actions. On the 24th of August 1940 they shot down a Ju 88. Both were injured on 26th of August 1940 after shooting down 2 Do 17's and a Bf 109 that were attacking them, they crash landed the battle damaged Defiant I (L7005) near Chislet. Barker survived the war.

Barwell, Eric
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Died : 12 / 12 / 2007

Barwell, Eric

Born in Suffolk in August 1913, Eric Barwell joined the RAFVR in 1938 to train as a pilot. He was commissioned into No.264 Sqn in February 1940, flying the Boulton-Paul Defiant. His squadron flew in support of the evacuation of Dunkirk, and he claimed two Me109s, two Ju87 Stukas and a Heinkel during this evacuation. However, in the combat with the Heinkel, his aircraft was damaged and he was forced to ditch, managing to put it down in the water between two British destroyers. He and his gunner were rescued by HMS Malcolm. On 24th August, while scrambling to intercept bombers, he and his wingman were attacked by five fighters, his wingman being immediately shot down. His gunner managed to shoot down one of the enemy fighters before the Defiant managed to escape, but it was clear that the aircraft was no match for the German fighters. They were withdrawn from combat and used in a night-time training role. Barwell was awarded the DFC for the six victories scored. In April 1941, he scored a night-time victory over a Heinkel, with a second also probable. He transferred to No.125 Sqn flying Beaufighters, claiming a Dornier damaged on 1st July 1942. By March 1943, No.125 Sqn were equipped with Mosquitoes. He shot down two Ju-88s in this aircraft, and also recorded his final victory, over a V-1 rocket. He was awarded the bar to his DFC and transferred to various experimental squadrons before leaving the RAF in September 1945. Sadly, Eric Barwell died on 12th December 2007.

Belchem, L. G.
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Died : 14 / 7 / 1942

Belchem, L. G.

Killed July 14th 1942**

Berry, A.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Berry, A.

Sergeant A.Berry of No 264 Squadron was shot down by Bf 109's of JG 3 off Manston on the 24th of August 1940. Sergeant A. Berry and his pilot, I.G. Shaw were killed.

Bowen, P. D.
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Died : 13 / 2 / 1944

Bowen, P. D.

Missing February 13th 1944**

Bromley, J. S. M.
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Died : 13 / 5 / 1940

Bromley, J. S. M.

J.S.M.Bromley of No.264 Squadron was on patrol in Defiant (L6958) when it was damaged in combat by a Me109 and crashed near Rotterdam.

Campbell, A.
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Died : 28 / 7 / 1942

Campbell, A.

Killed July 28th 1942

Campbell-Colquhoun, E. W.
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Died : 0 / 0 / 1989

Campbell-Colquhoun, E. W.

Ernest joined the RAFVR on a short service commission in October 1936. In January 1937 he was posted to 10 FTS at Tern Hill, Shropshire. Early in August 1937 he joined 66 Sqn at RAF Duxford in Cambridgeshire. Still with 66 Sqn when war broke out he claimed a Bf109 over Dunkirk on 2nd June 1940. He conducted an “Interception Patrol” with Flt. Lt. Burton and P.O. Collingridge on the 29th July 1940[1]. He claimed the He111K which they intercepted some 14 miles East of Hammond Hill at 15:30 hrs. The enemy a/c was identified as an H-2 variant from I/KG53 with Ltn. Kliffken & two NCo’s killed and two missing n the 21st August 1940 he was promoted to Flt. Lt. and posted as Flight Commander to 264 Squadron based at Kirton-in-Lindsey. Three days later on the 24th August he was flying a Defiant (L7013) over Thanet when they were engaged in combat with a Bf109 and was badly damaged. He force landed PS-U at Manston at 08:20 hrs when Very cartridges exploded within the cockpit. Both he and Pilot Officer G. Robinson (turret gunner) escaped both unhurt. The aircraft was damaged but was repairable He was released from the RAF as a Squadron Leader in 1946. He passed away in 1989.

Carlin, S.
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Died : 9 / 5 / 1941

Carlin, S.

Killed May 9th 1941

Carnaby, W. F.
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Died : 5 / 2 / 1943

Carnaby, W. F.

Killed February 5th 1943

Chandler, G. E.
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Died : 13 / 5 / 1940

Chandler, G. E.

Pilot Officer G.E.Chandler of No.264 Squadron was in Defiant (L6960) was shot down south of Rotterdam on May 13th 1940 following combat with a Me109.

Chapman, V. R.
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Chapman, V. R.

Corner, M. C.
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Died : 23 / 4 / 1945

Corner, M. C.

Died April 23rd 1945

Cox, W. E.
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Died : 23 / 1 / 1953

Cox, W. E.

Sergeant W.E.Cox of No.264 Squadron was in Defiant (L6965) when it was shot down at Zevenberg on May 13th 1940. Cox Passed away 23rd January 1953.

Crook, V. W. J.
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Crook, V. W. J.

Daisley, L. C. W.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

Daisley, L. C. W.

Sergeant L.C.W.Daisley of No.264 Squadron was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L6953) was shot down by a Me109.

Dobree, N. R.
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Dobree, N. R.

Ellery, C. C.
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Died : 20 / 3 / 1977

Ellery, C. C.

Passed away 20th March 1977.

Emeny, C. S.
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Emeny, C. S.

Garvin, G. D.
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Garvin, G. D.

Squadron Leader G.Desmond Garvin of No 264 Squadron and his gunner Flight Lieutenant R.C.V.Ash were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7021) was shot down near Faversham.

Gash, F.
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Gash, F.

Gaskell, R. S.
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Gaskell, R. S.

Pilot Officer R.S.Gaskell of No 264 Squadron crashed and wrote off his Defiant (L6965) on the 24th of August 1940 following combat. He suffered slight injuries but gunner (W.H.Machin) was killed.

Goodall, H. I.
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Died : 10 / 10 / 1940

Goodall, H. I.

Pilot Officer H.L.Goodall of No 264 Squadron and his gunner (R.M.Young) were both killed when their Defiant (N1627) crashed near Marlow, on October 8th 1940 whilst on patrol.

Greenhalgh, F. D.
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Greenhalgh, F. D.

F.D.Greenhalgh of No.264 Squadron was flying in Defiant (L6977) when it was shot down over Dunkirk whilst on patrol on May 13th 1940. He became a prisoner of war.

Greenhous, P. E. J.
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Greenhous, P. E. J.

Pilot Officer P.E.J.Greenhous of No.264 Squadron was in Defiant (L6977) when it was shot down over Dunkirk whilst on patrol on May 13th 1940. Greenhous was made a prisoner of war.

Hackwood, G. H.
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Died : 20 / 11 / 1940

Hackwood, G. H.

Killed November 20th 1940

Hardy, O. A.
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Hardy, O. A.

Hayden, L. H.
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Hayden, L. H.

Hodgkinson, Arthur John
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Died : 10 / 7 / 1943

Hodgkinson, Arthur John

Killed July 10th 1943

Hughes, F. D.
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Died : 11 / 1 / 1992

Hughes, F. D.

Passed away 11th January 1992.

Johnson, C. E.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Johnson, C. E.

Pilot Officer C.E.Johnson of No 264 Squadron and his pilot Pilot Officer P.L.Kenner were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7026) was shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 26 over Thanet.

Jones, J. T.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Jones, J. T.

Pilot Officer J.T.Jones of No 264 Squadron and his gunner (W.A.Ponting) were killed on the 24th of August 1940. Their Defiant (L6966) was shot down in combat off Ramsgate.

Kay, D. H. S.
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Died : 19 / 10 / 1944

Kay, D. H. S.

Pilot Officer D.H.S.Kay of No.264 Squadron was flying in his Defiant (L6957) on May 29th 1940 when it was badly damaged by a Me110. Kay managed to return safely. Kay was killed on October 19th 1944.

Kenner, P. L.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Kenner, P. L.

Pilot Officer P.L.Kenner of No 264 Squadron and his gunner Pilot Officer C.E.Johnson were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7026) was shot down near Thanet.

King, Fredrick Harry
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

King, Fredrick Harry

Pilot Officer Fredrick Harry King was in No 264 Squadron until the 24th of August 1940 when he and his pilot (Squadron Leader P.A.Hunter) were chasing enemy aircraft out to sea flying a Defiant (N1935) and went missing.

Knocker, W. R. A.
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Died : 15 / 11 / 1940

Knocker, W. R. A.

Pilot Officer W.R.A.Knocker was killed when the engine of his Defiant I (N1547) cut out on November 15th 1940 and hit a tree on landing. The aircraft then exploded near Rochford.

Lauder, A. John
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Lauder, A. John

Sergeant A.John 'Ginger' Lauder flew with No 264 Squadron in Defiant's during the Battle of Britain. The Squadron changed to night fighting after being decimated by enemy fighters. Lauder's final rank achieved was that of Flight Lieutenant.

Lillie, P.
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Lillie, P.

Lusty, Kenneth R
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Died : 18 / 9 / 2009

Lusty, Kenneth R

Kenneth Lusty joined the RAF as an Airman u/t Air Gunner on 4th September 1939. After call-up, he did his basic training at Padgate and then went to RAF Aldergrove on 30th December for a gunnery course. On 24th February 1940 Lusty joined 235 Squadron. As a Coastal Command Squadron, the need for WOp/AGs in the crews meant that Lusty was posted away on 14th May to 25 Squadron at North Weald. He served with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain. Lusty retrained as a Radio Observer, was commissioned in May 1941 and on 16th July he joined 1453 Flight, newly-formed at Wittering and equipped with Turbinlite Havocs. On 1st August 1942 Lusty was rested. He returned to operations on 2nd April 1943, joining 410 (RCAF) Squadron at Drem operating Beaufighters. Lusty's pilot was posted to 406 (RCAF) Squadron at Predannack on 25th August and they went together but when the squadron became all-Canadian Lusty went to 264 Squadron at Fairwood Common on 9th October 1943. After completing his tour Lusty was sent to the Staff College on 5th July 1944. He was posted to 132 Squadron at Vavuyina, Ceylon on 28th November 1944 as Adjutant. He moved to BHQ Colombo on 23rd June 1945 as Senior Admin Officer. Lusty returned to the UK and was released from the RAF on 21st January 1946 as a Squadron Leader. He died on 18th September 2009.

Machin, W. H.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Machin, W. H.

Sergeant W.H.Machin of No 264 Squadron gunner for R.S.Gaskell flying in Defiant (L6965) was killed on August 24th 1940 when he was shot down in combat.

Maggs, M. H.
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Died : 11 / 1987

Maggs, M. H.

Passed away November 1987.

Martin, A.
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Martin, A.

(Service details unknown)

Maxwell, W.
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Died : 26 / 8 / 1940

Maxwell, W.

Missing August 26th 1940**

Melville, J. C.
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Melville, J. C.

Montague-Smith, A. M.
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Montague-Smith, A. M.

Moore, W. R.
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Died : 1984

Moore, W. R.

Passed away 1984.

Murland, W. J.
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Murland, W. J.

O'Connell, A.
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Died : 17 / 12 / 1976

O'Connell, A.

Passed away 17th December 1976.

O'malley, D. K. C.
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Died : 4 / 9 / 1940

O'malley, D. K. C.

Killed September 4th 1940

Olding, Robert
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Died : 19 / 10 / 2012

Olding, Robert

Robert Charles Olding was born in Colchester on November 29 1932 and attended Colchester Royal Grammar School. During National Service he trained as a navigator and elected to remain in the RAF. In April 1954 he joined No 264 Squadron, operating Meteor night fighters, before his adventurous streak led him to volunteer for a two-year appointment with the Fleet Air Arm. Olding was an experienced RAF night fighter navigator when he volunteered for an exchange tour with the Fleet Air Arm’s 893 Squadron in May 1956. With the crisis over Suez escalating, 893 flew its Sea Venoms to the Mediterranean and embarked in HMS Eagle. The Anglo-French air offensive, Operation Musketeer, began on the night of October 31 with the aim of neutralising the powerful Egyptian Air Force (EAF), initially by bombing its airfields. At first light the following day, carrier-borne aircraft launched a series of attacks to destroy aircraft on the ground. During a further raid that afternoon Olding and his pilot, Lt-Cdr John Willcox, led a formation to attack the airfield at Bilbeis, destroying a number of EAF aircraft by rocket and cannon fire. The next day Willcox and Olding flew on another strike, attacking aircraft dispersed at Almaza airfield. Here the anti-aircraft fire was both accurate and heavy, and Olding’s Sea Venom was hit under the forward fuselage, blasting a large hole in the floor of the cockpit. Olding suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his legs but continued with his duties. With the hydraulics damaged, Willcox had to control the aircraft in the reversionary manual mode. En route back to Eagle, Olding applied a tourniquet to his leg and injected himself with morphine. Unaware of the full extent of the damage to his Sea Venom, Willcox elected to land on the carrier without the flaps and with the undercarriage up. The first attempt had to be aborted but, with the hook lowered, Willcox made a second, slower, approach with Olding calling out the speeds. After landing, Olding passed out. He was rushed to the ship’s sick bay before being flown to a hospital in Cyprus, where his leg became infected and had to be amputated above the knee. He was awarded a DSC. After returning from Suez, Olding spent three months having treatment and learning to walk with his false leg. He refused to use a stick (he walked unaided throughout his life) and even tried to ride a bicycle, but came off, breaking his arm. He returned to duty, and a year later started flying again, this time on the Javelin night fighter. Robert Olding died on 19th October 2012.

Percy, Hugh Harold
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Died : 22 / 5 / 1944

Percy, Hugh Harold

Killed aged 24 on 22nd May 1944 after his Spitfire Mk.XIV RB162 of No.610 Sqn was shot down by flak from Pleinmont Point. He baled out but was killed when his parachute failed. His name is on the Runnymede Memorial. Son of John Hugh and Josephine Percy, of Chwilog, Caernarvonshire.

Ponting, W. A.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Ponting, W. A.

Pilot Officer W.A.Ponting of No 264 Squadron and his pilot (J.T.Jones) were killed on August 24th 1940 when they were shot down off Ramsgate. Their Defiant (L6966) was shot down following combat.

Rasmussen, L. A. W.
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Died : 4 / 9 / 1940

Rasmussen, L. A. W.

Killed September 4th 1940

Robinson, G.
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Robinson, G.

Russell, L. P.
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Died : 19 / 5 / 1942

Russell, L. P.

Killed May 19th 1942

Scott, H.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

Scott, H.

Pilot Officer H.Scott of No.264 Squadron was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L6959) was shot down by a Me109.

Scott, W. J.
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Scott, W. J.

Flight Officer W.J.Scott of No 41 Squadron was flying a Spitfire I (N3038) on the 29th of July 1940. He had been in combat off Dover and went to land, but his under-carriage collapsed when he touched down. He escaped uninjured. W.J.Scott was again shot down and this time killed, he was shot down off Dover in a Spitfire I (R6756) on September 8th 1940.

Severne, John de
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Died : 4 / 10 / 2015

Severne, John de

Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Severne, who has died aged 90, was a Cold War fighter pilot before becoming Equerry to the Duke of Edinburgh; after a series of senior command posts in the RAF he was appointed Captain of the Queens Flight. Ever since he was a small boy building model aeroplanes, Severne had been passionate about flying. His career in the RAF ranged from post-war fighters and jet trainers to the Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft. He won the Kings Cup Air Race in 1960 and became the British Air Racing Champion the same year, flying a Turbulent aircraft entered by the Duke of Edinburgh. In addition to the 32 service aircraft types, he flew 39 different civilian light aircraft. The son of a Royal Flying Corps observer and doctor, John de Milt Severne was born in London on August 15 1925 and educated at Marlborough, where he served in the Officer Training Corps and Home Guard. He was a light aircraft enthusiast from his first flight in a Gipsy Moth at the age of 10. He joined the RAF in April 1944 and completed his training as a pilot in October 1945. He first flew the Mosquito night fighter with 264 Squadron for two years, before leaving for the Central Flying School (CFS) . He trained as a flying instructor and spent the next few years teaching student pilots before returning to CFS to train instructors. In 1952, while still serving at CFS, Severne was able to participate for the first time in the Kings Cup Air Race, an annual event that had fascinated him from his school days. In January 1954, he joined No 98 Squadron, flying Venom day fighter/ground attack aircraft based in northern Germany close to the Iron Curtain. He was soon appointed a flight commander. On November 1 1954 he was carrying out a looping manoeuvre when the engine of his Venom caught fire. A few days earlier a colleague had suffered the same failure and had died when he tried to land the aircraft. Severne would have been justified in ejecting from his single-engine fighter but elected to crash land so that investigations into the incident could be carried out. He landed alongside the runway with the wheels retracted as the fire continued to burn, and managed to scramble clear. For his gallantry he was awarded the AFC. He converted to the Hunter fighter and in January 1956 took command of No 26 Squadron, also based in northern Germany. Following the 1957 Defence White Paper, which stated that air-defence missiles would replace manned fighters, Severne had the distasteful task of telling his men that their squadron was to be disbanded. After a year in the personnel department of the Air Ministry, Severne was appointed to be Equerry to the Duke of Edinburgh. Among other duties he was responsible for making all travel arrangements for the Duke and accompanying him on many trips. This allowed him to travel with the Queens Flight and he took the opportunity to learn to fly helicopters. In 1959 Severne entered Kings Cup Air Race flying a Turbulent painted in the Dukes colours. After a creditable performance, the aircraft was entered again the following year. A number of modifications were made, which resulted in Severne winning the coveted Kings Cup while wearing his daughters riding hat as a crash helmet. After two years, and promotion to wing commander, Severne was appointed LVO and returned to RAF service. After completing the RAF Staff College course, he flew Javelin and Lightning fighters during his appointment as wing commander flying at RAF Middleton St George (now Teesside Airport). With the closure of the RAF airfield, he became the chief instructor of the Lightning Operational Conversion Unit at Coltishall in Norfolk. Severnes next appointment was a very different affair. He left for Aden in January 1966 as the political situation in the Protectorate worsened. He was responsible for the operations of fighter and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters working in co-operation with the Army. Hunter aircraft, which he flew on operations, were kept very busy patrolling the Yemen border and attacking dissidents. The Shackleton maritime patrol aircraft were heavily engaged in the Beira Patrol, the implementation of the Rhodesian oil embargo. As the dissident and terrorism activity increased, Severne was also heavily involved in the planning for the withdrawal from Aden of British forces scheduled for November 1967. On November 28 he was one of the last RAF officers to leave Aden. For his services he was appointed OBE. Severnes already varied flying career took another turn in January 1971 when he was appointed to command the RAFs largest maritime base at Kinloss in Scotland. His three squadrons of Nimrods patrolled the North Atlantic shadowing Soviet submarines and powerful surface fleets. He accumulated almost 500 hours flying time in two years and once commented: Flying low over the sea at 200 ft, at night, in bad weather, 1,000 miles over the North Atlantic, concentrates the mind no end. He also flew the Shackleton in the airborne early warning role. During his command of Kinloss, the station was awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Peace for 1971, which he accepted from the Duke of Edinburgh. In 1972 he was appointed as an ADC to the Queen. After attending the Royal College of Defence Studies, Severne returned to the Central Flying School as Commandant. This provided him with a wide variety of flying opportunities with the RAF, including having the Red Arrows under his command . After leaving CFS in February 1976 Severne spent two years responsible for all flying training in the RAF before taking over as Commander, Southern Maritime Region, an appointment that also carried two senior Nato war appointments. He controlled all British and Nato maritime aircraft, when operating out of British bases, south of a line from southern Ireland to Greenland. He also controlled the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which included air-sea rescue helicopters. His last flight in the RAF was piloting a Whirlwind helicopter during a training air-sea rescue sortie. He retired from the RAF in 1980. In 1982 he was recalled to be Captain of the Queens Flight and a member of the Royal Household. Severne travelled worldwide with members of the Royal family. After seven years, he finally retired, at which point he was advanced to KCVO. His retirement to Somerset was almost as busy as his service life. He served as a Deputy Lieutenant of the county from 1991 to 2001 and was Honorary Air Commodore of No 3 Maritime Headquarters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. He was president of the SW Region of the Royal Air Force Association and also president of the Queen’s Flight Association and of the Central Flying School Association. A man of great charm, he was a keen photographer and took a close interest in local affairs. He was Chapel Warden at Ditcheat Church and raised £25,000 for the restoration of the churchs Alhampton Chapel, a project completed in 2011. He wrote his autobiography Silvered Wings in 2007. He never lost his love of flying and a week before his 90th birthday, and 80 years after his first flight in a Gypsy Moth, he took the controls of a Tiger Moth. John Severne married Katharine Kemball in November 1951. She and their three daughters survive him. Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Severne, born August 15 1925, died October 4 2015.

Shaw, I. G.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Shaw, I. G.

Flight Officer I.G.Shaw of No 264 Squadron and his gunner A.Berry were killed on August 24th 1940 in their Defiant (L7027) when it was shot down off Manston.

Shepherd, F. W.
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Died : 27 / 7 / 1944

Shepherd, F. W.

Killed July 27th 1944

Simpson, L. W.
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Simpson, L. W.

Skelton, A. E.
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Skelton, A. E.

Flight Lieutenant A.E.Skelton was flying in Defiant (L6969) on May 13th 1940 when it was shot down south of Rotterdam following combat with a Me109, he was taken prisoner.

Smith, G. E.
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Died : 1980

Smith, G. E.

Passed away 1980.

Smythe, D. M. A.
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Smythe, D. M. A.

Stephenson, I. R.
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Died : 26 / 11 / 1943

Stephenson, I. R.

Flight Officer I.R.Stephenson of No 264 Squadron was injured on the 26th of August 1940 when he baled out of his Defiant I (L7025). He had been in combat off Herne Bay. His gunner Sergeant W Maxwell was killed.

Stokes, R. W.
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Died : 29 / 5 / 1942

Stokes, R. W.

Pilot Officer R.W.Stokes of No.264 Squadron was flying in a Defiant (L7019) on May 29th 1940, it was damaged and crashed on landing at Manston. Stokes was safe.

Storrie, A. J.
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Died : 20 / 11 / 1940

Storrie, A. J.

Killed November 20th 1940

Sutton, F. C.
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Died : 1981

Sutton, F. C.

Passed away 1981.

Sutton, K. R.
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Sutton, K. R.

Thomas, S. R.
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Thomas, S. R.

Captured as POW. Date unknown

Toombs, F. A.
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Died : 15 / 11 / 1940

Toombs, F. A.

Pilot Officer F.A.Toombs from No 264 Squadron was killed along with Pilot Officer W.R.A.Knocker when the engine of their Defiant I (N1547) cut out on November 15th 1940. They hit a tree on landing and the aircraft then exploded near Rochford.

Toombs, J R
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Died : 11 / 12 / 2006

Toombs, J R

John Richard "Jack" Toombs flew Blenheims during the Battle of Britain with No.236 Sqn, and also flew with No.264 Sqn and has also flown Defiants. Jack Toombs passed away on 11th December 2006.

Trumble, A. J.
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Trumble, A. J.

Taken POW in Greece April 1941. Passed away.

Turner, R. C.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Turner, R. C.

Sergeant R.C.Turner of No 264 Squadron and his pilot Pilot Officer D.Whitley were killed on August 28th 1940. Their Defiant I (N1574) was shot down by a Bf 109 over Thanet.

Wake, F. W.
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Wake, F. W.

Welsh, T. D.
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Died : 1980

Welsh, T. D.

Passed away 1980.

Whitehouse, E. H.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

Whitehouse, E. H.

Flight Lieutenant E.H.Whitehouse was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L6959) was shot down by a Me109.

Whitley, D.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Whitley, D.

Killed August 28th 1940

Young, M. H.
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Young, M. H.

Young, R. B. M.
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Died : 8 / 10 / 1940

Young, R. B. M.

Sergeant R.M.Young a New Zealander of No 264 Squadron and his pilot (P/O H.L.Goodall) were both killed on October 8th 1940 when their Defiant (N1627) crashed near Marlow, Bucks whilst they were flying a patrol.