No.85 Sqn RAF - Squadron Details

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No.85 Sqn RAF - Squadron Details - Aviation Directory

No.85 Sqn RAF

Name : No.85 Sqn RAF
Founded : 1st August 1917
Disbanded : 19th December 1975
Country : UK
Fate : Disbanded 19th December 1975
More Details :

Noctu diuque venamur - We hunt by day and night
Known Code Letters : , VY, NO,

No. 85 Squadron was formed on the 1st of August 1917 at Uphaven. Shortly afterwards the squadron moved to Mousehold Heath nea Norwich under the command of Major R A Archer. The squadron transferred to Hounslow in November 1917 and in March 1918 received its new commander Major William Avery Bishop VC, DSO, MC. On 1st April 1918 No.85 Squadron was transferred into the new Royal Air Force and went to France in May1918 flying the Sopwith Dolphin and later SE5A's. 85 Squadron duties were fighter patrols and ground attack sorties over the western front until the end of the war. On 21st June 1918 Major Edward Mannock DSO MC became commanding officer. On the 26th July 1918 during a patrol with Lt DC Inglis over the front line Major Mannock failed to return and on the 18th of July 1919 Major Mannock was awarded a posthumous VC. No. 85 Squadron had 99 victories during their stint on the western front, returning to the UK in February 1919, and being disbanded on the 3rd of July 1919. 85 Squadron was reformed on June 1st, 1938, as part of A Flight of 87 Squadron based at RAF Debden commanded by Flight Lieutenant D E Turner. The squadron started training on the Gloster Gladiator until the 4th of September when Hawker Hurricanes were supplied. On the outbreak of World War Two the squadron moved to Boos as part of the Air Component of the BEF 60th Fighter Wing, and their Hurricanes were given the role to support the squadrons of Bristol Blenheims and Fairey Battles. By 1st November 85 Squadron's Hurricanes were moved to Lille Seclin. 85 Squadron scored its first victory of World War Two when Flight Lieutenant R.H.A. Lee attacked an He111 which crashed into the Channel, exploding on impact while on patrol over the Boulogne area. In May 1940, during the German advance, 85 Squadron were in combat constantly and over an 11 day period the squadron confirmed 90 enemy kills. When their operating airfields were overun the squadron's last remaining three Hurricanes returned to England. The squadron lost 17 pilots (two killed, six wounded and nine missing). During the Battle of Britian the squadron took part in the conflict over southern England and in October the Squadron moved to Yorkshire and were given the new role of night fighter patrols. 85 Squadron continued in the night fighter role for most of the war, with only a brief period as bomber support as part of 100 group.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
William Nathan . Addison	WO	unknown	unknown		Havoc		On the night of 13th/14th May 1941 they destroyed a Heinkel 111 off the Thames Estuary and probably destroyed another near Gravesend.
Charles Robert. Aindow		March 1941	unknown
Geoffrey Allard	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
Derek Hurlestone Allen	Flight Officer	unknown	18th May 1940		Hurricane	P2828 P2701	Flight Officer D.H.Allen of No.85 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (P2828) on May 15th when it was involved in combat with Me110s over Ath in Belgium and was forced to bale out. On May 18th 1940 Allen was flying in Hurricane (P2701) when it was shot down in combat with Me110s, Allen was killed. He was aged 22. Killed in Action
H. H. Allgood	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	L1898
Allan Benjamin Angus	Flight Officer	unknown	16th May 1940		Hurricane	L1641	Killed in Action
P. W. Arbon	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
J. H. Ashton	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	L1775 P2770
T. C. E. Berkley	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
J. L. Bickerdyke	Pilot Officer	April 1940	unknown				Killed in Action
K. H. Blair		unknown	unknown
G. B. Booth	Sergeant	unknown	7th February 1940		Hurricane	L2071	Killed in Action
Branse Burbridge	Wing Commander	October 1941	unknown		Havoc Mosquito
R. W. Burton	Pilot Officer	unknown	20th May 1940		Hurricane	P2437	Killed in Action
T. M. Calderwood		unknown	unknown
H. D. Clark	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	P2824
Edward Dixon Crew		March 1943	June 1943		Mosquito
L. A. Crozier	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	N2389
Manfred B. Czernin	Flight Officer	May 1940	unknown			L1640
A. H. Deacon		unknown	unknown
J. H. M. Ellis	Sergeant	unknown	1st September 1940			P2673 L1915
C. E. English	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
W. R. Evans	Sergeant	unknown	unknown
G. Goodman	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
A. V. Gowers	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	V7343
K. W. Gray	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
John Anthony Sanderson Hall		unknown	unknown		Mosquito
H. R. Hamilton	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	29th August 1940		Hurricane	V6623	Killed in Action
J. A. Hemingway	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	P3966
W. H. Hodgson	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
H. N. Howes		unknown	unknown
Harold Howes	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	V6844
R. S. Hutton	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
L. Jowitt	Sergeant	unknown	12th July 1940		Hurricane	P2557	Killed in Action
S. Kita		unknown	unknown
Richard H. A. Lee	Flight Officer	unknown	18th August 1940		Hurricane	P2923 N2388	Killed in Action
W. N. Lepine	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	N2425
Albert Gerald Lewis	Pilot Officer	unknown	August 1940
James Lockhart	Pilot Officer	24th May 1940	unknown
J. E. Marshall	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
K. A. Muchowski	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
Doug Nicholls		unknown	unknown
G. North		unknown	unknown
O. W. Oliver	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	P2821
T. C. Pace	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	L1694
M. F. Peacock	Squadron Leader	unknown	20th May 1940		Hurricane	L2141	Killed in Action
M. H. G. Rawlinson	Pilot Officer	unknown	16th May 1940		Hurricane	P2535	Killed in Action
R. W. Shrewsbury	Pilot Officer	unknown	20th May 1940			P3426	Killed in Action
Peter Townsend	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	P3166
F. R. Walker-Smith	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	V7350
Earnest R. Webster	Sergeant	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
Patrick Woods-Scawen	Flight Officer	unknown	1st September 1940		Hurricane	P3150 N2319	Killed in Action
Pyers A. Worrall	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane	V6581

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.85 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

Addison, William Nathan .
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Addison, William Nathan .

posted to 85 Squadron at Debden, The Squadron were operating Havocs, he joined his Canadian pilot, F/Lt. G Raphael. On the night of 13th/14th May 1941 they destroyed a Heinkel 111 off the Thames Estuary and probably destroyed another near Gravesend. A Ju88 was shot down at night on 23rd/24th June and another He111 was destroyed on 13th/14th July. Addison was awarded the DFM on the 15th July 1941) On the 16th/17th Sept 1941 they shot down a Ju88 and damaged another on 30th/31st July 1942 and had their final victory together in a Mosquito on 17th/18th January 1943, destroying a Ju88. Promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st May 1942, was awarded the DFC (gazetted 19th February 1943). In July 1944 Addison joined 488 Squadron at Colerne. where he flew with F/O D Robinson, and with F/Lt. Cook. During his time with 488, Addison assisted in the destruction of a Ju88. When 488 was disbanded on 26th April 1945, he joined 219 Squadron,

Aindow, Charles Robert.
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Died : 3 / 2 / 2010

Aindow, Charles Robert.

In March 1941 he was posted to 85 Squadron at Debden and later transferred to Tangmere, to serve on Turbinlite Bostons in July 1940 In early 1943 Aindow, then a Warrant Officer, joined 157 Squadron at Castle Camps. Flying Mosquito night intruder patrols over the Europe, In November 1943 the squadron moved to Predannack, attached to Coastal Command and flying daylight patrols down to the Bay of Biscay. On 20th November they probably destroyed a Ju88 and damaged another and on 1st December they shot down two Ju88's. Commissioned in October 1943, and in February 1944 and became a navigation instructor. He was later posted to a Radar Ground-Controlled Approach Unit as an Air Controller. The unit went to Germany and he was released from there in December 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.

Allard, Geoffrey
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Died : 13 / 3 / 1941

Allard, Geoffrey

Born 1912, "Sammy" Allard joined the RAF in 1929, training to be a pilot in the late 1930s, before joining No.87 Sqn, but transferred to No.85 Sqn soon after. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of France, Allard racked up 8 victories, and added another 8 during the Battle of Britain, before 85 squadron became a night-fighting unit. Sammy Allard was piloting a Havoc aircraft on 13th March 1941 when a small panel displodged and jammed the rudder, causing the plane to crash, and killing all on board, including New Zealand Ace William Hodgson. Allard was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, which does not appear in the London Gazette, to our knowledge, a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal, gazetted on 13th September 1940, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 8th October 1940.

Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross :

Between 30th August and ist September, 1940, this officer destroyed seven enemy aircraft; previously he had destroyed ten and shared in the destruction of others. He has displayed outstanding skill and courage in combat against the enemy.

Allen, Derek Hurlestone
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Died : 18 / 5 / 1940

Allen, Derek Hurlestone

05.07.1937 commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] trained at Sealand 02.1938 joined Fighter Command (A) P/O (prob) 05.07.1937 [39840] P/O 10.05.1938 F/O 10.12.1939 Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 31.05.1940 * ? - 18.05.1940 pilot, 85 Squadron RAF [On 15.05.1940 Hurricane P2818 on a mission in the Lille-Seclin area was shot down in combat with Bf110s east of Ath during offensive patrol over Belgium 7.30 p.m. Flying Officer D.H. Allen baled out unhurt. Aircraft a write-off. On 18.05.1940 Hurricane P2701 on a mission in the Lille-Seclin area was shot down in combat with Bf110s of I./ZG26 during offensive patrol between Le Cateau and Cambrai 7.30 a.m. Flying Officer D.H. Allen missing. Aircraft a write-off. His body was rescued from the wreckage by locals before being buried in an unnamed grave in the village of Pox-de-Nord near the Belgian border, resulting in a mentioning on the Runnymede Memorial as missing, presumed killed.]

Allgood, H. H.
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Died : 10 / 10 / 1940

Allgood, H. H.

Sergeant H.H.Allgood of No.85 Squadron was wounded on May 16th 1940 when flying in Hurricane (L1898), he crash-landed following combat with Me109s north-west of Lille. Sergeant Allgood was killed on October 10th 1940.

Angus, Allan Benjamin
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Died : 16 / 5 / 1940

Angus, Allan Benjamin

Flight Officer Allan Benjamin Angus of No.501 Squadron force-landed his Hurricane (N2472) on May 10th 1940 following combat with a Ju88 near Celles-Edcanaf. Angus was killed on May 16th when flying in Hurricane (L1641), he was shot down by Me109 south-west of Lille. He was aged 22 and buried at Fretin, France. His Distinguished Flying Cross was gazetted on 31st May 1940 with the following entry :

This officer has shown great determination in taking every opportunity of engaging the enemy and pressing home his attacks. He took part in an inconclusive attack on a Junkers 88 which resulted in serious damage to the enemy aircraft. His own aircraft was hit and as a result he had to fore land in Belgium. Acting on his own initiative he rejoined the squadron in a few hours. In May, while on patrol, he intercepted and shot down in flames a Heinkel 111, and on the same patrol took part in shooting down a second enemy aircraft of the same type with Flying Officer [W.G.] David.

Arbon, P. W.
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Arbon, P. W.

Ashton, J. H.
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Ashton, J. H.

Pilot Officer J.H.Ashton of No.85 Squadron was in Hurricane (L1775) on May 15th 1940 when it was involved in combat with Me110s near Ath, Belgium. Ashton baled out safely.

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

Passed away.

Berkley, T. C. E.
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Died : 14 / 6 / 1941

Berkley, T. C. E.

Missing June 14th 1941**

Bickerdyke, J. L.
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Died : 22 / 7 / 1940

Bickerdyke, J. L.

Pilot Officer John Bickerdyke joined the N.Z.A.F. in the June of 1939. He joined No 85 Squadron in the April of 1940. On the 12th of July 1940 he shot down a German bomber whilst protecting the 'Booty' Convoy. He died some 10 days later in a flying accident near Debden.

Bishop, William
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Died : 11 / 9 / 1956

Bishop, William

William Avery Bishop. Born 8th February 1894, died September 1956 aged 62. Air Marshal William Avery Bishop, better known as Billy Bishop (his awards being VC, CB, DSO and Bar, MC, DFC, ED ) was the top Canadian Fighter ace of World War One, with 72 Victories which made him the top overall Ace from the British Empire. Billy Bishop joined the Mississauga Horse as an Officer when the war broke out in 1914, but due to illness he did not go with the regiment to Europe. Once he recovered from pneumonia he transferred to the 8th Canadian Mounted Rifles and was stationed in London, Ontario. On the 9th of June 1915 the regiment left for Britain. In July 1915 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as an Observer. After training he was moved to France at Boisdinghem airfield near st Omer on the 1st January 1916 - he was an observer on RE7 reconnaissance aircraft. On one mission he injured his knee and was sent back to Britain. On his recovery he was accepted in for Pilot training. Once he was awarded his wings he requested to be transferred to France and in March 1917 was posted to 60 Squadron at Filescamp Farm near Arras. He flew the Nieuport 17 Fighter aircraft. Billy Bishop's first victory was on the 25th March which was an Albatros D.III. He won his Victoria Cross on the 2nd June 1917 when he flew a solo mission behind enemy lines to attack a German Aerodrome. He claimed to have shot down three German aircraft who were about to take off to engage him and destroyed many others on the ground. His Victoria Cross was the only VC awarded without requiring witnesses. His VC was Gazetted on the 11th August 1917. For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and skill. Captain Bishop, who had been sent out to work independently, flew first of all to an enemy aerodrome; finding no machines about, he flew on to another aerodrome about three miles southeast, which was at least 12 miles the other side of the line. Seven machines, some with their engines running, were on the ground. He attacked these from about fifty feet, and a mechanic, who was starting one of the engines, was seen to fall. One of the machines got off the ground, but at a height of 60 feet, Captain Bishop fired 15 rounds into it at very close range, and it crashed to the ground. A second machine got off the ground, into which he fired 30 rounds at 150 yards range, and it fell into a tree. Two more machines then rose from the aerodrome. One of these he engaged at a height of 1,000 feet, emptying the rest of his drum of ammunition. This machine crashed 300 yards from the aerodrome, after which Captain Bishop emptied a whole drum into the fourth hostile machine, and then flew back to his station. Four hostile scouts were about 1,250 feet above him for about a mile of his return journey, but they would not attack. His machine was very badly shot about by machine gun fire from the ground. He went back to Canada as a hero in 1917 and helped the morale of the Canadian public. He again returned to France in April 1918 and was promoted to the rank of major and given the command of no 85 Squadron (Flying Foxes). The squadron was equipped with SE5a scouts and in this aircraft Bishop scored a further three victories. The Canadian Government was getting concerned if Bishop was killed what effect that may have on the Canadian morale so he was ordered back to Britain, to organise the Canadian Flying Corps. On the 5th August he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and became Officer Commanding-designate of the Canadian Air Force Section of the general Staff. Bishop died in his sleep while in Florida on the 11th September 1956 and is buried in Owen Sound Ontario at greenwood Cemetery.

Blair, K. H.
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Blair, K. H.

Flight Lieutenant K.H.Blair served with No 85 Squadron in France . Blair destroyed two He 111's on the 10th of May 1940 and was awarded the D.F.C. on the 31st of May 1940. During the Battle of Britain Blair scored five more victories with No 151 Squadron. In 1943 he took command of No 613 Squadron wich had become a Mosquito unit and specialized in precision daylight attacks. At the end of his tour K.H.Blair received the Bar to his D.F.C.

Booth, G. B.
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Died : 7 / 2 / 1941

Booth, G. B.

Sergeant G.B.Booth served with No 85 Squadron and was shot down on September the 1st 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (L2071) with his parachute ablaze at and was badly wounded. His aircraft was severely damaged by a cannon shell and he baled out near Purley. His parachute was partially damaged which caused him do descend too rapidly. He was taken to Purley Hospital with a fractured leg, arm and vertebrae to the spine. Booth later died from his wounds on the 7th of February 1941.

Burbridge, Branse
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Died : 1 / 11 / 2016

Burbridge, Branse

Posted to 85 Squadron on night-fighters in October 1941, Branse Burbridge flew Havocs on his first tour, scoring just a single claim, but when he returned to 85 Squadron for a second tour - this time on Mosquitos, he was far more successful. His first enemy kill was in Febraury 1944 when he shot down a Messerschmitt 410 fighter plane off the Sussex coast. On the night of March 24, 1944 he became embroiled in a life-or-death dogfight with a Dornier 217 bomber over the Channel. His Mosquito chased the aircraft from 19,000ft to just 3,000ft before it crashed into the sea, with Wg Cmdr Burbridge pulling up with just 1,000ft to spare. During the period of the build up to the invasion of Normandy, and after, together with his radar navigator, Bill Skelton, They flew 30 sorties over Germany to provide escort cover to RAF bombers. His greatest achievement came on November 4, 1944 during a bombing raid over Bonn. He shot down three Junkers 88 bombers and a Me 110, firing just 200 rounds in the process. In total they claimed 21 victories in a ten month spell. In the days after D-Day, he shot down a Junkers 88 bomber on the France/Belgium border that was piloted by Major Herget, who was credited with 72 aerial victories. In June 1944 he also shot down three V-1s. With his final air victory, in January 1945, he passed the total set by John Cats Eyes Cunningham to become the highest scoring RAF night fighter Ace of the war. Following the war Wg Cmdr Burbridge studied theology at Oxford before becoming a lay preacher for the Scripture Union. He now lives in care in Chorleywood, Herts.

Burton, R. W.
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Died : 20 / 5 / 1940

Burton, R. W.

Pilot Officer R.W.Burton of No.85 Squadron was killed on May 20th 1940. He was flying in Hurricane (P2437) when it was shot down by ground fire near Arras. He was aged 26 and buried at Querrieu.

Cairns, John Jock
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Cairns, John Jock

Joined the RAFVR in May 1939 and was called up at the outbreak of war as a navigator. He completed his flying training by the early spring of 1941 and spent a brief period with 224 Squadron, Coastal Command before volunteering for Special Duties as a Navigator/Radio Leader. During training ‘Jock’ Cairns was crewed with an experienced pilot and posted to the prestigious 85 Squadron, Fighter Command and together with his pilot Sq/Ldr Simon Maude, DFC, achieved the destruction of a Dornier 217 during the Canterbury blitz. After six months rest from operations, John took over as the Navigator/Radio Leader of the Squadron – a short and lively tour intruding against Luftwaffe night-fighter airfields and interdiction of rail traffic during which five locomotives were destroyed. After another six months, Fl/Lt Cairns re-crewed with Fl/Lt John Hall and they enjoyed a very successful tour with 488 Squadron, RNZAF in 2nd TAF and were both credited with eight victories and each awarded the DFC with Bar.

Calderwood, T. M.
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Calderwood, T. M.

Callahan, Lawrence
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Died : 17 / 11 / 1977

Callahan, Lawrence

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

Carnaby, W. F.

Killed February 5th 1943

Carthew, G. C. T.
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Carthew, G. C. T.

Clark, H. D.
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Clark, H. D.

Pilot Officer H.D.Clark of No.85 Squadron was wounded when flying in Hurricane (P2824) on May 16th 1940, he was shot down and crash-landed following combat with Me109s.

Crew, Edward Dixon
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Died : 18 / 8 / 2002

Crew, Edward Dixon

Joining No 604 (County of Middlesex), an Auxiliary Air Force Squadron, in July 1940, Crew began to learn his trade as a night fighter pilot; among those with whom he flew at this time was John Cats' Eyes Cunningham, who himself became one of the most famous night fighter pilots of the war. It was a hard apprenticeship because Crew's Bristol Blenheim was equipped with early, and rudimentary, airborne radar, and much depended on the ability of his air gunner, Sgt Gus Guthrie, to adapt to his new calling as a radar operator. It was not until the following spring, when the squadron converted to two-engine Bristol Beaufighters, that the pair acquired a more suitable aircraft and sufficient expertise to dispatch five enemy bombers within a period of 10 weeks. This early run of success was speedily recognised with the award of the first of Crew's two DFCs. The citation stated: This officer is a pilot of outstanding ability who has shown tenacity of purpose to engage the enemy, which culminated in the destruction of two enemy aircraft in one night. Citations, by their very nature, are matter-of-fact, and do not capture the essence of their subjects. Others in the same squadron remembered Crew as a small, compact man who gave the impression of being larger than he was. He was seen as a patrician who hunted down his victims with a ferocity which was in marked contrast to his quietly spoken and always imperturbable manner. From the end of July 1941, Guthrie - Crew's eyes in combat - was posted away, and Crew was joined by Sgt Basil Duckett, with whom, in the spring of 1942, he achieved three further kills. Crew and Duckett made a brilliant team in which the radar operator's quiet persistence matched the pilot's natural hunting instincts. In early May 1942 Duckett enabled Crew to shoot down two Dornier 17 bombers on successive nights. Returning from the first of these encounters, over Portland in Dorset, Crew arrived back at base with the Dornier's trailing aerial wrapped around his Beaufighter's starboard propeller. Crew's second encounter developed into a long, drawn-out chase as he stalked the Dornier well out to sea off the Isle of Wight. As the enemy pilot twisted and turned to evade his pursuer, Crew refused to be shaken off, despite the fact that his guns were out of ammunition and Duckett was struggling to reload. Eventually, however, Crew's plane was able to deliver a burst which set the enemy bomber on fire and slowed it down as its gunner continued to return fire. At this point, the Beaufighter overshot the enemy aircraft, but Crew managed to keep it in view while Duckett again reloaded. Hunter and hunted continued to lose height until, at 2,000 ft, Crew saw the enemy crash into the sea, raising a plume of smoke and steam. Shortly afterwards Crew received a Bar to his DFC, the citation singling out his readiness to fly in all weather, his skill and ability in dealing with the enemy at night and his great example to the squadron. Edward Dixon Crew was born on December 24th 1917 at Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. He was brought up by his step-father, Sir Kenneth Murchison, a Tory MP, and educated at Felsted School and Downing College, Cambridge, where, in 1939, he joined the University Air Squadron. Following a sustained period of night operations with 604 Squadron, he was rested from October 1942 while commander of the Radio Development Flight; in March the following year he returned to operations in No 85, a Mosquito night fighter squadron. In June 1943 Wing Commander Crew received command of No 96 Squadron, leading its Mosquitoes against night raiders until the summer of 1944; this was when Hitler launched his so-called 'revenge weapons' against London and the South of England. Chasing pilotless V-1s - or 'chuff bombs', as Crew liked to call them - was by no means tame target practice. On June 25th he was on the tail of a V-1, travelling at high speed, when the force of the explosion as he shot it down split open his own aircraft's nose. Crew held the Mosquito steady long enough for his radar navigator, Warrant Officer W R Croysdill, to bail out over land. Then, as the Mosquito became uncontrollable, Crew himself jumped, landing safely near Worthing, in Sussex. Completing his Second World War operational career when 96 Squadron was disbanded in 1945, Crew was awarded the DSO. The citation emphasised his great skill in devising tactics to meet the menace of the flying bombs. That year he received a permanent commission and attended the RAF Staff College, before being posted in 1948 to command No 45 Beaufighter Squadron in the Far East. Operational once again, Crew led his squadron effectively against Communist insurgents aiming to destabilise Malaya. Harassing the jungle-based enemy in 100 night attacks, he consistently drove the terrorists into the hands of the security forces, for which he received a Bar to his DSO. The Air Ministry stated that Crew had displayed an almost uncanny knack in locating the target and attacking it on the first run in. From 1952 Crew served in Canada, where he commanded an operational training unit and introduced the Avro Canada CF100 all-weather fighter. After two years there he returned to command the all-weather development squadron at the Central Flying Establishment, with particular emphasis on trials of the Javelin. Later he commanded RAF Bruggen in Germany, before returning to the Far East in charge of the air task force in Borneo from 1965; his role here was dealing with the Indonesian Confrontation of the mid-1960s. Subsequently Crew commanded the Central Reconnaissance Establishment; he also served at the Ministry of Defence as Director of Operations (air defence and overseas), and was Deputy Air Controller of National Air Traffic Services. He retired as an air vice-marshal in 1973, when he joined the planning inspectorate of the Department of the Environment. Serving there until 1987, Crew was appointed CB in 1973 and elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1972. Air Vice Marshal Edward Crew CB DSO DFC died on the 18th August 2002 at the age of 84.

Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross

This officer is a pilot of outstanding ability who has shown tenacity of purpose to engage the enemy which culminated in the destruction of two enemy aircraft in one night He has now destroyed four and damaged at least a further four enemy aircraft, at night.”

(London Gazette – 29 July 1941)

Citation for Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross in July, 1941, this officer has carried out a large number of operational patrols by night and has destroyed 4 enemy aircraft. He has now destroyed a total of 8 enemy aircraft at night and damaged a number of others. By his readiness to fly in any weather and his skill and ability in dealing with the enemy at night, he sets a splendid example to the squadron.”

(London Gazette – 16 June 1942)

Citation for the Distinguished Service Order

Wing Commander Crew continues to display the highest standard of skill, courage and leadership. In air fighting he has destroyed 13 enemy aircraft and damaged several more. With the advent of the flying bomb attacks on this country, Wing Commander Crew displayed great skill and perseverance in devising tactics to meet the menace. As a result, he shot down numerous flying bombs, whilst other members of his squadron took a heavy toll of them. This officer has commanded the squadron with outstanding success.”

(London Gazette – 26 September 1944)

Crozier, L. A.
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Crozier, L. A.

Sergeant L.A.Crozier of No.85 Squadron was flying injured on May 16th 1940 when flying in Hurricane (N2389), he baled out following combat with Me109 near Lille and was badly burned.

Cunningham, John
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Died : 21 / 7 / 2002

Cunningham, John

John Cunningham joined the RAF in 1935 with 604 Squadron. At the outbreak of World War Two he was based at North Weald flying Blenheims on day escort and night fighter operations. In September 1940 he converted onto Beaufighters equipped with radar, the first aircraft that made night fighting really possible. In November he had the Squadron's first successful night combat. He took command of 604 Squadron in August 1941. After a period at HQ81 Group, he was posted on his second tour to command 85 Squadron equipped with Mosquitoes. In March 1944 with 19 night and 1 day victory he was posted to HQ11 Group to look after night operations. The most famous Allied night fighter Ace of WWII - 20 victories. He died 21st July 2002. Born in 1917, Group Captain John Cunningham was the top-scoring night fighter ace of the Royal Air Force. Cunningham joined the RAF in 1935 as a Pilot Officer. He learned to fly in the Avro 504N and was awarded his wings in 1936. While assigned to the Middlesex Squadron Auxiliary based at Hendon, Cunningham received instruction in the Hawker Hart prior to moving on the Hawker Demon. The Demon was a two-seat day and night fighter. Cunningharn's squadron was mobilized in 1938 following the Czechoslovak crisis. His No. 604 unit was moved to North Weald. Later in 1938 his unit returned to Hendon and was reequipped with the more modern Blenheim 1 fighter. In August of 1939 the unit was again mobilized and returned to North Weald. The Squadron was primarily utilized to provide daylight air cover for convoys. Lacking radar the Blenheim was relatively useless as a night fighter. In September of 1940 the unit was moved to Middle Wallop and the first Bristol Beaufighters arrived. The Beatifighter had a modestly effective, although often unreliable radar. It was an excellent aircraft with reliable air-cooled engines and four 20mm cannons. Cunningham attained the units first night victory in the Beaufighter, and his tally rose steadily. He was promoted to Wing Commander of 604 Squadron in August of 1941. Cunningham completed his first combat tour of duty in mid-1942 with a total of 15 victories. He was then posted to H.Q. 81 Group, which was an operational training group under the Fighter Command. In January of 1943 Cunningham was transferred to command of No. 85 Squadron which was equipped with the Mosquito. With the higher speed of the Mosquito, Cunningham was successful at downing Fw-190s, something impossible in the slower Beaufighter. Cunningham completed his second tour in 1944 with a total of nineteen victories at night and one by day. He was promoted to Group Captain at that time, and was assigned to H.Q. 11 Group. Cunningham's radar operator Sqd. Ldr. Jimmy Rawnsley participated in most of Cunningham's victories. The 604 Squadron was disbanded in 1945, but in 1946 Cunningham was given the honor of reforming the Squadron at Hendon - flying the Spitfire. Cunningham left the RAF in 1946 and joined the De Havilland Aircraft Co. at Hatfield as its Chief Test Pilot. Cunningham had a long and distinguished career in the British aviation industry, retiring from British Aerospace in 1980.

Czernin, Manfred B.
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Died : 0 / 0 / 1962

Czernin, Manfred B.

Flight Officer Manfred Czernin was a pre-war bomber pilot and joined No 85 Squadron in May 1940 in France scoring several victories. During the Battle of Britain he flew Hurricanes with No 17 Squadron after the fall of France.

De Laboucher, F. H. E. J. A.
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Died : 5 / 9 / 1942

De Laboucher, F. H. E. J. A.

Killed September 5th 1942

Deacon, A. H.
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Deacon, A. H.

Sergeant A.Harry Deacon of No 111 Squadron baled out of his Hurricane I (N2340) safely on the 18th of August 1940 following combat over Kenly. His aircraft crashed at Oxted.

Ellis, J. H. M.
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Died : 1 / 9 / 1940

Ellis, J. H. M.

Sergeant J.H.M.Ellis from No 85 Squadron was on a routine patrol on the 29th of August 1940 when he was shot down. He baled out uninjured. His aircraft crashed at Ashburnham, Kent. Ellis was in his Hurricane (P2673) on the 1st of September 1940 when he was lost after combat Kenly. His body was finally identified in 1993 in an unmarked grave.

English, C. E.
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Died : 7 / 10 / 1940

English, C. E.

Pilot Officer C.E.English flew Hurricane's with No 85 Squadron and No 605 Squadron. He was shot down over Westerham on the 7th of October 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (P3677) but was killed when his parachute got caught on the tail plane.

Evans, W. R.
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Evans, W. R.

Sergeant W.R.Evans flew with No 249 Squadron and No 85 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He joined to No 249 Squadron at North Weald on the 11th of September 1940.

Fayolle, E. F. M. L.
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Died : 14 / 8 / 1942

Fayolle, E. F. M. L.

Killed August 14th 1942

Foit, E. A.
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Foit, E. A.

Goodman, G.
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Goodman, G.

Sergeant Geoff Goodman flew with No 85 Squadron flying Hurricane's during the Battle of Britain. On the morning of September 1st 1940 he shot down an enemy with only 4 of his 8 guns working. The air lines to the other 4 guns were blocked with matchsticks.

Gowers, A. V.
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Died : 24 / 10 / 1943

Gowers, A. V.

Flight Officer A.V.'Gus' Gowers of No 85 Squadron was wounded on September 1st 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (V7343) after combat with a Bf 109 over Oxted, Kent. He was badly burnt and was looked after at Caterham Mental Hospital.

Gray, K. W.
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Died : 9 / 6 / 1944

Gray, K. W.

Killed June 9th 1944**

Hall, John Anthony Sanderson
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Died : 24 / 9 / 2015

Hall, John Anthony Sanderson

John Anthony Sanderson Hall was born in Oxford on Christmas Day 1921. His father was William Glenvil Hall, MP for Colne Valley and Financial Secretary to the Treasury in Attlee's government. From his father, a life-long Quaker, John inherited a belief in practical action rather than ideology, along with a sense of decency and respect for the rights of individuals. He attended the Quaker co-educational Leighton Park School, Reading, then worked briefly as a publisher's reader and studied at the Sorbonne before returning to this country and joining the RAF at the height of the Battle of Britain. After training as a night-fighter pilot, Hall joined No 85 Squadron, At that time, 85 Squadron flew twin engine Havocs, a night fighter version of the American light bomber, the Boston, with the radar operator where the Boston's gun turret would have been and 12 machine guns in the nose, in place of the Boston's navigator. The radar then was the Mark 4, not very reliable, and with a very limited range. During 1942, the Squadron re-equipped with the much faster and more maneuverable Mosquito, with a scanner in the nose for the infinitely more effective Mark 8 radar and 4 cannon. After excelling on an air gunnery course at the Central Gunnery School, Hall became an instructor at No 51 Operational Training Unit. He became an ardent believer in the need for fighter pilots to understand fully the basics of air-to-air shooting, something that he felt most of them lacked. He likened the problem to shooting game birds when an estimate of range, line and deflection held the key to success. Hall joined the New Zealanders of No 488 in November 1943, and was crewed up with Cairns, an experienced radar operator. Two months after their initial success, Hall and Cairns were on a routine patrol over Essex when they were directed to a contact flying at 18,000ft. They identified a Junkers 88, which they shot down and saw crash with a tremendous explosion. The enemy aircraft had landed on a group of dispersed bombers on the USAAF airfield at Earls Colne, severely damaging a number of them. Hall was doubtful about claiming this as a kill. He shot down another bomber off the Essex coast on April 19 1944. As he approached to land, he was told to wait until another Mosquito had landed ahead of him. In the event, the other Mosquito turned out to be a Junkers 88; the crew claimed they thought they were landing in Holland. After shooting down their fifth German bomber, as it attacked Bristol on May 22, both Hall and Cairns were awarded the DFC. Hall's citation described him as a highly efficient and courageous fighter. On the night before D-Day, Hall flew one of the many night fighters that patrolled over the beachhead keeping German bombers away from the invasion fleet. By mid-August, the crews of No 488 had destroyed 49 enemy aircraft. The sum of £50 had been accrued at various fund-raising events, and it was agreed that this should go to the ground crew of the aircraft achieving the squadron's 50th success. During the night of August 14/15, Hall attacked a German bomber, but it escaped. Shortly afterwards a second bomber was attacked and Hall succeeded in shooting it down 20 miles south of Caen, much to the delight of his ground crew. After moving to an advanced airfield in France, further success came on the night of December 23/24. Two days later, however, Hall had a narrow escape. Flying in atrocious weather in an attempt to support Allied troops under attack during the German's lightning Ardennes offensive, he was prevented by blizzards from returning to his base at Amiens. With virtually no fuel, he saw a light and crash-landed on a US forward grass airstrip and the Mosquito was wrecked. Hall scored his last kill on March 27 1945. He pressed home his attack from such close range that his Mosquito was hit by debris from the enemy bomber. The port engine was damaged and subsequently caught fire, but Hall managed to crash land on an airfield in Holland; his aircraft was almost completely burnt out. A few days later, he and Cairns each received a Bar to their DFCs. After leaving the RAF at the end of 1946, Hall went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Law. He was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in November 1948, and joined chambers at Lamb Building.

Hamilton, H. R.
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Died : 29 / 8 / 1940

Hamilton, H. R.

Flight Lieutenant H.R.Hamilton of No.85 Squadron was killed on August 29th 1940. His Hurricane (V6623) was shot down by a Me109 near Rye.

Hampshire, C. E.
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Hampshire, C. E.

Hemingway, J. A.
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Hemingway, J. A.

Pilot Officer J.A.Hemingway crash-landed his Hurricane (L1979) on May 11th near Maastricht, he baled out safely.

Hodgson, W. H.
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Died : 13 / 3 / 1941

Hodgson, W. H.

Killed 13th March 1941

Hodgson, William
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Died : 13 / 3 / 1941

Hodgson, William

A pilot with No.85 Squadron, he was killed when the Havoc aircraft he was in, piloted by British Ace Geoffrey Sammy Allard, crashed. The cause of the crash was a nose panel which came loose and jammed the rudder.

Howes, Harold
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Died : 24 / 12 / 1940

Howes, Harold

Sergeant H.N.Howes of No.85 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (P2555) on May 20th 1940 when he was shot down by a Me110 and crash-landed near Abbeville.

Hutton, R. S.
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Died : 12 / 12 / 1940

Hutton, R. S.

Killed December 12th 1940

Jones, H. D. B.
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Died : 6 / 7 / 1941

Jones, H. D. B.

Killed July 6th 1941

Jones, K. H.
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Jones, K. H.

Jowitt, L.
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Died : 12 / 7 / 1940

Jowitt, L.

Sergeant Leonard 'Joey' Jowitt joined the R.A.F. at 16 as an aircraft apprentice. He served in India and on his return in 1937 trained as a fighter pilot. He then joined No 85 Squadron and was flying patrol on the 12th of July 1940 in his Hurricane I (P2557). He crashed into the sea off Felixstowe after attacking a Heinkel He 111 of II Gruppe of KG 53 and was killed. His body was never recovered.

Kita, S.
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Kita, S.

Lee, Richard H. A.
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Died : 18 / 8 / 1940

Lee, Richard H. A.

Flight Officer Richard Hugh Anthony 'Dickie' Lee of No 85 Squadron opened the score for the Squadron in World War II. Lee was Lord Trenchard's Godson. He was killed whilst on patrol on August 18th 1940. He was lost in his Hurricane I (P2923) after chasing enemy aircraft off the east coast. Lee was aged 23.

Lepine, W. N.
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Lepine, W. N.

Flight Officer W.N.Lepine of No.85 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (N2425) on May 18th 1940 when it was shot down in combat with a Me110 near Cambrai. Lepine baled out wounded and was taken prisoner.

Lewis, Albert Gerald
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Lewis, Albert Gerald

Pilot Officer Albert Gerald Lewis a South African flew with No 616 Squadron and later moved to No 504 Squadron fighting in France. He then joined No 85 Squadron whilst still in France. He stayed with No 85 Squadron until August when Lewis then joined No 249 Squadron on the 27th of September. Lewis baled out of his Hurricane I (V6617) near Faversham badly burned on September 28th 1940.

Lockhart, James
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Died : 5 / 4 / 1942

Lockhart, James

Pilot Officer James Lockhart was commissioned in the R.A.F in the November of 1939 and was posted to No 85 Squadron on the 24th of May 1940. He was wounded on August 24th 1940 by the Dover A.A. He was moved to No 213 Squadron at Tangmere on September 16th 1940 where he commanded it from November 1941 to January 1942. He was again moved, this time to No 258 Squadron and on April 5th 1942 killed whilst with the squadron, he was 26. He is buried in Kannette Cemetery at Columbo, Sri Lankar.

Lowrie, Donald J Jimmy
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Lowrie, Donald J Jimmy

Joined the RAF in late 1941. His initial training was at Booker and Rhodesia. He qualified as a pilot in November 1942 before returning to the UK for AFU training at Perton until July 1942. The next six months was spent training aircrew on A.I. (Aircraft Interception). After this he was posted to 54 OTU Charterhall, where he crewed up with F/Sgt. Tom Davie. Jimmy then trained on Beaufighters based at 85 Squadron, West Malling, from March to May 1944. Thence to 239 Squadron, West Raynham on the formation of 100 Group. Jimmy completed 34 sorties before returning to 62 OTU to train more aircrew on A.I.

Mannock, Edward
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Died : 26 / 7 / 1918

Mannock, Edward

Marshall, J. E.
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Died : 18 / 4 / 1942

Marshall, J. E.

Pilot Officer J.E. Marshall of No 85 Squadron flying the Hurricane was a veteran, a survivor of the campaign in France as well as the Battle of Britain. On August 18th 1940 he took off without orders from Debden, coming back late he apologised for damaging the wing of his Hurricane he had run out of ammunition and rammed a Heinkel 111 over Southend.

Mortimer, P. A.
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Died : 6 / 11 / 1942

Mortimer, P. A.

Killed November 6th 1942

Muchowski, K. A.
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Muchowski, K. A.

Nicholls, Doug
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Nicholls, Doug

A pre-war RAFVR pilot, in June 1940 Nicholls converted to Hurricanes at 7 OTU, Hawarden. Nicholls flew during the Battle of Britain with 85 and 242 and in September joined 151 Squadron.at Digby On September 30, 1940, he shared in the destruction of a Ju 88 and returned to Digby with his Hurricane P 5182 severely damaged by return fire. Nicholls spent only a brief time with 242 but Bader made a considerable impression. After a hard day Nicholls remembers Bader taking off his legs and dressing the stumps with lotion and talcum powder. Few people realise, Nicholls feels, just how much strain combat flying with artificial legs must have been. Later in the war Nicholls flew Hurricanes with 258 Squadron in the Far East to Seletar airfield, Singapore and flew their first operation on January 31 1942. On February 10 1942 the three surviving Hurricanes of 258 were withdrawn to Palembang with the fifteen surviving pilots, six remained behind to fly with 605 Squadron, with Nicholls being one of the nine evacuated from Java to Ceylon. 258 Squadron was reformed at Ratmalana on March 1 1942 and Nicholls rejoined it. Awarded the DFC (19.5.44) he remained with 258 until August 1944, when he was posted to HQ 224 Group, Burma, as Squadron Leader Tactics.

North, G.
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Died : 10 / 2 / 1943

North, G.

Sergeant G.North of No.32 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (N2583) on May 20th 1940 when he crash-landed near Arras following combat. He baled out safely.

Oliver, O. W.
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Oliver, O. W.

Squadron Leader O.W.Oliver of No. 85 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (P2821) on May 13th 1940 when he was involved in combat with a Me109 over Belgium, he baled out safely.

Pace, T. C.
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Pace, T. C.

Flight Officer T.C.Pace of No.85 Squadron was in Hurricane (L1694) on May 15th 1940 when he crash-landed the aircraft in flames following combat with Me110s over Belgium. Pace survived but suffered burns.

Peacock, M. F.
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Died : 20 / 5 / 1940

Peacock, M. F.

Squadron Leader M.F.Peacock of No.85 Squadron was killed on May 20th 1940 during a ground attack on Arras whilst flying in Hurricane (L2141). He was aged 28 and buried at Arras.

Rawlinson , M. H. G.
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Died : 16 / 5 / 1940

Rawlinson , M. H. G.

Pilot Officer M.H.G.Rawlinson of No.85 Squadron was killed on May 16th 1940 when he was shot down in Hurricane (P2535) following combat with Me109s. He was buried at Quievrain, Belgium.

Robshaw, F. A.
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Robshaw, F. A.

Rust, C. A.
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Rust, C. A.

Shrewsbury, R. W.
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Died : 20 / 5 / 1940

Shrewsbury, R. W.

Pilot Officer R.W.Shrewsbury of No.85 Squadron was killed on May 20th 1940 when his Hurricane (P3426) was shot down by ground fire over Arras. He was aged 19.

Snell, Vivian
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Died : 21 / 2 / 2010

Snell, Vivian

Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot with No.501 Sqn. Shot down over Cranbrook on 25th October 1940 while flying Hurricane P2903, bailing out uninjured. During his service life Vivian flew the Fairy Battle with 103 Squadron, later flying the Hawker Hurricane with 151 and 501(F) Squadrons during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Vivian shot down a Bf109E on the 25th October 1940 and was then shot down himself while piloting Hurricane Mk.I serial N2438. After having minor wounds attended to he returned to his squadron and flew through the rest of the Battle of Britain. In 1941 he was flying the American built Douglas DB7 Havoc night fighter with number 85(F) Squadron. He commanded his own Mosquito Squadron towards the end of the War. Vivian was released from the RAF in 1946 with the rank of Wing Commander.

Staples, L.
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Staples, L.

Stephenson, S. P.
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Stephenson, S. P.

Thompson, A R F
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Died : 9 / 3 / 2008

Thompson, A R F

Anthony Robert Fletcher Thompson was born on October 14th 1920. He joined the RAFVR about July 1939 as an airman under training pilot. Called up on September 1st, he completed his training at 15 EFTS and 5 FTS Sealand and arrived at 6 OTU on September 10th 1940. After converting to Hurricanes, he joined 85 (F) Squadron at Church Fenton on the 29th and moved to 249 (F) Squadron at North Weald in Essex on October 17th 1940. Thompson shared in the destruction of a Junkers Ju88 on October 28th and destroyed a Bf109 on the 30th. In May 1941 No.249 Squadron went to Malta and flew off of HMS Ark Royal in two groups on the 21st. On August 5th Tommy Thompson joined the Malta Night Fighting Defence Unit then formed at Ta Kali. He damaged an Italian BR20 at night on November 11th. The unit became 1435 (Night Fighter) Flight on December 23rd 1941. Thompson was posted to 71 OTU Gordons Tree, Sudan on March 3rd 1942. He returned to operations on October 1st joining 73 (F) Squadron in the Western Desert. In mid-November he was appointed A Flight Commander. At the end of December Thompson was posted to Cairo and in February he went to 206 Group as a test Pilot. He was awarded the DFC (23.03.43). On March 10th 1944 Thompson was seconded to BOAC and he took his release in Cairo on January 26th 1946 holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant. The following day he signed a contract with BOAC as a Captain. He retired from British Airways on October 14th 1975. Sadly, he died on 9th March 2008.

Thompson, Tommy
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Died : 9 / 3 / 2008

Thompson, Tommy

Anthony Robert Fletcher Thompson - Tommy Thompson was born on October 14th 1920. He joined the RAF VF about July 1939 as an airman under training pilot. Called up on September 1st, he completed his training at 15 EFTS and 5 FTS Sealand and arrived at 6 OTU on September 10th 1940. After converting to Hurricanes, he joined 85 (F) Squadron at Church Fenton on the 29th and moved to 249 (F) Squadron at North Weald in Essex on October 17th 1940. Thompson shared in the destruction of a Junkers Ju88 on October 28th and destroyed a Bf109 on the 30th. In May 1941 249 Squadron went to Malta and flew off of HMS Ark Royal in two groups on the 21st. On August 5th Tommy Thompson joined the Malta Night Fighting Defence Unit then formed at Ta Kali. He damaged an Italian Br20 at night on November 11th. The unit became 1435 (Night Fighter) Flight on December 23rd 1941. Thompson was posted to 71 OTU Gordons Tree, Sudan on March 3rd 1942. He returned to operations on October 1st joining 73 (F) Squadron in the Western Desert. In mid-November he was appointed A Flight Commander. At the end of December Thompson was posted to Cairo and in February he went to 206 Group as a test Pilot. He was awarded the DFC (23.03.43). On March 10th 1944 Thompson was seconded to BOAC and he took his release in Cairo on January 26th 1946 holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant. The following day he signed a contract with BOAC as a Captain. He retired from British Airways on October 14th 1975. Tommy Thompson passed away on 9th March 2008.

Townsend, Peter
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Died : 19 / 6 / 1995

Townsend, Peter

Peter Townsend was one of the most inspirational fighter leaders of the Battle of Britain. In February 1940, flying a Hurricane, he had shot down the first German aircraft to fall on English soil in World War II, and this was the first of a string of successes for the popular commander of 85 Squadron. Shot down twice, wounded, and flying part of the Battle when he couldnt walk, Peter Townsend survived to lead the first night-fighter squadron. He later became Equerry to King George VI, a post he held for 8 years. He died 19th June 1995.

Walker-Smith, F. R.
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Died : 0 / 3 / 1941

Walker-Smith, F. R.

Sergeant F.R.Walker-Smith of No 85 Squadron was wounded in the foot on August 29th 1940. His Hurricane I (V7350) shot at by a Bf 109 over the Sussex coast and he baled out.

Warner, John
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Died : 4 / 10 / 1918

Warner, John

Webster, Earnest R.
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Webster, Earnest R.

Sergeant Earnest Webster was born in 1917 and joined the R.A.F. in September 1939. He was posted to No 85 Squadron in Hurricane's at Debden on May 24th 1940. He was later promoted to Flying Officer and served with the R.A.F. until 1947.

Woods-Scawen, Patrick
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Died : 1 / 9 / 1940

Woods-Scawen, Patrick

Flight Officer Patrick 'Woody' Woods-Scawen, was born at Karachi, India and flew with No 85 Squadron. He had scored 14 kills and was awarded the D.F.C. Woods-Scawen baled out of his Hurricane (P3150) after a combat with a Bf 109 on September 1st 1940, but was killed when his parachute failed to deploy His body was later found on September 6th 1940 near Kenly. He was 24.

Worrall, Pyers A.
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Died : 8 / 6 / 1942

Worrall, Pyers A.

Flight Officer Pyers A.Worrall from No 85 Squadron flying on patrol over Tunbridge on August 31st 1940 in his Hurricane I (V6581). He baled out and was slightly wounded in the leg following combat with a Bf 110. His rudder and elevator controls had been shot away. He was admitted to Croydon Hospital where he recovered.

York, Jim
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York, Jim

Joined the RAFVR in 1941 when he was just 19 and early in 1942 he was sent to America for pilot training as a cadet in the US Army Air Corps in Alabama and Georgia. After operational training in 1943 he spent some time ferrying Beaufighters around the Middle East. Early in 1944 he joined 85 Night Fighter Squadron, 11 Group Fighter Command, at West Malling in Kent, where he flew Mosquitoes on defensive night fighter patrols. In May 1944, 85 Squadron was transferred to 100 Group Bomber Command at Swannington in Norfolk where the Squadron initiated Bomber Support. This meant changing from defensive night fighting to offensive night fighting, attacking Luftwaffe night fighters over Germany. Each aircraft was a predator on its own without the benefit of any Ground Control. They patrolled Luftwaffe airfields, radar beacons and accompanied bomber streams, generally creating havoc amongst the German night fighters. Jim York stayed with the Squadron until the end of the war and completed 39 Operations over the continent destroying two enemy aircraft. Shortly after moving to Swannington, the Squadron was switched back to West Malling for a short spell to help deal with the VI flying bomb menace and Jim went on to destroy four of the V1 bombs over the English Channel. After the war he resumed his career as a Chartered Surveyor.