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No.56 Sqn RAF |
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Name : No.56 Sqn RAF Founded : 9th June 1916 Country : UK More Details : Punjab Quid si coelum ruat - What if heaven falls |
56 Squadron was formed on 8th June 1916 and in April 1917 was posted to France as part of the Royal Flying Corps. 56 squadron was equipped with the new SE5 fighter. One of the major aerial combats of the squadron was the shooting down of Lt Werner Voss. By the end of the first world war 56 Squadron had scored 402 victories, and many famous fighter aces flew with 56 Squadron including James McCudden, Reginald Hoidge, Gerald Maxwell, Arthur Rhys-Davies, Geoffrey Hilton Bowman, Richard Mayberry, Leonard Monteagle Barlow, Cyril Crowe, Maurice Mealing, Albert Ball, Harold Walkerdine, William Roy Irwin, Eric Broadberry, Kenneth William Junor, Cecil Leiws, Keith Muspratt, Duncan Grinnell-Milne, William Spurret Fielding-Johnson, William Otway Boger, Charles Jeffs, and Harold Molyneux. The squadron lost 40 pilots during the first world war with another twenty wounded and thirty one taken prisoner. When world war two broke out on the 6th of September 1939, 56 Squadron was based at North Weald. 56 Squadron flew Hurricanes during the Battle of France and during the Battle of Britain. 56 Squadron claimed just over 100 enenmy aircraft shot down during 1940. In 1941 as part of the Duxford Wing it was the first squadron to be equipped with the new Hawker Typhoon and during 1942 and 1943 was based ay RAF Matlaske as part of No.12 Group. No 56 Squadron was the frist squadron to confirm a victory while flying the Hawker Typhoon. In 1944 56 Squadron moved to RAF Newchurch and was re equipped with the new Hawker Tempest V, becoming part of the No.150 Wing under the command of the Ace Wing Commander Roland Beamont. 56 Squadron's new role was to defend Britian against the V1 flying bombs, and the squadron shot down around 75 V1s. The squadron moved to Europe on the 28th of September 1944 to Grimbergen in Belgium as part fo 122 Wing of the Second Tactical Air Force. During this period to the end of the war 56 Squadron became joint top scorers with a total of 149 aircraft cliamed. Over its history the squadron flew, SE5's Sopwith Snipes, Gloster Grebes, Armstrong Whitworth Siskins, Bristol Bulldogs, Gloster Gauntlets, Gloster Gladiators, Harker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoon, and Hawker Tempests. Battle of Honours of the Squadron are : Western front 1917 - 1918 , Arras, Ypres 1917, Cambrai 1917, Soome 1918, Amiens, Hindenburg Line. During World war two : France and the Low Countries 1940, Battle of Britian, Fortress Europe 1942 - 1944, Dieppe, France, Germany 1944 - 1945, Home Defence 1942 - 1945 and Arnhem. |
Known Service Details : | |||||||
Pilot or Aircrew | Rank | Start of Service | End of Service | Known Dates | Aircraft | Airframes | Notes |
April 1917 | unknown | ||||||
Sergeant | unknown | 11th August 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Flight Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | 29th July 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 13th July 1940 | |||||
Flight Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | 29th July 1940 | unknown | |||||
November 1944 | 22nd February 1945 | Shot down and taken prisoner. | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 6th September 1939 | Aircraft shot down by mistake by No. 74 Squadron and Pilot Officer M L Halton-Harrop of 56 sqd was killed Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th June 1941 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 10th October 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Sergeant | unknown | 21st May 1941 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Squadron Leader | unknown | September 1940 | S/L G.A.L.Manton took command of No 56 Squadron in early July,1940.He destroying three enemy aircraft before the end of the month. In early September he was promoted to Wing Commander at Manston. | ||||
Pilot Officer | July 1940 | 12th December 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th June 1941 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | 18th May 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | 31st August 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 26th August 1940 | Killed in Action | ||||
| Pilots and Aircrew for : No.56 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 | ||||
| Bailey, G. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Bailey, G. G.
| Bailey, G. G. Killed November 9th 1941** | ||||
| Baker, R. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Baker, R. D.
| Baker, R. D. Sergeant R.D.Baker of No 56 Squadron, on 13th of July 1940 he shot down a Ju 87 but then made a forced landing due to damage done to his own aircraft. On 11th of August 1940, he was shot down while on a convoy patrol in his Hurricane I (N2667). He baled out of his aircraft but was dead when picked up. He was 23 | ||||
| Ball, Albert Click the name above to see a profile of Ball, Albert
| Ball, Albert | ||||
| Barlow, Leonard Click the name above to see a profile of Barlow, Leonard
| Barlow, Leonard | ||||
| Beamish, F. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Beamish, F. V.
| Beamish, F. V. Group Captain F. Victor Beamish joined Cranwell in the Autumn of 1921 as a flight cadet where he learned to fly. Beamish was a born leader of men, a superb pilot and instructor. | ||||
| Bowman, Geoffrey Click the name above to see a profile of Bowman, Geoffrey
| Bowman, Geoffrey | ||||
| Brooker, R. E. P. Click the name above to see a profile of Brooker, R. E. P.
| Brooker, R. E. P. Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker of No.56 Squadron force-landed his Hurricane (P3587) on August 13th 1940 at Hawkinge following combat over Sheppey with Me109s. | ||||
| Carrey, Dick Click the name above to see a profile of Carrey, Dick | Carrey, Dick Served on No 56 Squadron, the Lightning OCU at RAF Coltishall and also with the Saudi Air Force | ||||
| Chelmecki, M. Click the name above to see a profile of Chelmecki, M. | Chelmecki, M. | ||||
| Cloke, Dick Click the name above to see a profile of Cloke, Dick | Cloke, Dick Served on No 56 Squadron (the Firebirds) and No 111 Squadron | ||||
| Coghlan, J. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Coghlan, J. H.
| Coghlan, J. H. Killed August 17th 1940 | ||||
| Constable-Maxwell, M. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Constable-Maxwell, M. H.
| Constable-Maxwell, M. H. Flight Officer Michael H.Constable-Maxwell of No 56 Squadron had a total of one aircraft destroyed during the Battle of Britain, he was also shot down three times himself. On the 28th of August 1940 he crash landed his Hurricane I (R4117) near Hearne Bay at following combat with a Bf 109. Later, he later recorded six night victories when he teamed with Sgt J.Quinton on night-fighters. Constable Maxwell received the D.S.O. on the 22nd of September 1944 and the D.F.C. on the 18th of May 1945. | ||||
| Cooney, C. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Cooney, C. J.
| Cooney, C. J. Flight Sergeant C.J.Cooney of No 56 Squadron was shot down in his Hurricane I (P3879) on the 29th of July 1940 over the Channel. Cooney was killed. | ||||
| Cowsill, J. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Cowsill, J. R.
| Cowsill, J. R. Sergeant J.R.Cowsill was on patrol on the 13th of July 1940 with No 56 Squadron in a Hurricane (N2432) when he was shot down and killed over Calais. | ||||
| Crowe, Cyril Click the name above to see a profile of Crowe, Cyril
| Crowe, Cyril | ||||
| Davies, P. F. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Davies, P. F. M. | Davies, P. F. M. Flight Officer P.F.M.Davies of No.56 Squadron was shot down near Rochford on August 13th 1940 in his Hurricane (P2692), he was badly burned. | ||||
| Down, P. D. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Down, P. D. M. | Down, P. D. M. Flight Officer Peter D.M.Down was part of of No 56 Squadron's pre-war aerobatic team. | ||||
| Dryden, K. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Dryden, K. C. | Dryden, K. C. Pilot Officer K.C.Dryden of No.56 Squadron was flying in a Hurricane (N2659) on patrol on May 29th 1940, he was forced to land on the beach following combat and safely returned by sea. | ||||
| Dundas, Hugh Click the name above to see a profile of Dundas, Hugh
| Dundas, Hugh Hugh Dundas, a pre-war member of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, was called up early in the war, serving with 616 Squadron. After a promising start as a fighter pilot, Dundas was shot down and injured during the Battle of Britain, but quickly returned to his squadron which in early 1941 was at Tangmere and came under the command of Wing Commander Douglas Bader. Dundas became one of the leading members of that Wing and frequently flew with Bader, gradually building his reputation as a fighter pilot and tactician. After receiving the DFC, Dundas became Flight Commander in 610 Squadron. December 1941 brought another promotion as commanding officer of 56 Squadron, the first in the RAF to be converted to Typhoons. Posted to the Mediterranean in 1943, he led 244 Spitfire Wing from Malta and later Italy. In 1944, Dundas was awarded the DSO and became one of the youngest Group Captains in the RAF. For some years after the war, Dundas served once more with the RAuxAF during which time he became CO of 601 Squadron. Cocky Dundas flew Spitfires with 616 Sqn during some of the heaviest air fighting of the Battle of Britain. With several victories to his name he was shot down on August 22nd and wounded. Later this distinguished pilot flew in Douglas Baders famous Tangmere Wing, and subsequently commanded successively Typhoon and Spitfire Wings. Sir Hugh Dundas (22 Jul 1920 - 10 Jul 1995) Served with 616 sqd 1939 - 1941, 56 sqd 1941 to 1942, 324 wing north Africa, Sicily and the first wing to move to Italy 1943 - 1944, 240 wing 1944 - 1945 in Italy.
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| Edwards, R. S. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Edwards, R. S. J. | Edwards, R. S. J. | ||||
| Fox, Peter Click the name above to see a profile of Fox, Peter
| Fox, Peter Peter Hutton Fox was born in Bridlington on 23rd January 1921 and educated at Warwick Public School. He joined the RAFVR in June 1939 and began training at 26 E&RFTS, Kidlington. Called up on 1st September he was posted to 13 EFTS Fairoaks on 28th March 1940 and then moved to 10 EFTS, Yatesbury on 28th May. Advanced training was carried out by Fox at 8 FTS, Montrose after which he went to 5 OTU, Aston Down to convert to Hurricanes and then joined 56 Squadron at Boscombe Down on 17th September 1940. Fox was shot down in combat with Do17s and Me110s over the Portland area on 30th September. Peter Fox was wounded in the leg and was forced to bale out over the Portland area. His Hurricane, N2434, crashed at Okeford Fitzpaine. On 16th November Fox and Pilot Officer MR Ingle-Finch were flying to Kidlington in a Magister, when they crashed near Tidworth. Both were injured and admitted to Tidworth Hospital. On 28th June 1941 Fox joined 234 Squadron at Warmwell. He was shot down over France on 20th October 1941 and captured. Freed on 16th April 1945, Fox left the RAF in 1946 as a Warrant Officer. He sadly passed away on 10th June 2005. | ||||
| Gibbs, Edward Philip Patrick Click the name above to see a profile of Gibbs, Edward Philip Patrick | Gibbs, Edward Philip Patrick | ||||
| Gracie, E. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Gracie, E. J.
| Gracie, E. J. Flight Lieutenant Edward J.Gracie flew with No 56 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On July 10th 1940 his Hurricane was damaged in combatand he crash landed near Manston. On the 30th of August 1940 he was shot down, crash-landing his Hurricane. He thought himself unhurt but next day discovered he had a broken neck, requiring hospital admission. Gracie was awarded the D.F.C. in October 1940. E.J.Gracie later flew Mosquito's on night escort for R.A.F. heavy bombers. E.J.Gracie was killed on the 15th of February 1944, he was aged 32. | ||||
| Graham, L. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Graham, L. W. | Graham, L. W. Pilot Officer L.W. Graham a South African joined No 56 Squadron on July 29th 1940. L.W.Graham was shot down in flames on August 16th 1940, Graham baled out of his Hurricane I (V7368) slightly injured. He was then posted away three days later. | ||||
| Green, Bill Click the name above to see a profile of Green, Bill
| Green, Bill In December 1936, Bill Green joined the Auxiliary Air Force as an aero engine fitter with 501 Squadron at Filton, near Bristol. Shortly before the start of the Second World War, he was given a rare chance for an engine fitter. In 1938 he joined a scheme to recruit NCO pilots, qualifying as a Flight Sergeant and re-joined 501 at Bristol in July 1940. Sgt Bill Green had completed just 10 hours of dual flying – with an instructor. In October, he was sent for further flying instruction and on October 30th he had his first solo flight in a Magister aircraft. After more training – and getting married on June 3rd – he flew a Hurricane for the first time on August 8th 1940, when the Battle of Britain had been raging for a month. He flew from Kenley throughout the Battle of Britain until November, surviving being shot down twice, before being posted to 504 Squadron. After a spell instructing on Spitfires and Tomahawks, he converted to Typhoons, and from November 1944 served with 56 Squadron on Tempests. He flew more than 50 missions in Tempest fighter aircraft with 56 Squadron. He was shot down over Germany on February 22nd 1945 and spent the last three months of the war as a prisoner of war. After the war, Green enjoyed a hugely successful business career, ending up as the managing director and chairman of Crown Paints, before retiring on his 60th birthday. Flight Lieutenant Bill Green, who has died aged 97, was twice shot down flying a Hurricane during the Battle of Britain; five years later he was taken prisoner after again being shot down, this time over Germany. Green had less than 200 hours' flying time, and just seven hours in the Hurricane, when he joined No 501 Squadron and was pitched into the fighting at the height of the Battle of Britain in August 1940. On August 24, flying from Hawkinge in Kent, his squadron was scrambled to intercept a raid against the nearby airfield at Manston. Green closed in to attack an enemy dive-bomber when his aircraft was hit by the airfield's anti-aircraft fire. His Hurricane was badly damaged and the engine stopped – but he managed to glide to Hawkinge, where he discovered half the undercarriage had been shot away. He crash-landed and scrambled from the wrecked aircraft. Five days later his squadron was orbiting over Deal at 20,000ft when a large force of Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters attacked the formation. The windscreen of Green's aircraft was shattered and the engine damaged. With no control, he was forced to bail out. His parachute failed to stream correctly and the main canopy became entangled around his legs. He fought to release it and fell thousands of feet before it finally opened fully. Within seconds he hit the ground. He had been wounded in the leg and his days in the Battle were over. The son of a regular soldier, William James Green was born in Bristol on April 23 1917 and attended St Gabriel School. He left at 14 to work in a cardboard box factory specialising in packages for shoes and small goods, there he met the girl who would become his wife. Green was an enterprising boy and he designed a new, larger box. Receiving no encouragement from his manager, he took it to Mardon, Son & Hall, where he was offered a job. The company encouraged workmen to join auxiliary military units, and Green joined No 501 Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force, stationed at nearby Filton. He trained as an aero-engine fitter and two years later volunteered to be a pilot. He was mobilised at the beginning of the war and completed his training before returning to No 501. After recovering from his wounds, he was posted to No 504 Squadron, based at Filton. One night he was cycling home when German bombers attacked Bristol in force and the city suffered heavy damage. Over the next few days Green flew standing patrols over the city and on a number of occasions chased enemy bombers away. He spent three years as a flying instructor before, in late 1944, joining No 56 Squadron, flying the RAF's most powerful piston-engine fighter, the Tempest. The squadron was based at Volkel in the Netherlands and he flew low-level strafing attacks against trains, motor transport and supply columns. On February 22 1945 he came under fire from two friendly fighters but evaded them, only to be shot down near Osnabruck by intense anti-aircraft fire. I should have zigged when I zagged he said later. Green bailed out and was captured. His prison camp near Nuremberg was soon evacuated and the PoWs marched south to Stalag 7A, a large camp at Moosburg near Munich. On April 29 the US Seventh Army liberated that camp, and within two weeks Green was back in England. He was released from the RAF in December and received the Air Efficiency Award. Green returned to the cardboard box industry, then, in 1960, joined Reed International, rising to be chairman. Green admired the work of the Salvation Army and achieved great contentment in religious activities. In June 2012, aged 95, he flew in a two-seat Spitfire from Goodwood airfield. Bill Green married, in 1940, Bertha Biggs; she died in 2008, and he is survived by their son and daughter. Flight Lieutenant Bill Green, born April 23 1917, died on November 7 2014. | ||||
| Guest, T. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Guest, T. F. | Guest, T. F. Pilot Officer T.F.Guest of No.56 Squadron was taken prisoner on April 26th 1941. His Hurricane (Z2763) was shot down over the French coast. | ||||
| Halton-Harrop, M L Click the name above to see a profile of Halton-Harrop, M L
| Halton-Harrop, M L Aircraft shot down by mistake by No.74 Squadron and Pilot Officer M L Halton-Harrop of No.56 Sqn was killed | ||||
| Harris, P. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Harris, P. A.
| Harris, P. A. Pilot Officer P.A.Harris of No.56 Squadron was killed on June 17th 1941. His Hurricane (Z2644) was shot down and he was killed in the incident. He was 20. | ||||
| Heslop, V. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Heslop, V. W. | Heslop, V. W. | ||||
| Higginson, F. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Higginson, F. W.
| Higginson, F. W. Frederick William Higginson was born into a Welsh-speaking family at Gorseinon, near Swansea, where his father was a policeman. He attended Gorseinon Grammar School until beginning his apprenticeship with the RAF. Enlisting in 1929 at the age of 16, Taffy Higginson served as a fitter and air gunner with No.7 Sqn until 1935, when he was accepted for flight training. After qualifying as a pilot, he initially flew with No.19 Sqn before transferring to No.56 Sqn on Hurricanes. By June 1941 he had tallied a score of 12 victories. On June 17th, 1941, he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire over Dunkirk while escorting bombers returning from an operation over Lille. With considerable height in hand, he was able to bale out safely and guide his parachute to land in a wood near a railway. Having a map, he established that he was about 12 miles northwest of Fauquembergues but he had lost one of his boots in ejecting from his Hurricane. Limping along, he was overtaken by two German soldiers on a motorcycle combination sent out to find him. His capture appeared certain but the abrupt appearance of a low-flying Luftwaffe aircraft distracted the soldier driving the motorcycle, enabling Higginson to wrench over the handlebars, crash the machine into a ditch and make off in the confusion. He hid in the wood until after dark and then made his way to a hut on the edge, where he sought assistance from the owner. Confident of his limited French, he ordered a glass of beer, paid for it with money provided by the French farmer and hitched a lift with a lorry driver who took him to a local garage whose owner had contacts with an escape line for British airmen. After a series of adventures, Higginson crossed into Vichy- controlled France and made contact with the MI9 escape line run by the Belgian doctor Albert-Marie Guérisse, alias “Pat O’Leary”. While attempting to cross into Spain with an Australian escaped prisoner of war, he was stopped and arrested by Vichy French frontier guards and interned in Fort de la Revère near Nice. Thanks to the efforts of Guérisse, he escaped from there and was eventually taken off the French Mediterranean coast by a Polish-manned trawler operating out of Gibraltar under the auspices of the Special Operations Executive. He was landed at Greenock on October 5, 1942, and rejoined No 56 Squadron shortly afterwards. He was awarded the DFC in 1943. After the war he served with Headquarters 11 Group, attended the RAF Staff course at Bracknell and also graduated from the Army Staff College, Camberley. He resigned from the RAF in 1956 to join the Bristol aircraft manufacturers at Filton, where the company was developing the ground-to-air rocket-powered defensive system, Bloodhound. In 1963 he joined the board of Bristol and was appointed OBE for services to industry that year. Sadly Frederick William Higginson passed away on 12th February 2003, aged 89. | ||||
| Hillwood, P. Click the name above to see a profile of Hillwood, P.
| Hillwood, P. Sergeant P.Hillwood of No.3 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (L1899) on May 17th 1940 when it was shot down in combat with a Do17. Hillwood suffered bad burns in this incident. | ||||
| Himr, J. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Himr, J. J.
| Himr, J. J. Killed September 12th 1943 | ||||
| Hlavac, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Hlavac, J.
| Hlavac, J. Sergeant J.Hlavac of No.56 Squadron was killed on October 10th 1940. His Hurricane (P3421) was shot down by a Me109 near Wareham. | ||||
| Hogg, R. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Hogg, R. D.
| Hogg, R. D. Sergeant R.D.Hogg from No 17 Squadron was killed on November 11th 1940 in a Hurricane I (P2794) which crashed near Burnham, Kent following combat. | ||||
| Hoidge, Reginald Click the name above to see a profile of Hoidge, Reginald
| Hoidge, Reginald | ||||
| Hoyle, G. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Hoyle, G. V.
| Hoyle, G. V. Sergeant G.V.Hoyle of No.56 Squadron was killed on May 12th 1941. His Hurricane (Z2587) was shot down by a Me109. | ||||
| Ingle-Finch, M R Click the name above to see a profile of Ingle-Finch, M R
| Ingle-Finch, M R Michael Ingle-Finch commenced his operational RAF career flying Hurricanes during and after the Battle of Britain. He then joined 56 Squadron based at Duxford and was amongst the first squadron pilots to fly a Typhoon when the first operational Typhoons came into service on that significant day, 11th September 1941. In September 1942, by now promoted to Flight Commander, Ingle-Finch achieved another first - 56 Squadrons first air victory in a Typhoon when he shot down a Junkers Ju88 off the east coast. Having been involved with Typhoons since they became operational, Ingle-Finch went on to fly them throughout their operational life. On 31st December 1943, he was promoted to command 175 Squadron during the decisive campaign in Normandy. In that same year he was awarded the DFC. His distinguished wartime service in the RAF culminated in promotion to Wing Commander Flying of 124 Wing. Passed away 2002. | ||||
| Joubert, C. C. O. Click the name above to see a profile of Joubert, C. C. O. | Joubert, C. C. O. Pilot Officer C.C.O.Joubert of No 56 Squadron was in combat on the 13th of August, the radiator on his Hurricane I (P3479) when he was attacked. He baled out near Rochford, Essex and was slightly wounded. | ||||
| Lee, Richard H. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Lee, Richard H. A.
| 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. | ||||
| Leigh, Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Leigh, Arthur | Leigh, Arthur Another RAFVR pilot, The son of a regular soldier, Arthur Leigh was called up at the outbreak of war. After finishing his flying training he was posted to 7 OTU and then on to convert to Spitfires in August 1940. Arthur Leigh flew with 64 Squadron at Leconfield and 72 Squadron at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain before transferring to 611 Squadron. Awarded the DFM in September 1941, Leigh had then completed 50 sweeps, had destroyed two Bf 109s, probably destroyed another four and shared in the destruction of a Do 17. After a spell instructing and ferrying Hurricanes from Gibraltar to Cairo, he returned to operations with 56 Squadron flying Typhoons from Manston. He was shot down on his first sweep by flak, near Calais but was picked up by an ASR launch. In late 1943 Leigh was posted to 129 Squadron at Hornchurch and was awarded the DDC on completing his second tour in December 1944, spending the rest of the war as an instructor. | ||||
| Lenton, E. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Lenton, E. C. | Lenton, E. C. | ||||
| Lewis, Cecil Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Lewis, Cecil Arthur
| Lewis, Cecil Arthur Lewis joined the RFC in 1915and learned to on a Longhorn, with final training was on Avros, BE 2c's and FE's; in March 1916, 22 Squadron was ready to go overseas. in April 1916 he built up his hours to 50 hours and joined no. 3 Squadron on the Somme. There, he flew a Morane Parasol on patrol, photographing the front between Thiepval and Montauban, Flying over the battlefield on the First day on the Somme (1 July 1916) to report back on British troop movements, Lewis witnessed the blowing of the mines at La Boiselle. . He won the Military Cross Lewis had eye problems and was sent back the England to the Testing Squadron as a rest. April 1917 saw him back in France with 56 Squadron, flying the SE 5 on offensive patrols. This was the squadron of Albert Ball, He saw Ball disappear in a cloud, never to be seen again. He was credited with eight victories during May and June of 1917. Wounded, he was sent home and posted to a Home Defence squadron, where he hunted for Gothas over London. In October 1918 he joined 152 Squadron as Flight Commander; in November the War was over. He managed to get a job with Vickers and spent a few months doing exhibition flights. When the firm sold planes to China in 1919, he went to Peking as flying instructor. In 1921 for Lewis was one of the five young men who, in 1922, founded the British Broadcasting Companya short period. Lewis was one of the five young men who, in 1922, founded the British Broadcasting Company Lewis joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in early 1939 as a pilot officer,[13] and during World War II served in Sicily, Greece, Egypt, and Italy, rising to the rank of squadron leader. | ||||
| Mackenzie, D. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Mackenzie, D. C.
| Mackenzie, D. C. Killed June 11th 1943 | ||||
| Manton, G. A. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Manton, G. A. L. | Manton, G. A. L. Squadron Leader G.A.L.Manton began commanding No 56 Squadron in early July 1940. In early September he was promoted to Wing Commander at Manston. | ||||
| Marston, K. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Marston, K. J.
| Marston, K. J. Pilot Officer K.J.Marston completed his training just before joining No 56 Squadron on the 28th of July 1940 In the last week of August he destroyed three Bf 109's and added a Bf 110 in late September. On the 30th of September 1940 he was shot down over Bournmouth and crash-landed his Hurricane I (P2866), and was wounded. On the 12th December 1940 while circling to land another aircraft's propeller struck his tail. He crashed and was killed, aged 22. | ||||
| Maxwell, Gerald Click the name above to see a profile of Maxwell, Gerald
| Maxwell, Gerald | ||||
| Maxwell, M. H. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Maxwell, M. H. C. | Maxwell, M. H. C. Pilot Officer M.H.C.Maxwell of No.56 Squadron was on patrol on May 27th 1940 in Hurricane (P3478) when he was shot down by Belgian AA fire. He was uninjured and returned to the UK by ship. | ||||
| Mayberry, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of Mayberry, Richard
| Mayberry, Richard | ||||
| McCudden, James Click the name above to see a profile of McCudden, James
| McCudden, James | ||||
| Mealing, Maurice Click the name above to see a profile of Mealing, Maurice
| Mealing, Maurice | ||||
| Meeson, C. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Meeson, C. V.
| Meeson, C. V. Killed September 20th 1940 | ||||
| Morewood, Roger Click the name above to see a profile of Morewood, Roger | Morewood, Roger An uncle suggested to Roger Morewood that he should join the RAF so Roger did at the age of 17. Roger said : I was going be a pilot, that was the only reason to join. Roger trained to fly in a Tiger Moth biplane before joining 56 Squadron - regarded within the RAF as an elite unit - flying open cockpit Gauntlet fighters. The squadron were then re-equipped with Gloster Gladiators - the last RAF biplane - then the Hawker Hurricanes that would join Spitfires in fighting off Hitlers Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. While serving with 56 Squadron Roger Morewood was assigned the dangerous role of long-range fighter sweeps over the coast of occupied France and Holland but left to help form 248 Sqn at Hendon with whom he served throughout the Battle of Britain flying Blenheims. Roger said: We had a few panic station alerts when we were scrambled. We wouldd be leaping into our aircraft with flying suits over our pyjamas as we tried to get into the air in a minute and a half. In July 1942 Morewood went to 9 OTU and later HQ Transport Command. After a long post-war career in the RAF he retired in 1957. Roger Morewood once said of his squadron: It was damned dodgy. We had a high loss rate on operations. And on one sortie - then aged 21 - he nearly met his maker : I flew across to Den Helder (Northern Holland) in a long-nosed Blenheim to look after this battleship at the entrance to the Zuiderzee. We flew round this thing and sure enough I saw some aircraft coming up. They were twin-engine bombers naturally - Messerschmitt 110s. That was a bit hairy. My two blokes (other pilots) shoved off in a hurry into a cloud, and there was me popping away until I ran out of ammunition. There was just me left. I realised there was no point chasing - I was not going to knock his wings off. So I started flying home. After making hardly any noise all flight the chap (navigator) in the back said you haveve got somebody on your tail now - you had better move swiftly. So I moved to left and right. We got a pretty hefty clobbering. His turret disappeared at the back. My poor navigator wore a tin hat and I dont blame him. He got a bullet half way through his armour. He was alright. I had a dreadful wound. If I shook my hand really hard I could get blood out of one finger. I was hit all over the place. We took dozens of bullets. The aircraft was ruined. That is all there was to it. We were still going home - even with the North Sea to go across. So I trundled off back and ditched the damn thing. Thank God it didnt blow up. We literally got away with it. It was the hairiest trip I ever did. On another occasion, Roger intercepted a German weather forecasting flying boat called Weary Willy : I was in a Beaufighter at this time. I flew upwind and had a shot at him downwind. Then all the guns jammed. So I pulled alongside him - not too close - and waved him good luck lad. Anyway he sank when he got back to Norway. That was that one finished. Flying from Shetland, his squadron attacked German shipping off Norway. Roger was rested and spent two years training new Beaufighter pilots but still managed to go on some operations, mainly attacking convoys off the coast of Holland. Roger Morewood said: job was to attack the flak ships, floating anti-aircraft batteries, so other Beaufighters could attack the cargo ships. It could be pretty hairy as 12 Beaufighters lined up to have a crack at the target. You wouldd see tracer shells from your mates plane whizzing over your head or underneath you. They were a bigger danger than the Germans Wing Commander Roger Morwood was posted to the Mediterranean where he contracted TB. He recalled: "In hospital, they treated you with whisky in milk and a pint of Guinness for breakfast, very primitive stuff." When the war ended and the RAF were scaled down, Roger continued to serve in various postings around the UK until 1947. after leaving the RAF Roger was recalled again as an instructor at the Central Flying School, but with the rank of flight lieutenant. He was posted to Edinburgh and then Glasgow University squadrons. finnaly leaving service in 1957. Wing Commander Roger Morewood notched up more than 5000 flying hours in 32 different types of aircraft.
| ||||
| Mounsdon, M. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Mounsdon, M. H. | Mounsdon, M. H. Pilot Officer M.H.Moundsen joined No 56 Squadron in June 1940. P/O M.H.Moundsen was shot down in his Hurricane I (R4197) following combat over Colchester on August 31st 1940. Following this Moundsen spent the following nine months in hospital recovering. | ||||
| Nichols, D. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Nichols, D. H.
| Nichols, D. H. Passed away 23rd August 2001. | ||||
| Nosowicz, Z. Click the name above to see a profile of Nosowicz, Z. | Nosowicz, Z. | ||||
| Page, Alan Geoffrey Click the name above to see a profile of Page, Alan Geoffrey
| Page, Alan Geoffrey Geoffrey Page was born in Boxmoor on 16th May 1920. Geoffrey Page developed an early interest in aviation, which is not surprising as he had an uncle who flew during the Great War and another uncle was Sir Frederick Handley Page, the great aircraft manufacturer. Page went to Dean Close School in Cheltenham, Glouscestershire, and later went to the Imperial College to study engineering. It was at college he joined the University Air Squadron at Northolt. Two weeks after the outbreak of the Second World War, Geoffrey Page received his call-up papers and joined the RAF with the rank of Acting Pilot Officer and went to Cranwell for advanced training. In May 1940 after a short period of instructing, Page was posted to 66 Squadron, flying Supermarine Spitfires but was almost immediately re-assigned to 56 Squadron where he was to fly the Hawker Hurricane. Whilst as a pilot officer with 56 squadron he took part in the Battles of France and Britain, and had accounted for three kills by the time he was shot down on the 12th August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Flying behind his commanding officer, who was attacking a large formation of Dornier Do17 bombers, his Hurricane was hit and caught fire. Burning high-octane fuel sprayed into the cockpit, covering Page, resulting in very bad burns to his face and hands. Page parachuted out and his Hurricane crashed into the sea. After being picked up from the sea he was taken to the burns unit at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, where he was treated by Sir Archibald MacIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon. He spent the next two years in hospital undergoing numerous plastic surgery operations. Both of his hands were burnt down to the bone, and his head had swollen to three times its normal size. Page had also received gunshot wounds to his legs. Page became a founding member of the Guinea Pig Club, where Sir Archibald MacIndoe was elected life time president and Geoffrey Page was its first chairman. In late 1942 he re-joined operations again as a Flight Lieutenant. He joined No.132 Squadron as a supernumerary Flight Lieutenant, before volunteering for service in North Africa, but returned to the UK as the desert heat caused problems on his skin grafts. In July 1943 he won his first DFC. Later in the year he joined 122 Squadron as a Flight Commander, before re-joining No.132 Squadron in January 1944 as Commanding Officer. On 29th April 1944 Page led his squadron to strafe Deelen airfield in Holland, and attacked a Bf110 night fighter that was landing. Despite the odds, the Bf110 shot down two Spitfires, before Page forced the aircraft down and destroyed it. The pilot of the Bf110 was the famous Major Hans-Joachim Jabs, who survived. Page was later promoted Wing Leader of 125 wing, and after another DFC he won the DSO at the end of 1944. Page had achieved his goal of 15 victories (10 solo, 5 shared, and 3 damaged). After the war on a tour of the United States met his wife to be, the daughter of a British Hollywood actor. He left the R.A.F. in 1948 joining Vickers Armstrong. In retirement, Page remained the driving force of the Guinea Pig Club, and also founded the Battle of Britain Trust. This raised more than one million pounds, with which the Battle of Britain memorial was erected overlooking the Straits of Dover. In 1995 he was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Sadly Alan Geoffrey Page DSO, OBE, DFC and Bar died 3rd August 2000. | ||||
| Pinfold, Herbert M Click the name above to see a profile of Pinfold, Herbert M
| Pinfold, Herbert M Group Captain Herbert Moreton Pinfold, Battle of Britian pilot with 56 Squadron flying Hurricanes, he also flew with 6, 64, 502 and 603 Squadrons. Sadly, Herbert Pinfold passed away on 19th October 2009. Group Captain Herbert Moreton Pinfold was born 5th February 1913 and joined the Royal Air Force in August 1934 at the age of 21. In September Herbert Pinfold was posted to 5 FTS, Sealand and with training completed, on the 5th of September he was sent to join 6 Squadron at Ismailia, Egypt. He returned to the UK on 19th March 1936 and joined the newly formed 64 Squadron. The squadron were flying Hawker Demons, and were moved to the Western Desert to combat the Italian Air Force threat. The squadron returned to the UK in September. After a short spell as personal assistant and pilot to AOC 11 Group, Herbert Pinfold was sent on a Flying Instructors Course at RAF Upavon. After completing the instructors course he was posted to 502 Squadron, AuxAF as Flying Instructor and Adjutant at RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland on 16th July 1938. In January 1939, Herbert Pinfold went to RAF Turnhouse, Edinburgh and joined 603 Squadron where the squadron were flying Gladiators and then Spitfires. He went to 3 FTS, South Cerney on 2nd July 1940, as an instructor. On the 11th of August Penfold went to Aston Down and converted to Hurricanes. Herbert Pinfold took command of 56 Squadron at North Weald on the 25th, remaining with it until 29th January 1941, after this he was posted to 10 FTS at Tern Hill when he returned to flying instruction with a posting to 10 FTS, Tern Hill. Herbert Pinfold completed the RAF Staff College course and went on a number fo staff positions in the UK and also overseas including Ceylon and Singapore. Coming back to the UK Herbert Pinfold took command of Duxford, at that time flying Meteors, after which was posted to the Air Ministry. In 1953 Herbert was appointed Air Attache in Rome, before returning to the UK in 1956 for a second spell as Station Commander of Duxford. On the 1st of October 1958 Herbet Pinfold retired at the rank of Group Captain. Sadly, Herbert Pinfold passed away on 19th October 2009. | ||||
| Radwanski, G. Click the name above to see a profile of Radwanski, G. | Radwanski, G. | ||||
| Ray, R. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Ray, R. W.
| Ray, R. W. Sergeant R.W.Ray of No 56 Squadron was shot down in his Hurricane I (P3655) near Portland, Dorset on September 30th 1940. | ||||
| Rhys-Davies, Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Rhys-Davies, Arthur
| Rhys-Davies, Arthur | ||||
| Robinson, P E. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Robinson, P E. M.
| Robinson, P E. M. Pilot Officer P.E.M.Robinson of No.56 Squadron was killed on June 17th 1941. His Hurricane (Z2812) was shot down by a Me109. He was buried at St Andrews churchyard in North Weald. He was 27. | ||||
| Rose, F. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Rose, F. C. | Rose, F. C. Flight Officer F.C.Rose of No.56 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (N2439) on May 18th 1940 when he was shot down in combat with a Me110 near Brebieres. | ||||
| Seward, Dave Click the name above to see a profile of Seward, Dave | Seward, Dave Dave Seward flew RAF Meteors, Canberras and Javelins and USAF F-86, F-102 and F-106 fighters. In 1961, as C.O. of No.56 Sqn he led the 'Firebirds' Lightning aerobatic team and later Commanded the Lightning OCU and Battle of Britain Flight, flying the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire. | ||||
| Sinclair, Gordon Click the name above to see a profile of Sinclair, Gordon
| Sinclair, Gordon A short service commission officer, Sinclair joined 19 Squadron as early as 1937 (3rd Nov 1938 Pilot Fg Off Gordon Sinclair making his first Spitfire landing in K9792 when the stub axle of the port main wheel sheared and the aircraft flipped on to its back he was unhurt) and was still with the Squadron in 1940. Over Dunkirk he destroyed a Bf 109 and probably another, and then on June 1 he destroyed two Bf 110s and on a later patrol the same day he claimed a He 111 and a Do 17 destroyed. He was awarded the DFC. He knew Bader well during his stay with 19 Squadron when Bader often flew as his No 2. Sinclair remembers his forceful personality, but also that he was great fun. They often played golf and squash together. In June 1940 Sinclair was posted as Flight Commander to 310 Squadron at Drixford and was soon to fly with that Squadron as part of the Duxford Wing, led by Douglas Bader. His final score was 10 confirmed victories. He later commanded 56 Squadron on Typhoons before promotion to Wing Commander and a post on the staff of HO 84 Group. Sinclair retired from the RAF in 1957. He died on 26th June 2005. | ||||
| Smythe, G. Click the name above to see a profile of Smythe, G. | Smythe, G. | ||||
| Soden, Ian Click the name above to see a profile of Soden, Ian
| Soden, Ian Flight Lieutenant Ian Soden of No.56 Squadron was killed when flying in Hurricane (N2437) on May 18th 1940, he was shot down near Vitry by a Me110. Soden was aged 23 and buried at Biache-St-Vaast in France. | ||||
| Sutton, F. B. Click the name above to see a profile of Sutton, F. B.
| Sutton, F. B. Pilot Officer F.B.Sutton was flying in Hurricane (N2553) on May 18th 1940 when he was force to land following combat with a Me110, he destroyed the aircraft in the process. | ||||
| Szafranciec, W. Click the name above to see a profile of Szafranciec, W.
| Szafranciec, W. Killed November 23rd 1940 | ||||
| Taylor, Chris Click the name above to see a profile of Taylor, Chris | Taylor, Chris Joined the RAF as an apprentice air radar fitter in 1961. He began flying training in 1966 flying the Jet Provost, Gnat and Hunter. He completed the lightning OCU at RAF Coltishall before joining 56(F) Sqn at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. A further tour on the Lightning back at the OCU was followed by selection for instructor training at CFS. He instructed on the Gnat at RAF Valley and then joined the team to bring the Hawk into RAF flying training. He flew both the Gnat and the Hawk as a member of the Standardisation Unit before an exchange tour with the USAF took him to Randolf AF base in South Texas. Returning to RAF Valley he completed tours as a Hawk Sqn Commander, Operations, and Deputy Chief Instructor before retirement from the RAF in 1998. He then began a second career as the Training Manager in the Hawk Synthetic Training Facility at RAF Valley. | ||||
| Tweed, T. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Tweed, T. R.
| Tweed, T. R. Killed September 15th 1940 | ||||
| Weaver, P. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Weaver, P. S.
| Weaver, P. S. Flight Lieutenant P.S. Weaver from No 56 Squadron shot down nine enemy aircraft between the 20th July and the 28th of August. On August 31st he was shot down in his Hurricane I (V7378) by a Bf 109 and crashed into a river and was not seen again. He had been recommended for a D.F.C. prior to his death and it was awarded on October 1st 1940. | ||||
| Westmacott, I. B. Click the name above to see a profile of Westmacott, I. B. | Westmacott, I. B. Flight Officer Innes B.Westmacott was a pre-war Regular pilot and Flying Instructor, he was posted to No 56 Squadron on the 3rd of August 1940. He shot down four enemy aircraft during the August of 1940 and on the 31st he was shot down by a Bf 110 and badly burned when his reserve tank in his Hurricane I (V7341) exploded but he still managed to bale out successfully. He recovered at Chelmsford Hospital. | ||||
| Whitehead, C. Click the name above to see a profile of Whitehead, C.
| Whitehead, C. Killed July 4th 1942 | ||||
| Whitfield, J. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Whitfield, J. J.
| Whitfield, J. J. Missing July 13th 1940** | ||||
| Wicks, B. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Wicks, B. J.
| Wicks, B. J. Flight Officer J.B.Wicks was a regular and one of the members of No 56 Squadron "B" Flight that fought in France, he scored one kill but was shot down behind enemy lines on May 22nd. He evaded capture for ten days until whilst on his way to Dunkirk, he was arrested by the French on suspicion of being a spy. He was later handed over to the English and escorted back to England and with some effort his identity was established and he returned to No 56 Squadron. He was credited with one victory during the Battle of Britain and on August 26th 1940 he was forced to bale out of his Hurricane I (V7340) and escaped uninjured. Wicks was awarded the D.F.C. on June 6th 1941. Wicks died whilst flying over Malta on October 12th 1942, he was 22. | ||||
Died : 9 / 11 / 1941
Historical Notes :
29-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.W.Elliott was shot down over Dunkirk.
29-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.W.Elliott was shot down over Dunkirk.
Historical Notes :
06-09-1939 - Aircraft shot up by mistake by Spitfires No. 74 Squadron and Pilot Officer F C Rose of 56 sqd was not injured. Hurricane repaired, but was lost on board HMS Glorious was sunk 18th may 1940
06-09-1939 - Aircraft shot up by mistake by Spitfires No. 74 Squadron and Pilot Officer F C Rose of 56 sqd was not injured. Hurricane repaired, but was lost on board HMS Glorious was sunk 18th may 1940
Historical Notes :
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer P.F.M.Davies was shot down over Sheppey. Pilot Davies baled out with burns on his hands, arms, legs and face.
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer P.F.M.Davies was shot down over Sheppey. Pilot Davies baled out with burns on his hands, arms, legs and face.
Historical Notes :
22-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer J.B.Wicks force-landed near Belgium whilst on patrol.
22-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer J.B.Wicks force-landed near Belgium whilst on patrol.
Historical Notes :
13-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.R.Cowsill was shot down whilst on patrol. Pilot Cowsill was killed.
13-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.R.Cowsill was shot down whilst on patrol. Pilot Cowsill was killed.
Historical Notes :
30-09-1940 - Shot down during combat with Do17s and Me110s over Portland. Pilot Peter Fox injured and baled out.
30-09-1940 - Shot down during combat with Do17s and Me110s over Portland. Pilot Peter Fox injured and baled out.
Historical Notes :
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant Peter H.Fox crashed after combat over Portland. Pilot Fox baled out and was wounded.
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant Peter H.Fox crashed after combat over Portland. Pilot Fox baled out and was wounded.
Historical Notes :
18-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer F.C.Rose was shot down by a Me110 near Brebieres.
18-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer F.C.Rose was shot down by a Me110 near Brebieres.
Historical Notes :
28-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.Smythe was in combat with a Me109 over Hawkinge when pilot Smythe baled out.
28-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.Smythe was in combat with a Me109 over Hawkinge when pilot Smythe baled out.
Historical Notes :
18-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer F.B.Sutton was destroyed after it force-landed at Vitry followign combat.
18-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer F.B.Sutton was destroyed after it force-landed at Vitry followign combat.
Historical Notes :
29-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer K.C.Dryden was forced to land on the beach whilst on patrol.
29-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer K.C.Dryden was forced to land on the beach whilst on patrol.
Historical Notes :
13-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.D.Baker, made a forced landing due to combat damage to the aircraft.
11-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.D. Baker on the 11th of August 1940, was shot down while on a convoy patrol. He baled out of his aircraft but was dead when picked up.
13-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.D.Baker, made a forced landing due to combat damage to the aircraft.
11-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.D. Baker on the 11th of August 1940, was shot down while on a convoy patrol. He baled out of his aircraft but was dead when picked up.
Historical Notes :
30-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker was written off when it crash-landed following combat with a Me109 over Essex.
30-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker was written off when it crash-landed following combat with a Me109 over Essex.
Historical Notes :
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer P.F.M.Davies was shot down near Rochford.
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer P.F.M.Davies was shot down near Rochford.
Historical Notes :
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer K.J.Marston was shot down over Bournmouth and crash-landed, pilot Marston was wounded.
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer K.J.Marston was shot down over Bournmouth and crash-landed, pilot Marston was wounded.
Historical Notes :
13-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant I.J.Whitfield was shot down whilst on patrol by a Me109 near Calais. Pilot Whitfield was killed in this incident.
13-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant I.J.Whitfield was shot down whilst on patrol by a Me109 near Calais. Pilot Whitfield was killed in this incident.
Historical Notes :
12-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer A.Geoffrey Page was shot down in flames after engaging in combat with several enemy aircraft. Pilot Page baled out over the Channel and was later rescued, he was injured suffering bad burns.
12-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer A.Geoffrey Page was shot down in flames after engaging in combat with several enemy aircraft. Pilot Page baled out over the Channel and was later rescued, he was injured suffering bad burns.
Historical Notes :
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant R.S.J.Edwards crashed after combat over Portland. Pilot Edwards was unhurt.
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant R.S.J.Edwards crashed after combat over Portland. Pilot Edwards was unhurt.
Historical Notes :
05-02-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.C.Jones went missing whilst on patrol.
05-02-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.C.Jones went missing whilst on patrol.
Historical Notes :
21-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker was shot down by a Do17 over East Anglia and force-landed. The aircraft was written off in this incident.
21-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker was shot down by a Do17 over East Anglia and force-landed. The aircraft was written off in this incident.
Historical Notes :
27-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant R.H.Lee was shot down into the sea, pilot Lee was later rescued.
27-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant R.H.Lee was shot down into the sea, pilot Lee was later rescued.
Historical Notes :
27-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer Fisher was shot down by a Me110 whilst on patrol.
27-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer Fisher was shot down by a Me110 whilst on patrol.
Historical Notes :
10-10-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.Hlavac was shot down by a Me109 near Wareham.
10-10-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.Hlavac was shot down by a Me109 near Wareham.
Historical Notes :
26-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.Smythe was written off following combat over Foulness, it crash-landed.
26-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.Smythe was written off following combat over Foulness, it crash-landed.
Historical Notes :
27-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer M.H.C.Maxwell was hit by Belgian AA fire whilst chasing a He111.
27-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer M.H.C.Maxwell was hit by Belgian AA fire whilst chasing a He111.
Historical Notes :
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer C.C.O.Joubert was in combat when the radiator exploded as he was attacked. Pilot Joubert baled out and was slightly wounded.
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer C.C.O.Joubert was in combat when the radiator exploded as he was attacked. Pilot Joubert baled out and was slightly wounded.
Historical Notes :
15-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Sergeant F.W.Higginson was forced to land following combat with a Do17 off Whitstable.
15-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Sergeant F.W.Higginson was forced to land following combat with a Do17 off Whitstable.
Historical Notes :
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker force-landed at Hawkinge following combat over Sheppey with Me109s.
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.E.P.Brooker force-landed at Hawkinge following combat over Sheppey with Me109s.
Historical Notes :
31-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer R.S.Don was involved in combat with Ju87s on patrol over Dover.
31-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer R.S.Don was involved in combat with Ju87s on patrol over Dover.
Historical Notes :
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.W.Ray was shot down near Portland, Dorset.
30-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.W.Ray was shot down near Portland, Dorset.
Historical Notes :
29-07-1940 - Flight Sergeant C.J.Cooney of No 56 Squadron was was shot down over the Channel, near Dover.Pilot Cooney was killed.
29-07-1940 - Flight Sergeant C.J.Cooney of No 56 Squadron was was shot down over the Channel, near Dover.Pilot Cooney was killed.
Historical Notes :
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant P.Hillwood was involved in combat with Me110s over Sheppey and pilot Hillwood baled out and swam ashore.
13-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant P.Hillwood was involved in combat with Me110s over Sheppey and pilot Hillwood baled out and swam ashore.
Historical Notes :
28-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer Michael H.Constable-Maxwell crash landed near Hearne Bay after combat with a Bf 109.
28-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer Michael H.Constable-Maxwell crash landed near Hearne Bay after combat with a Bf 109.
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer M.H.Moundsenshot was shot down over Colchester. The injuries sustained by Moundsen caused him to be hospitalised for 9 months.
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer M.H.Moundsenshot was shot down over Colchester. The injuries sustained by Moundsen caused him to be hospitalised for 9 months.
Historical Notes :
28-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer F.B.Sutton was involved in combat, pilot Sutton baled out over Thames Estuary and was badly burned.
28-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer F.B.Sutton was involved in combat, pilot Sutton baled out over Thames Estuary and was badly burned.
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant C.Whitehead was involved in combat with fighters over Colchester, pilot Whitehead baled out.
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant C.Whitehead was involved in combat with fighters over Colchester, pilot Whitehead baled out.
Historical Notes :
26-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer B.J.Wicks crashed following pilot Wicks being forced to bale out.
26-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer B.J.Wicks crashed following pilot Wicks being forced to bale out.
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer Innes B.Westmacott was shot down by a Bf 110 and its reserve tank exploded. Pilot Westmacott baled out successfully.
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer Innes B.Westmacott was shot down by a Bf 110 and its reserve tank exploded. Pilot Westmacott baled out successfully.
Historical Notes :
16-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer L.W. Graham was shot down in flames. Pilot Graham baled out slightly injured.
16-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer L.W. Graham was shot down in flames. Pilot Graham baled out slightly injured.
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant P.S.Weaver was shot downby a Bf 109 and crashed into a river, pilot Weaver was presumed dead.
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant P.S.Weaver was shot downby a Bf 109 and crashed into a river, pilot Weaver was presumed dead.
Historical Notes :
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant F.W.Higginson was shot down by a Me109.
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant F.W.Higginson was shot down by a Me109.
Historical Notes :
21-05-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.V.Hoyle was shot down by a Me109.
21-05-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.V.Hoyle was shot down by a Me109.
Historical Notes :
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer P.A.Harris was shot down.
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer P.A.Harris was shot down.
Historical Notes :
26-02-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant A.Turner was shot down into the channel.
26-02-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant A.Turner was shot down into the channel.
Historical Notes :
26-04-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer T.F.Guest was shot down over the French coast.
26-04-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer T.F.Guest was shot down over the French coast.
Historical Notes :
21-05-1944 - Flown by Wing Commander Edward Philip Patrick Gibbs of No.56 Squadron
21-05-1944 - Flown by Wing Commander Edward Philip Patrick Gibbs of No.56 Squadron
Historical Notes :
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer P.E.M.Robinson was shot down by a Me109.
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer P.E.M.Robinson was shot down by a Me109.
Historical Notes :
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.D.Carvill was shot down.
17-06-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.D.Carvill was shot down.
Historical Notes :
09-05-1944 - Joined No.56 Sqn.
29-06-1944 - Now with No.416 Sqn RCAF, hit by flak and crash landed, damaged beyond repair. Wing Commander F E Green DFC injured.
09-05-1944 - Joined No.56 Sqn.
29-06-1944 - Now with No.416 Sqn RCAF, hit by flak and crash landed, damaged beyond repair. Wing Commander F E Green DFC injured.
Known Individual Aircraft of No.56 Sqn RAF : | ||||||||
Type | Serial | Codes | First Flew | Squadron History | Aircrew History | History Notes | Engine | Factory |
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- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin XII | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin XII | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin XII | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
- | no information | no information | Merlin 66 | Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory | ||||
| Aircraft for : No.56 Sqn RAF | ||
| A list of all aircraft associated with No.56 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name. | ||
| Aircraft | Info | |
Bulldog 
Manufacturer : Bristol Number Built : 400 | Bulldog The Bristol Bulldog was a British Royal Air Force single-seat biplane fighter designed during the 1920s by The Bulldog was designed by Frank Barnwell, the Chief Designer of the Bristol company (or Bristol Aeroplane Company,) with over 400 Bulldogs produced, that arguably became the most famous aircraft during the RAF's inter-war period. The Bristol Bulldog never saw combat service with the RAF, though during the Abyssinia Crisis of 1935-36, Bristol Bulldogs were sent to the Sudan to reinforce Middle East Command. one interesting note. Douglas Bader,The second world war ace, lost both of his legs when his Bristol Bulldog crashed while he was performing unauthorised flying Aerobatics at Woodley airfield near Reading. The Bulldog was a Single-seat day and night fighter. All metal construction with fabric covering. Manufactured by Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd, Filton, Bristol. Her engine was a 490 hp Bristol Jupiter VIIF, with a max speed of 174mph and a ceiling of 27,000 ft. She had two synchronised Vickers 0.303in machine guns. | |
Gauntlet
Manufacturer : Gloster | Gauntlet Full profile not yet available. | |
Gladiator 
Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1945 Number Built : 746 | Gladiator GLOSTER GLADIATOR: A continuation form the Gloster Gauntlet aircraft the Gloster Gladiator (SS37) becoming designated the F.7/30 was named Gladiator on the 1st July 1935. The first 70 Gladiators had Under wing machine guns (Vickers or Lewis) before the browning became standard The first aircraft arrived at Tangmere airfield on in February 1937 to no. 72 squadron. at the outbreak of world war two a total of 218 Gladiators had been received by the Royal air force with a total of 76 on active service. They served also in the Middle eats and in 1940 when Italy joined the war was nearly the only front line fighter in the middle east. Between 1939 and 1941. the Gloster Gladiator flew in many war zones. flying in France, Greece, Norway, Crete Egypt Malta and Aden. The Aircraft claimed nearly 250 air victories. It stayed in front line duties until 1942, then becoming fighter trainer, and other sundry roles. It continued in these roles until the end of world war two. The Naval equivalent the Sea Gladiator a short service in the Middle east and European waters. A Total of 746 aircraft were built of these 98 were Sea Gladiators.. Performance. speed: 250mph at 17,500 feet, 257 mph at 14,600 Range 430 miles. Armament: Two fixed .3-03 browning machine guns | |
Hurricane 
Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1936 Number Built : 14533 | Hurricane Royal Air Force Fighter, the Hawker Hurricane had a top speed of 320mph, at 18,200 feet and 340mph at 17,500, ceiling of 34,200 and a range of 935 miles. The Hurricane was armed with eight fixed wing mounted .303 browning machine guns in the Mark I and twelve .303 browning's in the MKIIB in the Hurricane MKIIC it had four 20mm cannon. All time classic fighter the Hurricane was designed in 1933-1934, the first prototype flew in June 1936 and a contract for 600 for the Royal Air Force was placed. The first production model flew ion the 12th October 1937 and 111 squadron of the Royal Air Force received the first Hurricanes in January 1938. By the outbreak of World war two the Royal Air Force had 18 operational squadrons of Hurricanes. During the Battle of Britain a total of 1715 Hurricanes took part, (which was more than the rest of the aircraft of the Royal air force put together) and almost 75% of the Victories during the Battle of Britain went to hurricane pilots. The Hawker Hurricane was used in all theatres during World war two, and in many roles. in total 14,533 Hurricanes were built. | |
Lightning (UK) 
Manufacturer : BAC Production Began : 1959 Retired : 1988 Number Built : 278 | Lightning (UK) English Electric (later BAC) Lightning. Originally designed by W F Petter (the designer of the Canberra) The first Lighting Prototype was first flown on the 4th August 1954 by Wing Commander R P Beamont at Boscombe Down. The second prototype P1A, The name of Lightning was not used until 1958) (WG763) was shown at the Farnborough show in September 1955. The Third prototype was flown in April 1957 and was the first British aircraft ever to fly at Mach 2 on the 25th November 1958 The first production aircraft made its first flight on 3rd November 1959 and entered operational service with the RAF on the 29th June 1960with |NO. 74 squadron based at Coltishall. The F1 was followed shortly after by the F1A which had been modified to carry a in-flight refueling probe. The Lightning F2 entered service in December 1962 with no 19 and 92 squadrons. a total of 44 aircraft F2 were built. The F3 came into service between 1964 and 1966 with Fighter Command squadrons, re engined with the Roll's Royce Avon 301 turbojets. The Lightning T Mk 5 was a training version Lightning a total of 22 were built between August 1964 and December 1966. The BAC Lighting F MK 6 was the last variant of the lightning, base don the F3, this was the last single seat fighter and served the |Royal Air Force for 20 years. First Flown on 17th April 1964, and a total of 55 F6 saw service with the Royal Air Force, and the last Lightning F6 was produced in August 1967. A Total of 278 lightning's of all marks were delivered. In 1974 the Phantom aircraft began replacing the aging Lightning's, but 2 F6 remained in service up to 1988 with Strike Command until finally being replaced with Tornado's. Specifications for MK1 to 4: Made by English Electrc Aviation Ltd at Preston and Samlesbury Lancashire, designated P1B, All Weather single seat Fighter. Max Speed: Mach 2.1 (1390 mph) at 36,000 feet Ceiling 55,000 feet Armament: Two 30mm Aden guns and Two Firestreak infra red AAM's. Specificaitons for MK 6: Made by English Electrc Aviation Ltd at Preston Lancashire, designated P1B, All Weather single seat Fighter. Max Speed: Mach 2.27 (1500 mph) at 40,000 feet Ceiling 55,000 feet Range: 800 miles. Armament: Two 30mm Aden guns and Two Firestreak infra red AAM's. or Two Red Top. or two retractable contain 24 spin-stabilized rockets each. | |
Meteor 
Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1944 Number Built : 3947 | Meteor The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies' first operational jet. Designed by George Carter, and built by the Gloster Aircraft Company, Armstrong-Whitworth, the Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations on 27 July 1944 with 616 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Gloster Meteor was not an aerodynamically advanced aircraft but the Gloster design team succeeded in producing an effective jet fighter that served the RAF and other air forces for decades. Meteors saw action with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the Korean War and other air forces used the Meteor. The Royal Danish Air Force, The Belgian Air Force and Isreali Air Force kept the Meteor in service until the early 1970's. A Total of 3947 meteors were built and two Meteors, WL419 and WA638, remain in service with the Martin-Baker company as ejection seat testbeds. | |
SE5 
Production Began : 1917 | SE5 The third S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year No's 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its 'demob' 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always remain one of aviation's great warplanes. | |
Snipe 
| Snipe Full profile not yet available. | |
Tempest 
Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1943 Retired : 1949 Number Built : 1395 | Tempest The Hawker Tempest was a much improved development of the Typhoon and first flew in June 1943. and started service with the RAF in April 1944. mainly serving in the attack role in Europe against ground targets including the V1 Flying Bomb installations. It remained in service after the war until 1949 when it was eventually replaced by the Jet Aircraft. but continued for another 4 years in the Indian and Pakistan air forces. In total no less than 1395 Hawker Tempests were built. Speed: 426mph at 18,500 feet, Crew One. Range 800 miles. Armament: Four 20mm Hispano cannons mounted in the wings and a bomb payload of upto 2,000 lbs. | |
Typhoon 
Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1941 Number Built : 3330 | Typhoon Single engine fighter with a maximum speed of 412 mph at 19,000 feet and a ceiling of 35,200 feet. range 510 miles. The Typhoon was armed with twelve browning .303inch machine guns in the wings (MK1A) Four 20mm Hispano cannon in wings (MK!B) Two 1000ilb bombs or eight 3-inch rockets under wings. The first proto type flew in February 1940, but due to production problems the first production model flew in May 1941. with The Royal Air Force receiving their first aircraft in September 1941. Due to accidents due to engine problems (Sabre engine) The Hawker Typhoon started front line service in December 1941.The Hawker Typhoon started life in the role of interceptor around the cost of England but soon found its real role as a ground attack aircraft. especially with its 20mm cannon and rockets. This role was proved during the Normandy landings and the period after. The total number of Hawker typhoons built was 3,330. | |
Last edited : 00:54, January 5, 2018
Last editor : HMS
No.56 Sqn RAF Artwork |
  McCudden, VC by Ivan Berryman. |   Clipped Signature - Geoffrey Page. |   Normandy Beach Head Patrol by Geoff Lea. |
  Last Dogfight of Werner Voss by Ivan Berryman. |   James McCudden by Ivan Berryman. |   Oberleutnant Lothar Freiherr von Richthofen by Ivan Berryman. |
  Lightning Tribute by Stephen Brown. |   Glorious Summer by Robert Taylor |   Blackpool Showtime by Robert Tomlin. |
 Cruising by Robert Tomlin. |   Brief Encounter by Gerald Coulson. |   Magnificent Courage by Stan Stokes. |
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