Fewest of the Few Supplement J36 Entry Graduated December 1937

Fewest of the Few Supplement

J36 Entry Graduated December 1937

SURNAME INITS DONALD IDG ELSDON TAF KINGCOME CBF O’BRIAN PGSStG

Though a member of J36 intake, CBF Kingcome did not graduate till July 1938, not December 1937. J36 Page 1 of 7

Donald, Ian David Grahame (J36 Entry, A Squadron)

Donald was born on 3rd September 1917; his father was Air Marshal Sir DG Donald. He was at Dulwich College from 1931 to 1935 and entered RAF College Cranwell in January 1936 as an Honorary King's Cadet.

After graduation, Donald joined 64 Squadron at Church Fenton on 18th December 1937. During the 1938 Air Exercises, he was pilot of one of a formation of 64 Squadron Hawker Demons that were caught in a dense fog, which had descended suddenly over a wide area of England on 7th August. They were routed over Digby and then all pilots and air gunners were ordered to bale out.

Donald joined 141 Squadron when it was reformed at Turnhouse, with Defiants, on 4 October 1939. On 29 November, he was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant and appointed a Flight Commander. Not strictly part of 11 OnGp, 12 Julybut 1940, based the squadron at RAF moved Tangmere, south to West theMalling. Fighter Donald was Interception flying one of Unit was nine Defiants attacked by Me 109's of III/JG51 off Dover on the 19th. He was killed in the Not strictly part of 11 Gp, but based at RAFformed Tangmere, and commanded aircraftthe by while PeterFighter his gunner, Chamberlain, Pilot InterceptionOfficer AC followingHamilton, baled his out Unit butpioneering was drownedwas developmentin the sea. work formed and commanded by Peter Chamberlain,on air interception following radar.Their his aircraft, Henry pioneering L7009, Eeles crashed is at Elmsvale also development unique Road, Dover. in that he work is one Cranwellian who declined the offer of theDonald Battle is buried of in AllBritain Saints' churchyard, Clasp, Tilford,despite Surrey. having earned it as OC 263 Sqn on air interception radar. Henry Eeles is operating also unique Whirlwind inand that Hurricane he aircraft. is one Charles ______Cranwellian Bacon, Ferdinand who Baraldi and David Fulford were three Cranwellian participants who received their flying training from the declined the offer of the Battle of Britain Clasp,SFTS at RAF despite Cranwell. having earned it as OC 263 Sqn operating Whirlwind and Hurricane aircraft. Charles Bacon, Ferdinand Baraldi and David On 12 Group operations, Tim Vigors (222 Sqn) appears to have been the outstanding Fulford were three Cranwellian participantsCranwellian who ‘ace’ received with five successes their flyingduring the training Battle of Britain. from the SFTS at RAF Cranwell.

Arguably a better known Cranwellian in 12 Group was Sir Douglas Bader who, as OC 242 Not strictly part of 11 Gp, but based at RAF Tangmere, the Fighter Interception Unit was Sqn, famously advocated the ‘Big Wing’ Ops concept despite fierce opposition from 11 On 12 Group operations, Tim Vigors (222 Sqn) appearsformed and commanded to have by been Peter Chamberlain, the outstanding following his pioneering development work Gp who, beingon closer air interceptionto the enemy radar. lines, Henry could Eelesnot assemble is also uniquea comparable in that he‘Big is Wing’ one Cranwellianin who Cranwellian ‘ace’ with five successes duringtime the to repel Battle thedeclined oncoming of Britain. the Luftwaffeoffer of the forces; Battle they of Britainopted forClasp, finger despite four formations having earned attacking it as OC 263 Sqn the enemy aircraftoperating in pairs, Whirlwind a mode andd’emploi Hurricane which aircraft. was to becomeCharles SOPBacon, in ‘FerdinandRodeo’ fighter Baraldi and David sweeps over FranceFulford after were the three Battle Cranwellian of Britain hadparticipants been won. who Bader received was their attributed flying four training from the Arguably a better known Cranwellian in 12successes Group (1was½SFTS x Do Sir at17, RAFDouglas 1 x Cranwell.Bf109, 1Bader x Bf110) in who, the Battle as ofOC Britain. 242 It is postulated that he was shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - in 1941, captured by the Germans and enjoyed the hospitality of Colditz Castle till the end of the war. Sqn, famously advocated the ‘Big Wing’ Ops conceptOn 12 Groupdespite operations, fierce Tim opposition Vigors (222 Sqn) from appears J3611 Page to 2 of have 7 been the outstanding Cranwellian ‘ace’ with five successes during the Battle of Britain. Gp who, being closer to the enemy lines, Havingcould been not posted assemble from 1 Sqn a to comparable 242 Sqn on 21 September, ‘Big Wing’ Michael in Homer was shot time to repel the oncoming Luftwaffe forces;down they and killed optedArguably on 27 for September a betterfinger known when four Cranwellian his formations Hurricane in 12aircraft Group attacking P2967 was Sir crashed Douglas into Bader a wood who, as OC 242 near Sittingbourne. Sqn, famously advocated the ‘Big Wing’ Ops concept despite fierce opposition from 11 the enemy aircraft in pairs, a mode d’emploi which was to become SOP in ‘Rodeo’ fighter Page 14 of 32 Gp who, being closer to the enemy lines, could not assemble a comparable ‘Big Wing’ in sweeps over France after the Battle of Britain hadtime been to repel won. the oncoming Bader Luftwaffe was attributedforces; they opted four for finger four formations attacking successes (1½ x Do 17, 1 x Bf109, 1 x Bf110) in thethe Battleenemy aircraft of Britain. in pairs, a Itmode is postulatedd’emploi which wasthat to become SOP in ‘Rodeo’ fighter sweeps over France after the Battle of Britain had been won. Bader was attributed four he was shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - insuccesses 1941, (1captured½ x Do 17, 1 byx Bf109, the 1Germans x Bf110) in the and Battle of Britain. It is postulated that enjoyed the hospitality of Colditz Castle till the end ofhe thewas war.shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - in 1941, captured by the Germans and enjoyed the hospitality of Colditz Castle till the end of the war.

Having been posted from 1 Sqn to 242 Sqn on 21Having September, been posted Michael from 1 Sqn Homerto 242 Sqn was on 21 shotSeptember, Michael Homer was shot down and killed on 27 September when his Hurricane aircraft P2967 crashed into a wood down and killed on 27 September when his Hurricanenear aircraftSittingbourne. P2967 crashed into a wood near Sittingbourne. Page 14 of 32 Page 14 of 32

Elsdon, Thomas Arthur Francis (J36)

Elsdon was born at Broughty Ferry, Dundee on 22 January 1917. He attended Linthank College, Norwich and entered RAF College Cranwell in January 1936 as a Flight Cadet. After graduating he joined 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 8th December 1937.

Elsdon destroyed an He 115 on 21 October 1939, shared two He 111's on 7 December and, over Dunkirk, probably destroyed a Ju 87 on 2 June 1940.

He claimed an Me 110 on 15 August, two Me 110's on 1 September and another two Me 110's on the 4th. On the 4th, Elsdon baled out when his Spitfire, X4262, was attacked and set on fire on the way back to Croydon, possibly by a lone Me 109.

On 7 September Elsdon was back leading the squadron. They intercepted a formation of Do 17's, escorted by Me 109's. With not enough height to engage the enemy fighters, 72 Squadron went for the bombers, contrary to the usual practice for Spitfires. Leading the attack, Elsdon's aircraft was hit and he was severely wounded in the left knee and right shoulder. He decided not to bale out and headed for Biggin Hill. His undercarriage would not lower and he made a crash-landing. He possibly shot down an Me 109 in this action.

Awarded the DFC (gazetted 8 October 1940), Elsdon was out of action until 15 July 1941.

Our research has been unable to verifyOur He research somejoined 257 Squadron has of the been at Coltishall squadron unable and claimed to verify an movements Me 109 some destroyed of on the and24 July; squadron he was movements and (re)deployments, but we have established(re)deployments, theagain contributionwounded, but but not seriously. we made have established by Cranwellians the contribution in 11 made by Cranwellians in 11 squadrons (56, 151, 249, 253, 264, 312, 601, 603 605, 615 and 616 Sqns) which were squadrons (56, 151, 249, 253, 264, 312, 601,On 25 603 August 605, 1941, Elsdon 615 was and posted 616 to Kirton-in-Lindsey Sqns) which to form and were command 136 deployedSquadron. across It became Fighter operational Command in September during and thein November Battle leftof theBritain. UK for India. 'A' deployed across Fighter Command during theFlight Battle was detachedof Britain. to Singapore and Elsdon and a dozen or so pilots picked up Hurricanes in Cairo and flew them out to Rangoon to fight the Japanese on the retreat Of thethrough ‘Pan-Group’ Burma. The restairmen of the squadronshown wentbelow, to Colombo. all were The flightsquadron cadets came together except for Percival Ross- Framesagain Burton in Calcutta and in April Geoffrey 1942. It laterPage, saw actionboth inof Akyab, whom Calcutta, underwent Chittagong, flying Imphal training at the SFTS Of the ‘Pan-Group’ airmen shown below, all andwere Arakan flight before disbanding cadets in the except Cocos Islands. for Percival Ross- Frames Burton and Geoffrey Page, bothCranwell. of whom underwent flying training at the SFTS On 21 August, he damaged a Japanese aircraft in the Bay of Bengal. Cranwell. Not strictly part of 11 Gp,Richard but Barclay based (249at RAF Sqn) Tangmere,was an ‘ace’, the destroying Fighter five Interception Luftwaffe aircraft. Unit was Elsdon was made Wing Leader of 165 Wing, Dum Dum on 8th September 1942. He formed and commanded bymoved Peter to Alipore Chamberlain, on 10 October tofollowing lead 293 Wing, his took pioneering command of 169 development Wing, Agartala work FV Beamishon 10 February is one 1943, of was the posted famous to 185 Wing, Beamish Feni on brothers 8 October and and returned entered to the College with a Richard Barclay (249 Sqn)on air was interception an ‘ace’, radar. destroying Henrycommand Eeles 165five Wing, Luftwaffe is then also at Arakan, unique aircraft. on 22 in November that 1943.he is Elsdon one was Cranwellian posted to HQ who declined the offer of theWakefield BattleEastern Scholarship. ofAir Command,Britain CalcuttaClasp, He was on 12thdespite a veryJuly 1944. “hands-on”having He returned earned stationto the UK it commanderin asSeptember. OC 263 of RAFSqn North Weald, flying regularly with his resident squadrons (56, 151, 249 and 257 when in 11 Group). We operating Whirlwind and Hurricane aircraft. Charles ______Bacon, Ferdinand Baraldi and David FV Beamish is one of the famous Beamishhave been brothers only able and to verify entered (but have the no College reason to with dispute) a four of his claims of 10 Fulford were three Cranwellian participants who received their flying training from the Wakefield Scholarship. He was a very “hands-on”enemy aircraft station destroyed. commander Following of RAF the award North of Weald, an AFC before the war, he was SFTS at RAF Cranwell. flying regularly with his resident squadronsmentioned (56, 151, in despatches 249 and in257 February when 1940, in 11 appointed Group). a We companion of the DSO in July 1940, awarded a DFC in November 1940 and a bar to the DSO in September 1941, and have been only able On to verify12 Group (but operations, havefinally no Tim reasonwas Vigorsmentioned to (222 dispute) in despatches Sqn) four appears again of his to in haveJanuary claims been 1942. of J36 the 10 AsPage outstandingan 3 of Acting 7 Wg Cdr, he was enemy aircraft destroyed.Cranwellian Following ‘ace’ with the fivekilled award successes in action of in anMarchduring AFC 1942. the Battle before of Britain. the war, he was mentioned in despatches in February 1940, appointed a companion of the DSO in July 1940, awarded a DFCArguably in November a better 1940knownOf and Cranwellian others a bar from to thesein the 12 “Pan-Group”GroupDSO wasin September Sir Squadrons, Douglas three1941,Bader pilots and who, lost as their OC lives242 in 11 Group operations - Percival Burton, Noel Benson and Peter Crofts. finally was mentioned Sqn,in despatches famously advocated again in theJanuary ‘Big Wing 1942.’ Ops As anconcept Acting despite Wg Cdr, fierce he opposition was from 11 killed in action in MarchGp 1942. who, being closer to the enemy lines, could not assemble a comparable ‘Big Wing’ in time to repel the oncoming Luftwaffe forces; they opted for finger four formations attacking Of others from thesethe “Pan-Group” enemy aircraft Squadrons, in pairs, a mode three d’emploi pilots which lost their was to lives become in 11 SOP Group in ‘Rodeo ’ fighter sweeps over France after the Battle of Britain had been won. Bader was attributed four operations - Percival Burton, Noel Benson and Peter Crofts. successes (1½ x Do 17, 1 x Bf109, 1 x Bf110) in the Battle of Britain. It is postulated thatPage 16 of 32 he was shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - in 1941, captured by the Germans and enjoyed the hospitality of Colditz Castle till the end of the war.

Having been posted from 1 Sqn to 242 Sqn on 21 September, Michael Homer was shot down and killed on 27 September when his Hurricane aircraft P2967 crashed into a wood near Sittingbourne. Page 16 of 32 Page 14 of 32 Cranwellian Participants

90 Flight cadets, 17 SFTS trainees and a transferee to the RAFVR, as far as our records show, each played their part in the Battle of Britain. Here we summarise their efforts by squadron; a more detailed breakdown is available in our booklet, Battle of Britain.

Battle of Britain - 10 Group Participants Cranwellian Participants

Battle of Britain - 10 Group Participants JS Dewar RH Holland RM Hogg DC Shepley HF Atkinson KW Worsdell RE Barnett PE Drew CEJ Baines

Kingcome, Charles Brian Fabris (S36 Entry, B Squadron) 87 92 152 213 219 234 236 238 CBF Kingcome JSB Jones C Warren HD Clark DTM Lumsden CT Davis Kingcome entered the RAF Royal Air Force College Cranwell, Cranwell in September 1936 and graduated six months after his cohort on 29 July 1938.

RM Hogg DC Shepley At the outbreak of the Second World War, Kingcome was basedJS Dewar at HornchurchRH Holland serving RM Hogg DC Shepley HF Atkinson KW Worsdell RE Barnett PE Drew CEJ Baines with 65 Squadron. He took part in the battle of France and the battle of Dunkirk; scoring no victories. He was then posted to No. 92 Squadron, RAF Tangmere in May 1940, where he assumed temporary command over 92 Squadron after the loss of their Squadron leader RCF Lister ES Marrs AR Watson JS Dewar GW Montagu WEJ Measures Roger Bushell (the mastermind of the “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft III) over the skies of Calais on 23 May 1940. CBF Kingcome JSB Jones C Warren HD Clark DTM Lumsden CT Davis During his time at No. 92 Squadron, Kingcome became acquainted with Geoffrey Wellum, who flew as his wingman whilst Kingcome was acting CO - the Squadron lost 2 new COs within days of their arrival and Brian Kingcome led the Squadron temporarily in the absence of a squadron commander. Wellum later recorded his experiences in the book WCFirst Watling Light. PGStG O’Brian TS Wildblood 247 J Tillett RCF Lister ES Marrs AR Watson JS Dewar GW Montagu WEJ Measures “Kingcome was acting CO of 92 Squadron until Sqn Ldr Johnny Kent a Canadian, arrived. In early 1941, after Kent was transferred, Kingcome received full command. During this time, he and his pilots achieved the highest success rate of any squadron in the entire Battle of Britain. “

After serving with 92 Squadron,IN Bayles Kingcome was briefly posted as flight commander at No AR Wright WC Watling PGStG O’Brian TS Wildblood J Tillett 61 Operational Training Unit in late 1941. PGStG O’Brian 247

In February 1942, he returned to operations as OC 72 Squadron. Almost immediately he was ordered to provide escort cover for the ill-fated Fleet Air Arm Swordfish attack on the German capital ship Gneisenau, the cruiser ship Prinz Eugen and the capital ship Scharnhorst as they sailed through the Channel in an attempt to reach Kiel, Germany IN Bayles AR Wright PGStG O’Brian Of the Cranwelliansduring operation Channel that Dash. served in squadrons within 10 Group (SW England), those PGStG O’Brian accredited ‘aces’He then became (i.e. Wing five Leader or at Kenley more in June ‘kills’) 1942, and late and in the the year posted greatest to the number of successes were Fighter Leader's School at RAF Charmy Down. Charles DavisNot (8 strictlywith 238part ofSqn), 11 Gp, Brian but based KingcomeOf at the RAF Cranwellians Tangmere,(7 with 92 the that Sqn), Fighter served Harold Interception in squadrons Atkinson Unit withinwas (6 with 10 Group (SW England), those In May 1943, he was posted to North Africa to commandOf theNo. 244 Cranwellians Wing RAF and, in that served in squadrons within 10 Group (SW England), those 213 Sqn), AllanSeptember,formed Wright heand was commanded(6 promoted also to with Group by Captain 92Peter Sqn) at Chamberlain, accredited the age and of 25. Eric With ‘aces’ following 244Marrs Wing, (i.e. his five(5 pioneering with or more 152 development ‘kills’) Sqn). and John the work greatestDewar number of successes were Kingcomeon air found interception himself leading radar. five Spitfire Henry squadrons: Eeles 92 Squadron, is also 145 Squadron, unique 601 in that he is one Cranwellian who (87 and 213 Squadron, Sqns), 417 (RCAF Peter ) Squadron Drew and 1 (SAAF) (236 Squadron Sqn),Charles during Richard the DavisItalian Campaign. (8 Hogg with 238 (152 Sqn), Sqn), Brian Kingcome John Jones (7 with (152 92 Sqn), Harold Atkinson (6 with declined the offer of the Battle of Britain213 Sqn), Clasp, Allan despite Wright having (6 also earned with 92 it asSqn) OC and 263 Eric Sqn Marrs (5 with 152 Sqn). John Dewar Sqn), DouglasInoperating October,Shepley he attendedWhirlwind (152 the RAF Sqn) and Staff CollegeHurricane who at Haifa.lost aircraft. On his completion, brother Charles Kingcome Bacon, at was Dunkirk, Ferdinand and Baraldi Kenneth and David Wordsell appointed Senior Air Staff Officer in No. 205 Group, which(87 comprised and all 213 of the Sqns), RAF heavy Peter Drew (236 Sqn), Richard Hogg (152 Sqn), John Jones (152 (219 Sqn) all bomberpaidFulford squadronsthe were ultimate in the three theatre. Cranwelliansacrifice. In spite of his staff participantsSqn), position, Douglas Kingcome who flew Shepley received several (152 their Sqn) flying who training lost his from brother the at Dunkirk, and Kenneth Wordsell missions as a waist-gunner in a B-24 Liberator over northernSqn), Yugoslavia. Douglas Shepley (152 Sqn) who lost his brother at Dunkirk, and Kenneth Wordsell SFTS at RAF Cranwell. (219 Sqn) all paid the ultimate sacrifice. By far the greatestHe remained in number Italy after the war of as CranwelliansOC 324 Wing, again on fighters. involved in the Battle of Britain operated on On 12 Group operations, Tim Vigors (222 Sqn) appears to have been the outstanding By far the greatestJ36 Page 4 of number7 of Cranwellians involved in the Battle of Britain operated on squadrons withinCranwellian 11 Group ‘ace’ with (SE five successes England). during The the ‘aces’Battle of wereBritain. Aeneas MacDonnell (8½ ‘successes’ with 64 Sqn), Peter Townsendsquadrons (8 with 85 within Sqn), 11 GroupHenry (SE Hogan England). (6 with The 501 ‘aces’ Sqn) were Aeneas MacDonnell (8½ ‘successes’ with 64 Sqn), Peter Townsend (8 with 85 Sqn), Henry Hogan (6 with 501 Sqn) Arguably a better known Cranwellian in 12 Group was Sir Douglas who, as OC 242 and John Badger (5 with 43 Sqn). Those andwho John lost Badger their (5lives with on 43 OpsSqn).Bader withinThose who 11 Grouplost their werelives on Ops within 11 Group were Christopher AndreaeSqn, famously (64 advocated Sqn), John the ‘Big BadgerChristopher Wing ’ (43 Ops Sqn), Andreaeconcept Charles despite (64 Sqn), fierce Bacon John opposition Badger (610 (43from Sqn), Sqn), 11 John Charles Bacon (610 Sqn), John Chomley (257Gp Sqn), who, being Philip closer Cox to (501the enemy Sqn),Chomley lines, John could (257 Davey not Sqn), assemble (1 Philip Sqn), a Cox comparable Ian (501 Donald Sqn), ‘Big John Wing’ (141 Davey in Sqn), (1 Sqn), Ian Donald (141 Sqn), time to repel the oncoming Luftwaffe forces; they opted for finger four formations attacking Geoffrey Gaunt (609 Sqn), Hilary Hood (41Geoffrey Sqn), Gaunt Noel (609 Hall Sqn), (257 Hilary Sqn), Hood David (41 Sqn), Hanson Noel Hall (17 (257 Sqn), David Hanson (17 the enemy aircraft in pairs, a modeSqn), d’emploi John which Lecky was (41 to Sqn), become Richard SOP Leein ‘Rodeo (85 Sqn),’ fighter John McKenzie (111 Sqn), Miles Miley Sqn), John Leckysweeps (41 over Sqn), France Richard after the Lee Battle (25(85 of Sqn), Sqn), Britain Henry hadJohn Sawyer been McKenzie won. (65 Sqn) Bader (111and was Rodney Sqn), attributed WilkinsonMiles four Miley (266 Sqn). (25 Sqn), Henrysuccesses Sawyer (1 ½(65 x Do Sqn) 17, 1and x Bf109, Rodney 1 x Bf110) Wilkinson in the Battle(266 ofSqn). Britain. It is postulated that he was shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - in 1941, captured by the Germans and Page 13 of 32 enjoyed theNot hospitality strictly of part Colditz of Castle 11 Gp, till the but end based of the war. at RAF Tangmere,Page the 13 Fighter of 32 Interception Unit was Not strictly part of 11 Gp, but basedformed at RAF and commandedTangmere, by the Peter Fighter Chamberlain, Interception following Unit his pioneering was development work Having been posted from 1 Sqn to 242 Sqn on 21 September, Michael Homer was shot formed and commanded by Peter Chamberlain,on air interception following radar. Henryhis pioneering Eeles is also development unique in that work he is one Cranwellian who down anddeclined killed on 27 the September offer of when the his Battle Hurricane of Britainaircraft P2967 Clasp, crashed despite into a havingwood earned it as OC 263 Sqn on air interception radar. Henrynear Sittingbourne. Eeles is also unique in that he is one Cranwellian who operating Whirlwind and Hurricane aircraft. CharlesPage Bacon, 14 of 32 Ferdinand Baraldi and David declined the offer of the Battle of BritainFulford Clasp, were three despite Cranwellian having participants earned it who as receivedOC 263 their Sqn flying training from the operating Whirlwind and Hurricane SFTSaircraft. at RAF Charles Cranwell. Bacon, Ferdinand Baraldi and David Fulford were three Cranwellian participants who received their flying training from the On 12 Group operations, Tim Vigors (222 Sqn) appears to have been the outstanding SFTS at RAF Cranwell. Cranwellian ‘ace’ with five successes during the Battle of Britain.

On 12 Group operations, Tim VigorsArguably (222 a Sqn)better known appears Cranwellian to have in 12 been Group the was outstanding Sir Douglas Bader who, as OC 242 Cranwellian ‘ace’ with five successesSqn, during famously the Battleadvocated of Britain.the ‘Big Wing’ Ops concept despite fierce opposition from 11 Gp who, being closer to the enemy lines, could not assemble a comparable ‘Big Wing’ in time to repel the oncoming Luftwaffe forces; they opted for finger four formations attacking Arguably a better known Cranwellianthe in enemy 12 Group aircraft was in pairs, Sir Douglasa mode d’emploi Bader which who, was as to OC become 242 SOP in ‘Rodeo’ fighter Sqn, famously advocated the ‘Big sweepsWing’ overOps France concept after despite the Battle fierce of Britain opposition had been from won. Bader11 was attributed four Gp who, being closer to the enemy successeslines, could (1½ xnot Do assemble17, 1 x Bf109, a comparable1 x Bf110) in the ‘Big Battle Wing’ of Britain. in It is postulated that he was shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - in 1941, captured by the Germans and time to repel the oncoming Luftwaffeenjoyed forces; the they hospitality opted of forColditz finger Castle four till formationsthe end of the attackingwar. the enemy aircraft in pairs, a mode d’emploi which was to become SOP in ‘Rodeo’ fighter sweeps over France after the BattleHaving of Britain been posted had beenfrom 1 won.Sqn to Bader 242 Sqn was on 21 attributed September, four Michael Homer was shot successes (1½ x Do 17, 1 x Bf109, down1 x Bf110)and killed in on the 27 BattleSeptember of Britain.when his It Hurricane is postulated aircraft P2967that crashed into a wood near Sittingbourne. he was shot down - some believe blue-on-blue - in 1941, captured by the Germans and Page 14 of 26 enjoyed the hospitality of Colditz Castle till the end of the war.

Kingcome flew Spitfires in combat continually until the end of 1944, his tally finishing at 8 and 3 shared destroyed, plus a score of probables and damaged. One of the prewar Cranwell elite, Kingcome was to become one of the Second World War's great fighter leaders, alongside Douglas Bader, Robert Stanford Tuck and Johnnie Johnson.

He, with other Cranwellians, featured as himself in the film First of the Few, a public tribute to ‘The Few’.

______

J36 Page 5 of 7 Cranwellian Participants

90 FlightCranwellian cadets, 17 Participants SFTS trainees and a transferee to the RAFVR, as far as our records show, each played their partBattle in the Battle ofof Britain. Britain Here we summarise - 10 Grouptheir efforts by Participants squadron;90 Flight a more cadets, detailed 17 SFTS breakdown trainees isand available a transferee in our to booklet, the RAFVR, Battle as farof Britainas our records. show, each played their part in the Battle of Britain. Here we summarise their efforts by squadron; a more detailed breakdown is available in our booklet, Battle of Britain. Battle of Britain - 10 Group Participants 87 92 Battle of152 Britain - 10213 Group 219Participants234 236 238

87 92 152 213 219 234 236 238

JS Dewar87 RH92 Holland 152RM Hogg DC Shepley213 HF219 Atkinson 234 KW Worsdell236 RE238 Barnett PE Drew CEJ Baines Cranwellian Participants

JS Dewar RH Holland RM Hogg DC Shepley HF Atkinson KW Worsdell RE Barnett PE Drew CEJ Baines JS Dewar RH Holland RM Hogg DC Shepley90 FlightHF Atkinson cadets,KW Worsdell 17 SFTSRE Barnett traineesPE Drew and a CEJtransferee Baines to the RAFVR, as far as our records show, each played their part in the Battle of Britain. Here we summarise their efforts by CBF Kingcome JSB Jonessquadron;C Warren a moreHD detailed Clark breakdown is available in ourDTM booklet, Lumsden BattleCT of Davis Britain. CBF Kingcome JSB Jones C Warren HD Clark DTM Lumsden CT Davis CBF Kingcome JSB Jones C Warren HD Clark DTM Lumsden CT Davis Battle of Britain - 10 Group Participants RCF Lister ES Marrs ARES Watson Marrs JS Dewar GW Montagu WEJ Measures GW Montagu WEJ Measures RCFRCF Lister Lister ES Marrs AR Watson ARJS Watson Dewar JS Dewar GW Montagu WEJ Measures

O’Brian, Peter Geoffrey St George (J36 Entry, A Squadron) WC WatlingWC WatlingPGStG PGStGO’Brian O’BrianTS WildbloodTS Wildblood 87 92 152 247 213J JTillett Tillett 219 234 236 238 WC Watling PGStG O’Brian TS Wildblood 247 J Tillett

IN Bayles AR Wright IN Bayles JS Dewar RH Holland RM Hogg DC PGStGShepley O’BrianHF Atkinson KW Worsdell RE Barnett PE Drew CEJ Baines AR Wright PGStG O’Brian

O’BrianIN was Bayles born in Toronto on 16 September 1917, the son of Air Commodore Geoffrey Of the CranwelliansAR Wright that served in squadrons within 10 Group (SW England), those PGStG O’Brian Of the Cranwellians that servedO’Brian, in an squadrons RFC pilot and founder within member 10 of Group the RCAF. He(SW was educated England), at Trinity those accredited ‘aces’ (i.e. five orCollege, more Ontario ‘kills’) and Ontario and University. CBF the Kingcome greatest JSB Jones numberC Warren of successesHD Clark were DTM Lumsden CT Davis accredited ‘aces’ (i.e. five or more ‘kills’) and the greatest number of successes were Charles Davis (8 with 238 Sqn),He entered Brian the RAF Kingcome College in January (7 with 1936 92s a FlightSqn), Cadet, Harold was awarded Atkinson the Sword (6 of with Charles213 Davis Sqn), (8Allan with Wright 238 Sqn),(6 alsoHonour Brian with in December 92Kingcome Sqn) 1937 and when (7 Eriche withgraduated Marrs 92 with Sqn),(5 permanent with Harold 152 commission. Sqn). Atkinson John Dewar(6 with 213 Sqn), Allan Wright (6 also with 92 Sqn) and Eric Marrs (5 with 152 Sqn). John Dewar Of (87 the and Cranwellians 213 Sqns), Peter that DrewO’Brian joined served(236 the Sqn), 26 Squadron in Richard at squadrons Catterick Hogg in January (152 1938. within Sqn), He was Johnseverely 10 Jonesinjured Group in a (152 (SW England), those motor accident at Catterick on 28 September 1939 and was posted from Squadron to (87 andSqn), 213 Douglas Sqns), Shepley Peter Drew(152 Sqn) (236 who Sqn), lost Richardhis brotherRCF Lister Hogg at Dunkirk, ES (152 Marrs Sqn),AR and Watson Kenneth JohnJS Dewar Jones Wordsell (152 GW Montagu WEJ Measures accredited ‘aces’ (i.e. fiveStation staff or on more12 November ‘kills’) to assume Ops and Room theduties. He greatest was appointed Acting number of successes were Sqn),(219 Douglas Sqn) allShepley paid the (152 ultimate Sqn)Squadron sacrifice. who Leader lost on thehis 16th. brother at Dunkirk, and Kenneth Wordsell

(219Charles Sqn) all Davis paid the (8 ultimate with 238sacrifice.He relinquished Sqn), his rank Brian when he volunteeredKingcome for Fighter Command(7 with and posed 92 to 5Sqn), OTU, Harold Atkinson (6 with By far the greatest number Aston of Cranwellians Down, on 4 August involved1940. After converting in the to Battle Spitfires, ofhe Britainjoined 152 operatedSquadron at on 213 Sqn), Allan Wright Warmwell(6 also on the with19th. On the92 25th, Sqn) he was temporary and ‘B’Eric Flight Commander Marrs when (5 Flight with 152 Sqn). John Dewar WC Watling PGStG O’Brian TS Wildblood J Tillett By farsquadrons the greatest within number 11 Group of Lieutenant Cranwellians (SE England).FM Thomas involvedbecame The non-effective ‘aces’ in the sick. were Battle On the Aeneas 27th, of he Britain shared MacDonnell the operated destruction (8 ½ on 247 squadrons(87 ‘successes’ and within 213 with 11 Sqns), 64 Group Sqn), PeterPeter (SEof an HeTownsend England). 111 Drew and, on the (8 (236 The17 with September, ‘aces’ 85 Sqn), Sqn), shared were the Henry Richard destruction Aeneas Hogan of a Ju Hogg MacDonnell88.(6 with 501 (152 Sqn) (8 ½ Sqn), John Jones (152 ‘successes’Sqn),and DouglasJohn with Badger 64 Sqn),Shepley (5 with Peter 43 On Sqn).Townsend(152 24 September, Those Sqn) (8he who tookwith who commandlost 85 their Sqn),lost of the lives newly hisHenry onformed brotherOps Hogan 247 withinSquadron (6 at11 atwith Rosborough.GroupDunkirk, 501 were Sqn) and Kenneth Wordsell Christopher Andreae (64 Sqn),He was John awarded Badger the DFC (gazetted (43 Sqn), on 2 December Charles 1941) Bacon and led the (610 squadron Sqn), till May John and John Badger (5 with 43 Sqn).1942. Those who lost their lives onIN OpsBayles within 11 Group were (219 Sqn) all paid the ultimate sacrifice.AR Wright PGStG O’Brian ChristopherChomley Andreae (257 Sqn), (64 Philip Sqn), Cox John (501 Badger Sqn), (43John Sqn), Davey Charles (1 Sqn), Bacon Ian Donald (610 (141 Sqn), Sqn), John Geoffrey Gaunt (609 Sqn), HilaryIn June 1942,Hood O’Brian (41 was Sqn), posted Noel to HQ Hall 10 Groups, (257 as Sqn), Wing Commander David Hanson Training. In (17 Chomley (257 Sqn), Philip CoxSeptember, (501 Sqn),he returned John to Portreath Davey Wing, leading (1 Sqn), Spitfires Ian on escorts Donald and sweeps (141 over Sqn), Sqn), John Lecky (41 Sqn), theRichard Brest Peninsula Lee and(85 carrying Sqn), out Johnattacks onMcKenzie shipping. (111 Sqn), Miles Miley GeoffreyBy (25 far Sqn), Gaunt the Henry greatest(609 Sawyer Sqn), numberHilary(65 Sqn) Hood and Of of (41Rodney the Cranwellians Sqn), Cranwellians Wilkinson Noel Hall (266 that (257 involved Sqn). served Sqn), inDavid in squadrons the Hanson Battle within (17 of 10 Britain Group operated(SW England), on those Sqn), John Lecky (41 Sqn), RichardOn 16 April, Lee he (85 led 412Sqn), (RCAF) John Squadron McKenzie to attack German (111 shipping Sqn), off Miles the Brest Miley squadrons within 11 GroupPeninsula.accredited In combat (SE with FW England). ‘aces’ 190s, O’Brian’s (i.e. Spitfire five The was or damaged more ‘aces’ and ‘kills’) he Page baled were and out13 into of the Aeneas 32 greatest MacDonnell number of successes (8½ were (25 Sqn), Henry Sawyer (65 Sqn)the and Channel. Rodney After 8 hours Wilkinson afloat, he was (266 picked Sqn). up by a French MTB and taken to Not strictly part ‘successes’of 11 Gp, but with based 64 atSqn), RAFDartmouth, Peter Tangmere,Charles escorted Townsend for Davisthe last the few (8 miles withFighter (8by 238a flightwith Sqn),ofInterception 142 85 Squadron Brian Sqn), Spitfires.Kingcome UnitHenry He was was (7 Hoganwith 92 Sqn), (6 with Harold 501 Atkinson Sqn) (6 with awarded a213 Bar to theSqn), DFC (gazettedAllan 6Wright August 1943). (6 also with 92 Sqn) and Eric Marrs (5 with 152 Sqn). John Dewar formed and commandedand John by Badger Peter Chamberlain, (5 with 43 Sqn). following Those his pioneeringwho lost theirdevelopment livesPage on 13 work ofOps 32 within 11 Group were Not strictly part of 11 Gp, but based at RAFO’Brian Tangmere, was(87 rested and in July 213 1943the Sqns),and Fighter returned Peter to his Interceptionformer Drew post (236 at HQ 10 Sqn), Group. Unit RichardFrom was Hogg (152 Sqn), John Jones (152 on air interception radar. Henry Eeles isDecember also 1943 unique till April 1944, in he thatwas a student he at is RAF one Staff College. Cranwellian who formed and commandedChristopher by Peter Andreae Chamberlain, (64 Sqn), followingSqn), Douglas John his BadgerShepley pioneering (152 (43 Sqn) development Sqn), who lost Charles his brother work Bacon at Dunkirk, (610 and Sqn), Kenneth John Wordsell declined the offerChomley of the Battle (257 of Sqn), Britain Philip Clasp, (219 Cox despite Sqn) (501 all having paid Sqn), the ultimateearned John sacrifice. Daveyit as OC (1 263 Sqn), Sqn Ian Donald (141 Sqn), on airoperating interception Whirlwind radar. and Henry Hurricane Eeles aircraft. is also Charles unique Bacon, in that Ferdinand he is one Baraldi Cranwellian and David who Geoffrey Gaunt (609 Sqn), Hilary Hood (41 Sqn), Noel HallJ36 Page (257 6 of 7 Sqn), David Hanson (17 declinedFulford the wereoffer of three the CranwellianBattle of Britain participants Clasp, whoBydespite far received the having greatest their numberearned flying of it Cranwellians training as OC from263 involved Sqn the in the Battle of Britain operated on operating WhirlwindSqn), and HurricaneJohn Lecky aircraft. (41 Sqn), Charles squadronsRichard Bacon, withinLee Ferdinand (85 11 Group Sqn), (SEBaraldi John England). McKenzie and The David ‘aces’ (111 were Sqn), Aeneas Miles MacDonnell Miley (8½ SFTS at RAF Cranwell. ‘successes’ with 64 Sqn), Peter Townsend (8 with 85 Sqn), Henry Hogan (6 with 501 Sqn) Fulford were three (25 Cranwellian Sqn), Henry participants Sawyer (65 who andSqn) received John and Badger Rodney their (5 with flying 43Wilkinson Sqn). training Those (266 who from Sqn).lost their the lives on Ops within 11 Group were SFTSOn at RAF 12 Group Cranwell. operations, Tim Vigors (222 Sqn)Christopher appears Andreae to have (64 Sqn), been John the Badger outstanding (43 Sqn), Charles Page Bacon (61013 of Sqn), 32 John Cranwellian ‘ace’ with five successes during theChomley Battle of (257 Britain. Sqn), Philip Cox (501 Sqn), John Davey (1 Sqn), Ian Donald (141 Sqn), Not strictly part of 11 Gp, but based at RAFGeoffrey Tangmere, Gaunt (609 Sqn), Hilarythe HoodFighter (41 Sqn), Interception Noel Hall (257 Sqn), Unit David Hansonwas (17 formedOn 12and Group commanded operations, Timby Peter Vigors (222Chamberlain, Sqn)Sqn), appears John Leckyfollowing to (41 have Sqn), been Richardhis thepioneering Lee outstanding (85 Sqn), John development McKenzie (111 Sqn), work Miles Miley CranwellianArguably ‘ace’ a better with knownfive successes Cranwellian during in 12 the Group Battle(25 Sqn),was of SirHenry Britain. Douglas Sawyer (65Bader Sqn) andwho, Rodney as OC Wilkinson 242 (266 Sqn). on air interceptionSqn, famously advocated radar. Henry the ‘Big EelesWing’ Ops is concept also unique despite fierce in that opposition he isfrom one 11 CranwellianPage who 13 of 32 declinedArguablyGp the who,a betteroffer being known of closer the Cranwellian to Battle theNot enemy strictly of in lines,12Britain part Group couldof 11 Clasp,was notGp, Sirassemble but Douglas despitebased a comparable atBader RAFhaving Tangmere,who, ‘Big earnedas Wing’ OC the 242 in Fighter it as InterceptionOC 263 SqnUnit was formed and commanded by Peter Chamberlain, following his pioneering development work Sqn, famouslytime to repel advocated the oncoming the ‘LuftwaffeBig Wing forces;’ Ops they concept opted despitefor finger fierce four formations opposition attacking from 11 operatingthe Whirlwind enemy aircraft and in pairs, Hurricaneon a mode air interception d’emploi aircraft. which radar. Charleswas Henry to become Eeles Bacon, SOP is also in Ferdinand ‘ uniqueRodeo’ infighter that Baraldi he is one and Cranwellian David who Gp who, being closer to the enemy lines, could not assemble a comparable ‘Big Wing’ in Fulford weresweeps three over France Cranwellian after declined the Battle participantsthe of offer Britain of hadthe Battle been who won. of received Britain Bader Clasp, was their attributed despite flying having four training earned it as from OC 263 the Sqn time tosuccesses repel the (1 oncoming½ x Do 17, Luftwaffe 1operating x Bf109, forces; 1Whirlwind x Bf110) they optedinand the Hurricane Battlefor finger of Britain. aircraft.four formations It Charlesis postulated attackingBacon, that Ferdinand Baraldi and David SFTSthe at enemy heRAF was aircraft Cranwell.shot down in pairs, - some a modeFulford believe d’emploi wereblue-on-blue three which Cranwellian - wasin 1941, to become captured participants SOP by thein who ‘RodeoGermans received’ fighter and their flying training from the sweepsenjoyed over the France hospitality after of the ColditzSFTS Battle Castleat ofRAF Britain till Cranwell. the hadend of been the war. won. Bader was attributed four On 12successes Group (1 ½ operations, x Do 17, 1 x Bf109, Tim Vigors1 x Bf110) (222 in the Sqn)Battle of appears Britain. It is to postulated have been that the outstanding he wasHaving shot beendown posted - some from believe On1 Sqn 12 blue-on-blue to Group 242 Sqn operations, on- in21 1941, September, Tim captured Vigors Michael (222 by the Sqn)Homer Germans appears was shot and to have been the outstanding Cranwellianenjoyeddown the ‘ace’and hospitality killed with on of five27 Colditz September successesCranwellian Castle when till ‘ace’ the hisduring endHurricanewith of five thethe successes aircraftwar. Battle P2967 duringof Britain. crashed the Battle into aof wood Britain. near Sittingbourne. ArguablyHaving abeen better posted known from 1Cranwellian SqnArguably to 242 a Sqnbetter in on 12known 21 Group September, Cranwellian was Michael inSir 12 Douglas Group HomerPage was was 14 BaderSir of Douglasshot 26 who, Bader as who, OC as 242 OC 242 down and killed on 27 SeptemberSqn, whenfamously his Hurricaneadvocated aircraftthe ‘Big P2967 Wing crashed’ Ops concept into a wooddespite fierce opposition from 11 Sqn,near famously Sittingbourne. advocated theGp who, ‘Big being Wing closer’ Opsto the enemyconcept lines, despite could not fierceassemble opposition a comparable from ‘Big Wing’11 in Gp who, being closer to thetime enemy to repel lines,the oncoming could Luftwaffe not assemble forces; theyPage aopted comparable 14 for of finger26 four ‘Big formations Wing’ attacking in the enemy aircraft in pairs, a mode d’emploi which was to become SOP in ‘Rodeo’ fighter time to repel the oncoming sweepsLuftwaffe over Franceforces; after they the opted Battle of for Britain finger had four been won.formations Bader was attacking attributed four the enemy aircraft in pairs,successes a mode (1 d’emploi½ x Do 17, which1 x Bf109, was 1 x toBf110) become in the Battle SOP of inBritain. ‘Rodeo It is postulated’ fighter that sweeps over France after he the was Battle shot down of Britain- some believe had beenblue-on-blue won. - in Bader 1941, captured was attributed by the Germans four and successes (1½ x Do 17, 1 enjoyedx Bf109, the hospitality1 x Bf110) of Colditz in the Castle Battle till the ofend Britain. of the war. It is postulated that he was shot down - some Havingbelieve been blue-on-blue posted from 1 Sqn- in to 1941,242 Sqn captured on 21 September, by the Michael Germans Homer wasand shot enjoyed the hospitality of Colditzdown and Castle killed on till 27 the September end of when the hiswar. Hurricane aircraft P2967 crashed into a wood near Sittingbourne. Page 14 of 26 Having been posted from 1 Sqn to 242 Sqn on 21 September, Michael Homer was shot down and killed on 27 September when his Hurricane aircraft P2967 crashed into a wood near Sittingbourne. Page 14 of 26 In May 1944, O’Brian joined the Strategic Section of the Joint Planning Staff in London. He stayed on in the RAF, was made an OBE (gazetted 1 January 1954), served as ADC to HM The Queen in 1958 and retired on 18 July 1959 as a Group Captain.

O’Brian returned to Canada and became vice-president of a publishing company before retiring in 1982. He died on 15 April 2007.

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