DOCSLIB.ORG

S32 Entry Graduated July 1934

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
S32 Entry Graduated July 1934 Fewest of the Few Supplement S32 Entry Graduated July 1934 SURNAME INITS LISTER RCF MacDONNELL ARD S 32 Page 1 of 4 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 87 92 152 213 219 234 236 238 Cranwellian Participants JS Dewar RH Holland RM Hogg DC Shepley90 Flight cadets,HF Atkinson 17 SFTS traineesKW Worsdell and a transfereeRE Barnett to the RAFVR,PE Drew as far as ourCEJ records Baines 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. CBF Kingcome JSB Jones C Warren HD Clark Battle of Britain - 10 GroupDTM Lumsden ParticipantsCT Davis Lister, Robert Charles Franklin (S32 Entry, A Squadron) 87 41 9292 614 152 213 219 234 236 238 ES Marrs GW Montagu WEJ Measures RCFRobert Lister Charles Franklin Lister was born on 23rdAR AugustWatson 1913 and attendedJS Dewar Cheltenham College from 1927 to 1932. He entered Cranwell in September 1932, won the Groves RM Hogg DC Shepley HF Atkinson Memorial Prize in 1934 and, after graduating, he joined 13JS (Army Dewar Co-operation)RH Holland Squadron KW Worsdell RE Barnett PE Drew CEJ Baines at Netheravon on 28 July 1934. Lister was posted to 20 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron at Peshawar on 28 February 1935. In 1937, he was supporting the Army, JSB Jones C Warren HD Clark operating in the mountains of Waziristan CBF Kingcome DTM Lumsden CT Davis against tribesmen led PGStGby the FakirO’Brian of Ipi.TS Wildblood WCLister Watling was awarded the DFC (gazetted 16 247 J Tillett August 1938) for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Waziristan from 16 September 1935 to 15 December 1937 He received a Mention in Despatches (gazetted RCF Lister ES Marrs AR Watson JS Dewar GW Montagu WEJ Measures 18th February 1938). Back in the UK, Lister was posted to CFS Upavon for an instructor’s course, after which he went to 10 FTS Tern Hill. On 2 January IN Bayles WC Watling PGStG O’Brian TS Wildblood AR1939, Wright he was made Adjutant of 614 PGStG O’Brian247 J Tillett Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at Cardiff. In late 1939, Lister crashed during take-off with engine failure and fractured his spine. He was in plaster for nine months and was AR Wright IN Bayles given a temporary job at the Air Ministry. PGStG O’Brian Lister was cleared for flying duties in August 1940 and asked for a posting to Fighter Of the CranwelliansCommand. He was postedthat to 7 OTUserved Hawarden, converted in tosquadrons Spitfires and then took within 10 Group (SW England), Charles temporary commandNot of 41 strictly Squadron part at Hornchurch of 11Of onGp, 8the September. but Cranwellians based He was at shot RAF down that Tangmere, served inthe squadrons Fighter Interception within 10 UnitGroup was (SW England), those Davis (8 with on238 the 14 September Sqn), by an Me109Brian out of the Kingcome evening sun that no-one had (7 spotted, with whilst 92 Sqn), Harold Atkinson (6 with 213 Sqn), flying at the rear offormed a squadron and formation commanded in Spitfireaccredited R6605. by PeterLister baled‘aces’ Chamberlain, out when(i.e. thefive followingor more his‘kills’) pioneering and the development greatest number work of successes were Allan Wright aircraft(6 caughtalso fire, onslightly airwith wounded interception in the92 arm. radar.Sqn)Charles Henry Davisand Eeles (8 withEricis also 238 uniqueSqn),Marrs Brianin that Kingcome(5 he iswith one (7 Cranwellian with152 92 Sqn), Sqn) who Harold Atkinsonare accredited (6 with On 22 September, declinedhe was attached the to offer 92 Squadron of 213the at Biggin BattleSqn), Hill Allanofas aBritain supernumerary. Wright Clasp, (6 also despite with 92having Sqn) earned and Eric it asMarrs OC (5263 with Sqn 152 Sqn). John Dewar ‘aces’ (i.e. fiveShortly or after more Lister'soperating arrival the‘kills’) OC wasWhirlwind burned with and Listerand(87 the took andHurricane command. 213greatest Sqns), aircraft. Peter Charles number Drew Bacon, (236 Sqn),ofFerdinand successes. Richard Baraldi Hogg and (152 David John Sqn), John Dewar Jones (152(87 and On 24 September,Fulford 92 Squadron were was scrambledthree Cranwellian Sqn),to be part Douglas of a 'Bigparticipants Wing'Shepley of three (152who Sqn)received who theirlost hisflying brother training at Dunkirk, from the and Kenneth Wordsell 213 Sqns), Petersquadrons. Time Drew was wasted and(236 it met a formation Sqn), of nine Ju88s Richard with a 100+ Me109 Hogg (152 Sqn), John Jones (152 Sqn), escort, head-on andSFTS slightly below.at RAF Cranwell.(219 Sqn) all paid the ultimate sacrifice. Douglas Shepley (152 Sqn) who lost his brother at Dunkirk, and Kenneth Wordsell (219 On 12 Group operations,By far Tim the VigorsgreatestS 32 Page (222 number2 of 4Sqn) ofappears Cranwellians to have involved been the in theoutstanding Battle of Britain operated on Sqn) all paid the ultimateCranwellian sacrifice. ‘ace’ withsquadrons five successes within during 11 Groupthe Battle (SE of England).Britain. The ‘aces’ were Aeneas MacDonnell (8½ ‘successes’ with 64 Sqn), Peter Townsend (8 with 85 Sqn), Henry Hogan (6 with 501 Sqn) Arguably a better knownand Cranwellian John Badger in (512 with Group 43 wasSqn). Sir Those Douglas who Bader lost their who, lives as onOC Ops 242 within 11 Group were By far the greatest numberSqn, famously of advocated CranwelliansChristopher the ‘Big Andreae Wing ’ (64involvedOps Sqn), concept John despite inBadger the fierce (43 Battle oppositionSqn), Charles offrom BritainBacon11 (610 operatedSqn), John on Gp who, being closerChomley to the enemy (257 Sqn),lines, couldPhilip notCox assemble (501 Sqn), a comparableJohn Davey ‘Big (1 Sqn),Wing’ Ianin Donald (141 Sqn), squadrons within 11time Group to repel the (SEoncomingGeoffrey England). Luftwaffe Gaunt forces;(609 Sqn), Thethey Hilary opted ‘aces’ Hoodfor finger (41 fourSqn),were formations Noel Aeneas Hall attacking(257 Sqn), MacDonnell David Hanson (17 (8½ the enemy aircraft in Sqn),pairs, Johna mode Lecky d’emploi (41 Sqn), which Richard was to Lee become (85 Sqn), SOP Johnin ‘Rodeo McKenzie’ fighter (111 Sqn), Miles Miley ‘successes’ with 64 Sqn), Peter Townsend(25 Sqn), Henry Sawyer (8 with (65 Sqn) 85 and Sqn), Rodney WilkinsonHenry (266 Hogan Sqn). (6 with 501 Sqn) sweeps over France after the Battle of Britain had been won. Bader was attributed four and John Badger (5successes with). (1½ Thosex Do 17, 1 x whoBf109, 1 lostx Bf110) their in the Battlelives of Britain. on It Opsis postulated within that 11Page Group 13 of 32 were Nothe strictly was shot part down of - 11some Gp, believe but blue-on-bluebased at RAF- in 1941, Tangmere, captured bythe the Fighter Germans Interception and Unit was Christopher Andreaeformedenjoyed (64 and theSqn), commandedhospitality John of Colditz by Badger PeterCastle tillChamberlain, the (43end of Sqn),the war. following Charles his pioneering Bacon development (610 Sqn), work John on air interception radar. Henry Eeles is also unique in that he is one Cranwellian who Chomley (257 Sqn),Having Philip been Coxposted from(501 1 Sqn Sqn), to 242 SqnJohn on 21 DaveySeptember, Michael(1 Sqn), Homer wasIan shot Donald (141 Sqn), declineddown and the killed offer on 27of Septemberthe Battle when of Britainhis Hurricane Clasp, aircraft despite P2967 havingcrashed intoearned a wood it as OC 263 Sqn Geoffrey Gaunt (609operatingnear Sqn), Sittingbourne. Whirlwind Hilary andHood Hurricane (41 Sqn), aircraft. Noel Charles Hall Bacon, (257 Ferdinand Sqn), BaraldiDavid and Hanson David (17 Sqn), John Lecky Fulford(41 Sqn), were Richardthree Cranwellian Lee (85 participants Sqn), Johnwho received McKenzie theirPage flying14(111 of 32 trainingSqn), fromMiles the Miley (25 Sqn), Henry SawyerSFTS at (65RAF Sqn)Cranwell. and Rodney Wilkinson (266 Sqn). On 12 Group operations, Tim Vigors (222 Sqn) appears to have been the outstanding Cranwellian ‘ace’ with five successes during the Battle of Britain. Page 13 of 26 Arguably a better known Cranwellian in 12 Group was Sir Douglas Bader who, as OC 242 Sqn, famously advocated 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 the enemy aircraft in pairs, a mode d’emploi which was to become SOP in ‘Rodeo’ fighter sweeps over France after the Battle of Britain had been won. Bader was attributed four successes (1½ x Do 17, 1 x Bf109, 1 x Bf110) in the Battle of Britain. 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. 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 After a general break Lister, in X4427, found himself alone and being circled by some nine Me109's. He was eventually hit by a cannon shell in the bottom of the cockpit and wounded in both legs. He went into a spin, managed to get back to Biggin Hill, but had only one flap working, causing him to go out of control into a skidding diving turn which fortunately took the Spitfire into a valley below the level of the airfield. Lister regained control, made a landing without flaps and stopped ten yards short of a wood at the far end.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Royal Air Force Historical Society Journal 29
    ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL 29 2 The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the contributors concerned and are not necessarily those held by the Royal Air Force Historical Society. Copyright 2003: Royal Air Force Historical Society First published in the UK in 2003 by the Royal Air Force Historical Society All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing. ISSN 1361-4231 Typeset by Creative Associates 115 Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RS Printed by Advance Book Printing Unit 9 Northmoor Park Church Road Northmoor OX29 5UH 3 CONTENTS BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY. Address by Dr Alfred Price at the 5 AGM held on 12th June 2002 WHAT WAS THE IMPACT OF THE LUFTWAFFE’S ‘TIP 24 AND RUN’ BOMBING ATTACKS, MARCH 1942-JUNE 1943? A winning British Two Air Forces Award paper by Sqn Ldr Chris Goss SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES OF THE SIXTEENTH 52 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CLUB ON 12th JUNE 2002 ON THE GROUND BUT ON THE AIR by Charles Mitchell 55 ST-OMER APPEAL UPDATE by Air Cdre Peter Dye 59 LIFE IN THE SHADOWS by Sqn Ldr Stanley Booker 62 THE MUNICIPAL LIAISON SCHEME by Wg Cdr C G Jefford 76 BOOK REVIEWS. 80 4 ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY President Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham GCB CBE DFC AFC Vice-President Air Marshal Sir Frederick Sowrey KCB CBE AFC Committee Chairman Air Vice-Marshal
    [Show full text]
  • Inscribed 6 (2).Pdf
    Inscribed6 CONTENTS 1 1. AVIATION 33 2. MILITARY 59 3. NAVAL 67 4. ROYALTY, POLITICIANS, AND OTHER PUBLIC FIGURES 180 5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 195 6. HIGH LATITUDES, INCLUDING THE POLES 206 7. MOUNTAINEERING 211 8. SPACE EXPLORATION 214 9. GENERAL TRAVEL SECTION 1. AVIATION including books from the libraries of Douglas Bader and “Laddie” Lucas. 1. [AITKEN (Group Captain Sir Max)]. LARIOS (Captain José, Duke of Lerma). Combat over Spain. Memoirs of a Nationalist Fighter Pilot 1936–1939. Portrait frontispiece, illustrations. First edition. 8vo., cloth, pictorial dust jacket. London, Neville Spearman. nd (1966). £80 A presentation copy, inscribed on the half title page ‘To Group Captain Sir Max AitkenDFC. DSO. Let us pray that the high ideals we fought for, with such fervent enthusiasm and sacrifice, may never be allowed to perish or be forgotten. With my warmest regards. Pepito Lerma. May 1968’. From the dust jacket: ‘“Combat over Spain” is one of the few first-hand accounts of the Spanish Civil War, and is the only one published in England to be written from the Nationalist point of view’. Lerma was a bomber and fighter pilot for the duration of the war, flying 278 missions. Aitken, the son of Lord Beaverbrook, joined the RAFVR in 1935, and flew Blenheims and Hurricanes, shooting down 14 enemy aircraft. Dust jacket just creased at the head and tail of the spine. A formidable Vic formation – Bader, Deere, Malan. 2. [BADER (Group Captain Douglas)]. DEERE (Group Captain Alan C.) DOWDING Air Chief Marshal, Lord), foreword. Nine Lives. Portrait frontispiece, illustrations. First edition.
    [Show full text]
  • Ops Block Battle of Britain: Ops Block
    Large print guide BATTLE OF BRITAIN Ops Block Battle of Britain: Ops Block This Operations Block (Ops Block) was the most important building on the airfield during the Battle of Britain in 1940. From here, Duxford’s fighter squadrons were directed into battle against the Luftwaffe. Inside, you will meet the people who worked in these rooms and helped to win the battle. Begin your visit in the cinema. Step into the cinema to watch a short film about the Battle of Britain. Duration: approximately 4 minutes DUXFORD ROOM Duxford’s Role The Battle of Britain was the first time that the Second World War was experienced by the British population. During the battle, Duxford supported the defence of London. Several squadrons flew out of this airfield. They were part of Fighter Command, which was responsible for defending Britain from the air. To coordinate defence, the Royal Air Force (RAF) divided Britain into geographical ‘groups’, subdivided into ‘sectors.’ Each sector had an airfield known as a ‘sector station’ with an Operations Room (Ops Room) that controlled its aircraft. Information about the location and number of enemy aircraft was communicated directly to each Ops Room. This innovative system became known as the Dowding System, named after its creator, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, the head of Fighter Command. The Dowding System’s success was vital to winning the Battle of Britain. Fighter Command Group Layout August 1940 Duxford was located within ‘G’ sector, which was part of 12 Group. This group was primarily responsible for defending the industrial Midlands and the north of England, but also assisted with the defence of the southeast as required.
    [Show full text]
  • North Weald the North Weald Airfield History Series | Booklet 4
    The Spirit of North Weald The North Weald Airfield History Series | Booklet 4 North Weald’s role during World War 2 Epping Forest District Council www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk North Weald Airfield Hawker Hurricane P2970 was flown by Geoffrey Page of 56 Squadron when he Airfield North Weald Museum was shot down into the Channel and badly burned on 12 August 1940. It was named ‘Little Willie’ and had a hand making a ‘V’ sign below the cockpit North Weald Airfield North Weald Museum North Weald at Badly damaged 151 Squadron Hurricane war 1939-45 A multinational effort led to the ultimate victory... On the day war was declared – 3 September 1939 – North Weald had two Hurricane squadrons on its strength. These were 56 and 151 Squadrons, 17 Squadron having departed for Debden the day before. They were joined by 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron’s Blenheim IF twin engined fighters groundcrew) occurred during the four month period from which flew in from RAF Hendon to take up their war station. July to October 1940. North Weald was bombed four times On 6 September tragedy struck when what was thought and suffered heavy damage, with houses in the village being destroyed as well. The Station Operations Record Book for the end of October 1940 where the last entry at the bottom of the page starts to describe the surprise attack on the to be a raid was picked up by the local radar station at Airfield by a formation of Messerschmitt Bf109s, which resulted in one pilot, four ground crew and a civilian being killed Canewdon.
    [Show full text]
  • Wing Commander Charles Gordon Chaloner Olive CBE DFC
    Wing Commander Charles Gordon Chaloner Olive CBE DFC [1916 - 1987] Wing Commander Olive is distinguished by having been an air Ace in the Battle of Britain, and the Club President in 1970-71 Overview Charles Gordon Chaloner Olive CBE, DFC (3 July 1916 - 20 October 1987) was a rare Australian, a remarkable person and a notable member of the United Service Club, including serving on the Committee from 1947 and as President in 1970-71. He was one of the few Australians who fought while flying Spitfires in the early stages of the Second World War, in both the Battle of France (over Dunkirk) and in the Battle of Britain 1. He completed four operational tours operating from Britain, totaling 180 hours operational flying comprising 219 operational sorties. Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, then 1 Only 25 Australians were eligible for the Battle of Britain clasp, and fewer also fought in the Battle of France. We thank the History Interest Group and other volunteers who have researched and prepared these Notes The series will be progressively expanded and developed. They are intended as casual reading for the benefit of Members, who are encouraged to advise of any inaccuracies in the material. Please do not reproduce them or distribute them outside of the Club membership. File: HIG/Biographies/Olive Page 1 Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia said of him 2, Gordon Olive was an example of the daring, pluck and humour that gave the RAAF its deserved reputation in the service of the RAF. Shortish, wiry, cocky, mustachioed, and highly intelligent, he was the archetypical “fighter pilot”.
    [Show full text]
  • To Big Wing, Or Not to Big Wing, Now an Answer
    To big wing, or not to big wing, now an answer Matthew Oldham Computational Social Science Program Department of Computational and Data Sciences George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 [email protected] Abstract. The Churchillian quote \Never, in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few" [3], encapsulates perfectly the heroics of Royal Air Force (RAF) Fighter Command (FC) during the Battle of Britain. Despite the undoubted heroics, questions remain about how FC employed the `so few'. In particular, the question as to whether FC should have employed the `Big Wing' tactics, as per 12 Group, or implement the smaller wings as per 11 Group, remains a source of much debate. In this paper, I create an agent based model (ABM) simulation of the Battle of Britain, which provides valuable insight into the key components that influenced the loss rates of both sides. It provides mixed support for the tactics employed by 11 Group, as the model identified numerous variables that impacted the success or otherwise of the British. 1 Introduction 1.1 The Battle of Britain The air war that raged over Britain between the 10th of July and 31st of October 1940 is colloquially known as the Battle of Britain. The battle's significance comes from the fact that not only did the Germans fail to achieve either of their objectives, but it is seen as the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces [2]. The initial phase of the battle revolved around the German's attempt to gain air superiority prior to their planned invasion of England { Operation Sea Lion.
    [Show full text]
  • Hangar 4 the Battle of Britain Was One of the Major Turning Points of the Second World War
    Large print guide BATTLE OF BRITAIN Hangar 4 The Battle of Britain was one of the major turning points of the Second World War. From the airfield of Duxford to the skies over southern England, follow the course of the battle and discover the stories of the people who were there. Scramble Paul Day 2005 Scramble is a bronze maquette model for part of the Battle of Britain Monument in central London. The monument features many scenes relating to military and civilian life during the Battle of Britain. The centre piece, Scramble, shows pilots running toward their aircraft after receiving orders to intercept an incoming air attack. ZONE 1 Defeat in France May – June 1940 Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, two days after the country invaded Poland. Several months later, on 10 May 1940, Germany attacked Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands and France in a rapid ‘Blitzkrieg’ offensive. During a brief, but costly campaign, Britain deployed multiple Royal Air Force (RAF) squadrons to France. The aircraft were sent to support the British Expeditionary Force fighting on the ground and to counter Germany’s powerful air force, the Luftwaffe. Within 6 weeks, France had fallen. The remaining British, French and other Allied troops retreated to the coast, where over half a million were evacuated. The majority departed from the port of Dunkirk. On 22 June, France surrendered to Germany. Britain had lost its main ally and now found itself open to invasion. · 3 September 1939: Britain and France declare war on Germany · 10 May
    [Show full text]
  • So, 391--G2, 394; in First World War 378; Anti-Submarine Weapons 378
    Index 1053 So, 391--g2, 394; in First World War 378; Baker fitted to Lancaster x 758; Rose anti-submarine weapons 378--g, 393-4; U­ 685, 752-3; Village Inn/AGLT and radar­ boat losses 378-9, 394-5, 396, 399, 405, assisted gun-laying 752-3, 823; need to 414, 416; Allied shipping losses 379, 405, counter Schrage Musik fitted to German 414; U-boat tactics 381 , 391 , 396, 404- 5, night-fighters 687-8, 734, 763-4, 830, 854 409, 412; Mooring patrols 383, 402-4, Army Co-operation Command, see 410-1 l; Leigh Light 393- 4, 395; Biscay commands offensive 393-8; ASV radar and counter­ Army Photo Interpretation Section: and measures, 393- 4, 395; Musketry patrols procedures for photographic 397-8, 446; Percussion operations 398; in reconnaissance 296-7 Operation Overlord 406-ro; inshore Arnhem 326, 347-8, 875-6, 881 - 3, 890 patrols 410-16; Sir Arthur Harris believes Arnold, Gen. H.H. 832 bomber offensive is more important 598, Arnold-Portal-Towers agreement: and supply 638; Portal agrees 620; Bomber Command of bomber aircraft 599 ordered to attack U-boat bases in France Arras 775, 808 638--g, 677; other refs 95, 270, 375 Article xv, see Canadianization Anti-U-boat Warfare Committee 391 , 394 Ash, P/O W.F. 207 Antwerp 327, 337, 835, 845, 855 Ashford, F/L Herbert 648 Anzio 287-8 Ashman, W/C R.A. 400 Aqualagna 308 Assam 876, 905 Arakan 901, 903, 906 Associated Press 71 Archer, w/c J.C. 398, 400 ASV , see radar, air-to-surface vessel (ASV) Archer, F/L P.L.I.
    [Show full text]
  • The Blitz - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    The Blitz - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blitz From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Blitz (shortened from German 'Blitzkrieg', "lightning war") was the period of sustained strategic bombing of the The Blitz United Kingdom by Nazi Germany during the Second World Part of Second World War, Home Front War. Between 7 September 1940 and 21 May 1941 there were major aerial raids (attacks in which more than 100 tonnes of high explosives were dropped) on 16 British cities. Over a period of 267 days (almost 37 weeks), London was attacked 71 times, Birmingham, Liverpool and Plymouth eight times, Bristol six, Glasgow five, Southampton four, Portsmouth and Hull three, and there was also at least one large raid on another eight cities.[1] This was a result of a rapid escalation starting on 24 August 1940, when night bombers aiming for RAF airfields drifted off course and accidentally destroyed several London homes, killing civilians, combined with the UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill's immediate response The undamaged St Paul's Cathedral surrounded by smoke of bombing Berlin on the following night. and bombed-out buildings in December 1940 in the iconic St Paul's Survives photo Starting on 7 September 1940, London was bombed by the Date 7 September 1940 – 21 May 1941[1][a] [7] Luftwaffe for 57 consecutive nights. More than one (8 months, 1 week and 2 days) million London houses were destroyed or damaged, and more than 40,000 civilians were killed, almost half of them Location United Kingdom in London.[4] Ports and industrial centres outside London Result German strategic failure[3] were also heavily attacked.
    [Show full text]
  • Dowding: Architect of Victory
    Dowding: Architect of Victory This podcast is about a remarkable man. At the pinnacle of his career he was responsible for the defence of this country in its darkest hour. Yet soon afterwards he was dismissed from his post without ceremony or ample recognition. Initially, he wasn‟t even consigned to the history books – a seemingly dishonourable end to a 43-year Service career that spanned two World Wars. This man is, of course, Air Chief Marshal Hugh Caswall Tremenheere Dowding; later Lord Dowding of Bentley Priory. Best known as the commander who steered Fighter Command to victory during the Battle of Britain, Dowding‟s highly varied career began decades earlier as a young soldier in the Royal Garrison Artillery. His journey to the military was a little unorthodox, particularly as he was a former pupil of Winchester – one of Britain‟s most esteemed public schools. Dowding joined the Army Class simply to avoid Greek and Latin – two subjects that he viewed as useless, uninteresting and annoying. From Winchester he progressed to the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. Here, a dislike for mathematical formulae saw him fail to become an Engineer and he was instead gazetted into the Artillery, serving in Gibraltar, Ceylon and Hong Kong. It was whilst serving in the Artillery that Dowding got the nickname „Stuffy‟, although no-one is quite sure why. In later life, this nickname would prove to be something of an accurate, though affectionate, character assessment. Whilst Dowding was abroad, aviation technology had advanced rapidly and, on his return to England, Dowding was immediately attracted to this new pursuit.
    [Show full text]
  • The Battle of Britain: Misperceptions That Led to Victory
    The Battle of Britain: Misperceptions that Led to Victory by Douglas M. Armour Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History Acadia University April, 2011 ©Copyright by Douglas M. Armour, 2011 This thesis by Douglas M. Armour Is accepted in its present form by the Department of History & Classics As satisfying thesis requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours Approved by the Thesis Supervisor ________________________________ ______________________________ Dr. Paul Doerr Date Approved by the Head of the Department ________________________________ ______________________________ Dr. Paul Doerr Date Approved by the Honours Committee ________________________________ ______________________________ Dr. Sonia Hewitt Date i I, Douglas M. Armour, grant permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. I however, retain the copyright in my thesis. ________________________________ Signature of Author ______________________________ Date ii Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Paul Doerr, for all the support he has given me while writing my thesis. He has guided me through this long process and put up with my terrible spelling. Also, I especially thank him for getting some primary sources from Britain, (you know your thesis advisor is awesome when he crosses an ocean to get sources for you). Thanks again Paul for all your efforts! To my parents, thanks for all the loving support and motivation you have given me while writing my thesis. You have made this thesis possible by first making the writer of it (me) possible and for raising me to be the person I am.
    [Show full text]
  • Royal Air Force Historical Society Journal 52
    ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL 52 2 The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the contributors concerned and are not necessarily those held by the Royal Air Force Historical Society. First published in the UK in 2012 by the Royal Air Force Historical Society All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing. ISSN 1361 4231 Printed by Windrush Group Windrush House Avenue Two Station Lane Witney OX28 4XW 3 ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY President Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham GCB CBE DFC AFC Vice8President Air 2arshal Sir Frederick Sowrey KC3 C3E AFC Committee Chairman Air 7ice82arshal N 3 3aldwin C3 C3E 7ice8Chairman -roup Captain 9 D Heron O3E Secretary -roup Captain K 9 Dearman FRAeS 2embership Secretary Dr 9ack Dunham PhD CPsychol A2RAeS Treasurer 9 3oyes TD CA 2embers Air Commodore - R Pitchfork 23E 3A FRAes ,in Commander C Cummin s :9 S Cox Esq 3A 2A :A72 P Dye O3E 3Sc(En ) CEn AC-I 2RAeS :-roup Captain P 9 2 Squires O3E 2A 3En RAF :,in Commander S Hayler 2A 3Sc(En ) RAF Editor & Publications ,in Commander C - 9efford 23E 3A 2ana er :Ex Officio 4 CONTENTS AIR PO,ER IN THE 2003 IRAQ ,AR by Air Chf 2shl Sir 6 3rian 3urrid e SU22ARY OF THE 2INUTES OF THE T,ENTY8FIFTH 33 ANNUA. -ENERA. 2EETIN- HE.D IN THE ROYA.
    [Show full text]