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Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few ...Winston Churchill

The Battle of Britain (German: Luftschlacht um England, literally "Air battle for England") is the name given to the Second World War air campaign waged by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) against the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940. The objective of the campaign was to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF), especially Fighter Command, prior to launching an invasion of the British Isles. The name derives from a famous speech delivered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the House of Commons: "...the Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin."

The Battle of Britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces,[and was also the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign to that date. From July 1940, coastal shipping convoys and shipping centres, such as Portsmouth, were the main targets; one month later the Luftwaffe shifted its attacks to RAF airfields and infrastructure. As the battle progressed the Luftwaffe also targeted aircraft factories and ground infrastructure. Eventually the Luftwaffe resorted to attacking areas of political significance and using terror bombing strategy.

The failure of Germany to achieve its objectives of destroying Britain's air defences, or forcing Britain to negotiate an armistice or an outright surrender, is considered its first major defeat and a crucial turning point in the Second World War.By preventing Germany from gaining air superiority, the battle ended the threat that Hitler would launch Operation Sea Lion, a proposed amphibious and airborne invasion of Britain.

Pilots who fought in the Battle in RAF Fighter Command have been known as 'The Few' ever since Churchill's speech. In 1955 Flt Lt John Holloway, a serving RAF officer, began to compile a complete list of "The Few". After fourteen years of research Flt Lt Holloway had 2,946 names on the list. Of these airmen, 537 were killed during the Battle or later died of wounds received.

A List of All the Pilots who Fought in the Battle of Britain By Nationality

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References:

America

  • Davis, Carl Raymond: F/O Carl Raymond Davis an American born in South Africa of American parents. He was sent to England when he was 13 to be educated at Sherbourne School, later going to Trinity College, Cambridge and McGill University. After there he became a mining engineer. In 1936 Davis joined No 601 Squadron, Aux Air Force and was commissioned in the August. He was called for full-time service with No 601 Squadron flying a Hurricane's on August 27 1939. He shot down a Bf 110 on the 11th of July 1940, added two more Bf 110's on the 11th of August 1940, then three more Bf 110's on the 13th. Davis was awarded the D.F.C. on the 30th of August 1940. C.R.Davis scored five more kills before himself being shot down and killed on the 6th of September 1940. His Hurricane I (P3363) was shot down in combat with a Bf 109 over Tunbridge Wells at 09:30hrs. It crashed, inverted, and burned out in the back garden of Canterbury Cottage at Matfield, Brenchley, near Tunbridge Wells. He was 29 and is buried in St Mary's churchyard, Storrington, Sussex.
  • Donahue, Arthur Gerald: P/O Arthur Gerald Donahue was born in St Charles, Minnesota, America in 1913. He learned to fly privately and had his private and commercial pilot's licenses before he was 19 and for several years he instructed trainee pilots, gave pleasure flights and did some barnstorming. In June 1940 he heard that pilots were being enlisted in Canada for the R.A.F. he went up, claimed to be Canadian was accepted and ten days later sailed for the UK. Six days after landing he was at 7 O.T.U. Hawarden. He joined No 64 Squadron at Kenley on the 3rd of August 1940. On the 5th of August 1940 he landed at Hawkinge with serious damage following a combat with Bf 109's off the French coast. He was wounded on the 12th of August 1940 at 17:40hrs over the South Coast when he baled out of his burning Spitfire I (X4018) with injuries to the right leg and burns. After some time in hospital he rejoined No 64 Squadron in mid-September. On the 29th of September 1940 he was posted to No 71 Squadron, newly-reformed at Church Fenton from American volunteers. With no operations being flown Donahue was posted away on October the 23rd at his own request and he rejoined No 64 Squadron. Donahue was then posted to Singapore in late 1941. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 27th of March 1942. He was killed in action on the 11th of September 1942.
  • Fiske, William Meade Lindsley: P/O William 'Billy' Meade Lindsley Fiske was born on 4 June 1911 in Brooklyn, New York. He was an American citizen and joined the R.A.F. in September 1939. On the 12th of July 1940 he was posted to No 601 A.A.F. Squadron (County of London) at Tangmere. He shot down a Ju 88 on the 13th of August 1940. On the 16th of August 1940 after combat with Stuka's over Bognor, William M L ('Billy') Fiske landed his seriously damaged Hurricane I (P3358) at Tangmere in the midst of a Stuka raid on the airfield. His aircraft burst into flames on coming to rest and Fiske was badly burned. William M.L.Fiske was taken to the Royal West Sussex Hospital in Chichester, but died 48 hours later from shock. He was 29 years old.
  • Haviland, John Kenneth: P/O John Kenneth Haviland an American was born on the 19th of January 1921 in Mount Kisco, New York. He spent most of his early life in England, starting school there at the age of five. John went to Nottingham University at 17. He obtained his 'A' Licence and joined the R.A.F.V.R. He was called up at the outbreak of war and was posted to I.T.W. at Pembroke College, Cambridge in November 1939. After completing his flying training he went to the No 1 School of Army Co-operation, Old Sarum. He volunteered for Fighter Command, was posted to No 6 - O.T.U. Sutton Bridge in August 1940 and after converting to Hurricanes joined No 151 Squadron at Digby on the 23rd of September 1940. The following day, the 24th of September he collided with another Hurricane during formation practice and made a forced-landing in a paddock at Waddington. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 16th of February 1945, as a Flight Lieutenant with No 141 Squadron.
  • Keogh, Vernon Charles: P/O Vernon Charles 'Shorty' Keogh was an American and had signed originally to fight for Finland against Russia, but arrived in Europe too late for that war. After a spell in France, they came to England on the last ship from the port of St Jean-de-Luz and joined the R.A.F. He was accepted by the RAF and on July 5 then went to 7 O.T.U. Hawarden. He was sent to No 609 Squadron on the 8th of August 1940 and they became operational on the 16th of August on his first patrol encountered the enemy. He saw combat during August and he shared in the destruction of a Do 215 on the 15th of September 1940 before transferring on the 18th of September 1940 to the to help form the No 71 'Eagle' Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire. Vernon C. 'Shorty' Keogh had a civil pilots licence in America. He had been a professional parachute jumper with over 500 jumps. He was the smallest pilot in the R.A.F. and had to use two cushions in his Spitfire to see out of the cockpit. "Shorty" was last seen spinning into the sea off Flanborough Head during the chase of a Heinkel. He was 29 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial.
  • Leckrone, Phillip Howard: F/O Phillip Howard 'Uncle Sam' Leckrone was an American Volunteer from Salem, Illinois, who fought in the Battle of Britain. He joined No 616 Squadron at Kenley on the 2nd of September 1940 and was posted to 71 Squadron at Church Fenton on the 12th of October 1940, to join other American volunteers in the first 'Eagle' squadron. On the 5th of January 1941 Phillip was killed on a formation practice, when he collided with Pilot Officer E.E.Orbison. He was the Squadron's first fatality. He is buried in Kirton-in-Lindsey Burial Ground in Lincolnshire.
  • Mamedoff, Andrew: P/O Andrew 'Andy' Mamedoff RAF No. 81621 was an American and had signed originally to fight for Finland against Russia, but arrived in Europe too late for that war. After a spell in France, he came to England on the last ship from the port of St Jean-de-Luz and joined the R.A.F. He was accepted by the RAF and on July 5 then went to 7 O.T.U. Hawarden. He was sent to No 609 Squadron on the 8th of August 1940 and they became operational on the 16th of August on his first patrol encountered the enemy. He saw combat during August - September, before transferring on the 18th of September 1940 to help form the No 71 'Eagle' Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincoinshire.
  • Nelson, William Henry: F/O William Henry Nelson an American in the R.C.A.F. and was listed as Canadian joined No 74 Squadron on the 20th of July 1940. He had won a D.F.C in France flying bombers. He flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain.
  • Peyster-Brown, D.
  • Straight, Whitney Willard: P/O Whitney Willard Straight CBD, D.F.C was born on 6 November 1912 in New York. After her husband's death in 1918 Straight's mother married again and went to England. After education at Dartington Hall he went to Trinity College, Cambridge. He flew his own aeroplane and was a well-known racing driver, in his black-and-silver Maserati. In 1935 he married, became a British subject. Whitney joined No 601 A.A.F Squadron in early 1939 and was called to full-time service on the 24th of August 1939. He went to Norway with a naval force on the 15th of April 1940, with the temporary rank of Squadron Leader and was injured in a German bombing raid on a frozen lake on the 25th and evacuated to Britain by the Navy. He regained his operational category and rejoined No 601 A.A.F Squadron at Exeter on the 28th of September 1940 and flew in Hurricane's during the Battle of Britain. On the 1st of January 1941 for his work in Norway he was awarded the M.C. the Norwegian War Cross (18.12.42), received a Mention in Dispatches on the 1st of January 1943, was made a C.B.E. on the 8th of August 1944 and an Officer of the US Legion of Merit on the 15th of March 1946. He became Managing Director of B.O.A.C. in 1947. Whitney Straight died on the 5th of April 1979.
  • Tobin, Eugene Quimby: P/O Eugene Quimby 'Red' Tobin a lanky American from Los Angeles had signed originally to fight for Finland against Russia, but arrived in Europe too late for that war. After a spell in France, they came to England on the last ship from the port of St Jean-de-Luz and joined the RAF. He was sent to No 609 Squadron on the 8th of August1940 and they became operational on the 16th of August 1940 and on his first patrol encountered the enemy. Gene Tobin was from Los Angeles, and he learned to fly in the late thirties, paying for his lessons by working as a guide and messenger at the MGM Studios in Hollywood. He saw combat during August - September, before transferring on the 18th of September 1940 to the to help form the No 71 'Eagle' Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire. E.Q. "Red" Tobin crashed into a hillside near Boulogne in combat with some Bf 109's and killed on September 7 1941, on No 71 Squadron's first sweep over France. He was 24 years old and is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
  • Zatonski, A.R.

Australia

  • Bennet, C. G.
  • Bungey, Robert: F/L Robert Bungey an Australian joined No 145 Squadron on the 24th of September 1940 as leader of 'B' flight.
  • Cale, F. W.: P/O F.W. Cale was an Australian serving with No 266 Squadron flying Spitfires On the 15th of August 1940 Cale was shot down in his Spitfire I (N3168) near Maidstone, Kent at 18:50hrs. He was seen to bale out and his parachute opened. However all that can be located on the ground later is a parachute with burnt straps. Cale's body was recovered from the River Medway on the 16th of August 1940. He was aged 25.
  • Cock, J. R.: P/O J.R Cock flew with No 87 Squadron and was the first Australian to shoot down an enemy aircraft in WW II. He baled out of his Hurricane I (V7233) safely after being shot down off Portland Bill on the 11th of August 1940 at 10:50hrs by Helmut Wick in a Bf 109. He swam ashore slightly injured. The Hurricane I (V7233) LV-K was recovered in 1983 and was on display at Tangmere Aviation Museum.
  • Constantine, A. N.
  • Crossman, J. D.: P/O J.D. Crossman an Australian flew with No 32 Squadron and No 46 Squadron was killed on the 30th of September 1940 at 13:30hrs. He was shot down in his Hurricane I (V6748) at Forest Row, Sussex.
  • Edwards, H. I.
  • Flood, F. W.: F/Lt F.W Flood an Australian of No 235 Squadron was flying escort to Fairey Albacores on the 11th of September 1940 in a Blenheim IV-f (L9396). The Fairey Albacores from the Fleet Air Arm were on a raid on Calais at 17:30hrs and the Blenheim IV-f (L9396) flown by F/Lt F.W.Flood was shot down by a Bf 109. F/Lt F.W.Flood and his crew all died on the mission (N.B.Shorrocks & B.R.Sharp).
  • Glyde, R. L.: F/O R.L. Glyde an Australian of No 87 Squadron was shot down and killed on the 13th of August 1940 in his Hurricane I (P3387) by a Ju 88 off Selsey Bill, at 08:00hrs.
  • Hamilton, A. L.
  • Holland, K. C.: Sgt K.C Holland of No 152 Squadron was killed on the 25th of September 1940 at 12:00hrs. His Spitfire I (N3173) was shot down while he was attacking a He 111 West of Bristol.
  • Hughes, Paterson Clarence: F/L Paterson Clarence Hughes an Australian from Haberfield, New South Wales joined the R.A.F. before the war and was a Flight Commander with No 234 Squadron during the battle. His score was 13 + 3 ½ kills and he was awarded the D.F.C. One of them being a Bf 109 on the 5th of September 1940 near Detling. P.C.Hughes was killed on the 7th of September 1940 whilst attacking a Dornier at point blank range. The Dornier blew up and his Spitfire I (X4009) was hit by the part of the wing and it crashed in Kent at 18:30hrs.
  • Kennedy, J. C.: F/Lt J.C. Kennedy an Australian of No 238 Squadron was on patrol in a Hurricane (P2950) on the 13th of July 1940, he shot down a Do 17 off Chesil Beach at 15:20hrs but he was killed when he crashed while trying to avoid some H.T. cables.
  • Mayers, H. C.: P/O H.C. Mayers of No 601 Squadron was shot down over Portland on the 13th of August 1940 at 12:15. He baled out of his Hurricane I (P2690) with slight shrapnel wounds and was rescued by a M.T.B. On the 7th of October 1940 he was injured when he force landed his Hurricane I (R4218) at 14:05hrs after combat with a Bf 110 over Portland. Mayers was awarded the D.F.C. After the Battle of Britain in what was called the 'Shooting Season' he was shot down again. This time by famous German fighter ace Werna Mölders of JG 51 off Deal, Kent on the 4th of May 1941. He baled out of his Hurricane II (Z3087) and was picked up unhurt.
  • McDonough, B. M.: P/O B.M. McDonough was an Australian flying with No 236 Squadron in Blenheim's during the Battle of Britain. He was killed on the 1st of August 1940 along with the gunner (F.A.P.Head) of the Blenheim IV (R2774) during an attack on Querqueville, France at 17:15hrs.
  • Miller, R. F. G.: P/O R.F.G Miller an Australian of No 609 Squadron was killed on the 27th of September 1940 at 11:45hrs. His Spitfire I (X4107) collided with a Bf 110 of ZG 26 near Kingcome in Dorset.
  • W.H.Millington: P/O William 'Bill' H. Millington an Australian flew with No 79 Squadron and No 249 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Whilst flying with No 79 Squadron on the 31st of August 1940 he was wounded when he crash landed his Hurricane I (P3050) on fire after combat with a Bf 109 over Romney at 18:00hrs. W.H.Millington moved to No 249 Squadron. He was K.I.A. on the 30th of October 1940. He was shot down in his Hurricane I (V7536) over the Channel at 13:00hrs.
  • Olive, L. G. C.
  • Pain, J. F.
  • Power, R. M.
  • Reynell, Richard C.: F/Lt Richard C. 'Dick' Reynell an Australian was the Hawker test pilot and had voluntarily joined No 43 Squadron to report to his company the Hurricane's combat performance. He joined the Oxford University Squadron in 1931 and became Hawkers Test Pilot in 1937. His technical knowledge was far above average. He shot down a Bf 109 on the 2nd of September. R.C.Reynell was shot down by a Bf 109 on the 7th of September 1940 over South London at 16:45hrs. Tragically he baled out of his burning Hurricane I (V7257) but his parachute failed to open. He was 28 and left a wife and baby son.
  • Pritchard, C. A.: F/Lt. C.A. Pritchard an Australian flew one of the six Blenheim's on the 10th of May 1940 which attacked Rotterdam airfield in daylight Only one Blenheim returned to base. Pritchard was shot down but managed to evade capture and return to England. On the night of September 15th / 16th a Ju 88 was caught in searchlights. Pritchard was able to attack it and shoot it down. Pritchard took command of No 600 Squadron in November. Pritchard scored another success at night in May 1941. Pritchard was awarded the D.F.C. on the 24th of June 1941.
  • Sheen, D. F. B.: F/O Desmond F.B. Sheen of No 72 Squadron an Australian baled out of his Spitfire I (X4109) safely on the 1st of September 1940 at Ham Street, Kent at 11:50hrs. He had been in combat with some German fighters. On the 5th of September 1940 he was wounded in combat with a Bf 109 at 14:25hrs. He baled out of his Spitfire I (X4034) near to Hawkinge. He was later made a Wing Commander and awarded the D.F.C. and Bar ( Australian).
  • Walch, S. C.: F/Lt S.C. Walch an Australian of No 238 Squadron was shot down East of Weymouth in his Hurricane I (R4097) and killed on the 11th of August 1940, at 10:50hrs.

Belgium

  • Buchin, M.S.H.C
  • R. de Cannart d'Hamale
  • Dieu, G.
  • Dejace, L.J.
  • Demoulin, R.J.G.
  • Doutrepont, G.L.J
  • H.A.C.Gonay
  • L.Heimes *
  • B.M. de Hemptinne
  • R. de Hemricourt de Grunne
  • A.van den Hove d'Ertsenrijck
  • A. Jottard
  • J.C.J.Kirkpatrick
  • L.L.Javaux
  • H.Lascot *
  • 0.G.Lejeune *
  • DARG Leroy du Vivier*
  • A.C.A.Michiels
  • R.F.G.Malengrau *
  • J.H.M.Offenberg
  • V.M.Ortmans *
  • J.Phillipart
  • L.O.J.Prevot *
  • C.L.Roman *
  • E.G.A.Seghers
  • F. de Spirlet
  • W.E.Van Lierde *
  • F.A.Venesoen
  • A.A.L.Van Wayenberghe

The names marked with an asterisk are of the survivors that returned to Belgium after the war.

Britain

http://www.the-battle-of-britain.co.uk/Menus/men.htm

Canada

  • Aitkin, M.M.: Wg/Cdr. M. M. Aitkin a Canadian flew with No 601 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Maxwell Aitken, was the thirty-year-old elder son of Lord Beaverbrook, Minister for Aircraft Production.
  • Beake, P.H.
  • Beardmore, E.W.: F/O E.W. Beardmore a Canadian of No 1 (RCAF) Squadron was ironically, born in Berlin. He was shot down over the Thames Estuary on the 18th of September at 10:30hrs, he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3859) slightly wounded. The Hurricane crashed at Dungeness. He was repatriated to Canada in 1941.
  • Beley, Robert Wilfred Garth: P/O Robert Wilfred Garth Beley a Canadian joined No 151 Squadron on the 14th of July 1940. On the 12th of August 1940 his Hurricane I (P3304) was shot down by Bf 109's and crashed into the sea off Ramsgate. P/O R.W.G.Beley was rescued but died of his wounds, aged 20.
  • Benzie, John: P/O John Benzie a Canadian of No 242 Squadron was killed on the 7th of September 1940 at 17:00hrs, while on patrol over the Thames Estuary in his Hurricane I (P2962).
  • Blatchford, H. Peter: F/O H. Peter (Cowboy) Blatchford a Canadian served with No 17 Squadron & No 257 Squadron's flying Hurricane's during the Battle of Britain.
  • Bon-Seigneur, Amille Robespirre: P/O Amille Robespirre Bon Signeur a Canadian of No 257 Squadron was killed on the 3rd of September 1940 at 10:45hrs. He baled out of his Hurricane I (P3518) but was killed after combat over Ingatestone, Essex.
  • Boyle, J.G.
  • Briese, C.E.
  • Brown, D.De Peyster: P/O De Peyster Brown an American joined the R.C.A.F. on the 9th of September 1939 and as a Canadian flew Hurricanes with No 1 (RCAF) Squadron from August 1940. His On the 27th of September 1940 he claimed a Do 215 destroyed and shared a Ju 88.
  • Brown, Mark Henry: F/Lt. Mark Henry (Hilly) Brown a Canadian joined the R.A.F. in 1936. He flew in France with No 1 Squadron in Hurricane's where he shot down 5 enemy aircraft making him Canada's first Ace of the War. M.H.Brown was shot down on the 15th of August 1940 while on patrol in his Hurricane I (P3047) near Harwich at 15:00hrs, he baled out and slightly injured, and was rescued by a trawler. He was awarded the D.F.C. and later in the war became a Wing Commander. He was killed on the 12th of November 1941. His score then was 15 confirmed kills an 4 shared.
  • Brown, M.K.
  • Bryson, John S.: P/O John S. Bryson a Canadian of No 92 Squadron was killed on the 24th of September 1940 at 09:00hrs. His Spitfire I (X4037) was attacked by a Bf 109 near North Weald Sector Station.
  • Campbell, A.R.McL.: P/O A.R.McL Campbell of No 54 Squadron was wounded in combat on the 24th of August 1940. His Spitfire I (X4019) was damaged by a Bf 109 over Manston at 10:40hrs.
  • Campbell, Norman Neil: P/O Norman Neil Campbell a Canadian flew with No 242 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On the 17th of October he was killed when he crashed his Hurricane I (V6575) into the sea off Yarmouth after attacking a Do 17 at 09:00hrs.
  • Carrier, J.C.
  • Carthew, G.C.T.
  • Charles, E.F.J.
  • Chevrier, J.A.
  • Christie, G.P.: F/Lt G.P. Christie a Canadian of No 66 Squadron was wounded on the 5th of September 1940 at 16:00hrs. His Spitfire I (K9944) crashed at Gillingham, Kent after combat with Bf 109's over the northern part of Kent.
  • Christmas, B.E.: P/O B.E. Christmas a Canadian flew a Hurricane with No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron. He destroyed four enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain.
  • Cochrane, A.C.
  • Corbett, George Henry: P/O George Henry Corbett a Canadian of No 66 Squadron was wounded on the 9th of September 1940 at 18:00hrs.He baled out of his Spitfire I (N3049) over East Grinstead after being shot down by a Bf 109. G.H.Corbett was killed on the 8th of October 1940 at 09:30hrs. His Spitfire I (R6779) was shot down by a Bf 109 near Chatham.
  • Corbett, V.B.: F/L V.B. Corbett a Canadian from No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron damaged his Hurricane I (L1851) at Hornchurch during a scramble on the 18th of August 1940 when he ran into a fuel bowser at 14:40hrs. He was shot down by Bf 109's at 09:20hrs on the 31st of August 1940 he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3869) over Gravesend but suffered burns. He later commanded No 402 Squadron (the second R.C.A.F. Squadron) and was awarded the D.F.C. on the 13th of February 1942. Corbett was killed in a flying accident on the 20th of February 1945, aged 33.
  • Cryderman, L.E.: P/O L. Cryderman a Canadian from No 242 Squadron ditched his Hurricane I (V6823) into the Channel off Clacton after combat with a Do 17 on the 8th of February 1941. His body was never found.
  • Desloges, J.P.J.: F/O J.D.J. Desloges a Canadian from No 1 (RCAF) Squadron was shot down on the 31st of August 1940 by a Bf 109 while attacking some Do 215's. He baled out of his stricken Hurricane I (N2530) at 17:00hrs over Gravesend, he was severely burned. J.P.J.Desloges was killed in a flying accident in North Africa on the 8th of May 1944, aged 31.
  • Edmond, N.D.: P/O N.D. Edmond a Canadian with No 615 Squadron was wounded on the 29th of October 1940 at 12:45hrs. His Hurricane I (V6785) was badly damaged in combat.
  • Edwards, Henry Davies: P/O Henry Davies Edwards a Canadian flew Spitfire's with No 92 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was killed on the 11th of September 1940 at 19:00hrs. His Spitfire I (P9464) had been in combat with some Bf 109's. The Spitfire crashed near Smeeth in Kent.
  • Edwards, R.L.: F/O R.L. Edwards a Canadian of No 1 (RCAF) Squadron was shot down by defensive fire from a Do 17, he crashed his Hurricane I (P3874) at Little Bardfield, Essex and was killed on the 26th of August 1940 at 15:40hrs.
  • Elger, F.R.C.
  • Elliott, G.J.
  • Fletcher, A.W.
  • Frizell, Charles G.: P/O Charles G. Frizell a Canadian of No 257 Squadron baled out of his burning Hurricane I (L1703) on the 15th of August 1940. His Hurricane crashed near Edgware but he was unhurt.
  • Fumerton, R.C.
  • Gaunce, L.M.: F/Lt L.M 'Elmer' Gaunce a Canadian flew with No 615 Squadron. He, A.Eyre and Dutch Hugo destroyed 3 Bf 109's over the convoy 'Bosom' in mid July 1940. On the 11th of August 1940 was awarded the D.F.C.Gaunce was wounded on the 18th of August 1940 at 13:15hrs in a Hurricane I (P2966). He was in combat with a Bf 109 near Sevenoaks in Kent and baled out of his stricken aircraft. L.M.Gaunce was shot down again on the 26th of August 1940 at 15:15hrs by a Bf 109, he baled out of his Hurricane I (R4111) off Herne Bay and was rescued. He was promoted to Squadron Leader with No 41 Squadron. On the 19th of November 1941 he was killed in action on a Rhubarb flying a Spitfire Vb (AB858) in the afternoon off St. Lo.
  • Gordon, J.A.C.: S/L J.A.C. Gordon the Commanding Officer of No 151 Squadron was a Canadian. He took command of the Squadron on the 5th of August 1940. Gordon shot down a Bf 109 on the 14th of August 1940. While he was on patrol on the 15th of August he was wounded in combat with a Bf 109 over Dover but he landed his Hurricane I (P3941) safely at North Weald. He was shot down on the 18th of August 1940, baling out of his Hurricane I (P3940) after being shot down by a Bf 110 over Rochford at 17:30hrs. He was badly burned. Gordon was posted M.I.A. on the 1st of June 1942.
  • Grassic, Robert Davidson: P/O Robert Davidson Grassic a Canadian flew Hurricanes with No 242 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 15th of July 1941.
  • Hamilton, Harry Raymond: F/Lt Harry Raymond Hamilton a Canadian of No 85 Squadron was shot down and killed on the 29th of August 1940 at 18:15hrs. His Hurricane I (V6623) shot down by a Bf 109 near Rye.
  • Hanbury, B.
  • Harnett, T.P.
  • Hart, J.S.
  • Hart, N.
  • Hewitt, Duncan Alexander: P/O Duncan Alexander Stewart a Canadian from No 501 Squadron was shot down and killed on the 12th of July 1940 in a Hurricane (P3084) while attacking a Dornier Do 17 off Portland at 15:45hrs.
  • Hillock, F.W.
  • Howley, Richard Alexander: P/O Richard Alexander Howley a Newfoundlander (but born in Victoria, Canada) was flying Defiant's with No 141 Squadron. On the 19th of July 1940 he and his gunner (A.G.Curley) were on convoy patrol. Their Defiant (L6995) was shot down off Dover and they were both killed by a Bf 109 of JG 51 at 12:45hrs.
  • Hyde, G.G.: F/O G. G. Hyde a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was shot down on the 31st of August 1940 at 09:15hrs by Bf 109s, he baled out of his Hurricane I (P2971) over Cranbrook, suffering burns. He was killed in a flying accident on the 17th of May 1941, aged 27.
  • Johnston, James Thomas: P/O James Thomas Johnston a Canadian was posted to No 151 Squadron on the 13th of July 1940 without ever having flown a Hurricane. A pilot of No 56 Squadron, Pilot Officer F.B.Sutton, who was non-operational due to being wounded in France, was assigned to convert him and another pilot, P/O J.L.W.Ellacombe. On the 15th of August 1940 Johnston's Hurricane ( P3941) was shot down by Bf 109's off Dymchurch at 19:15hrs and crashed into the Channel. He was dead when picked up. He was 26.
  • Kent, John A.: Group Captain John A. Kent, D.F.C. and bar, Virtuti Militari (Polish). He was born in Canada, Johnnie Kent spent most of his life in the United Kingdom. He became a pilot aged 17 and held a commercial licence when he was 19. In 1935, aged 21, he joined the RAF and flew Gauntlets with No 19 Squadron. In September 1939 he joined No 212 Squadron in France. His first victory was when a Bf 109 attacked him but could not pull out of its dive and went into the River Seine. There were no witnesses so he could not claim it. He flew Hurricanes with No 303 Squadron before Commanding No 92 Squadron on Spitfire I's. In October 1940 he notched up his Squadron's 100th wartime victory. He left the R.A.F. in 1956.
  • Kerwin, John W.: P/O John W. Kerwin a Canadian was a pre-war member of the RAF. He joined No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron in August. On the 31st of August he destroyed a Do 215. On the 1st of September he destroyed another Dornier and a Bf 110. He was then shot down and he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3963) over Shipbourne at 14:25hrs, with burns. J.W.Kerwin was K.I.A. in the Aleutians on the 16th of July 1942.
  • Laricheliere, J.E.P.: P/O J.E.P. Laricheliere a Canadian from No 213 Squadron was shot down and killed his Hurricane I off Portland on the 16th of August 1940 at 13:00hrs.
  • Latta, John Blandford: P/O John Blandford Latta a Canadian flew Hurricanes with No 242 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 8th of November 1940.
  • Lewis, R.G.
  • Little, T.B.: F/O T.B. Little a Canadian from No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was shot down during an attack on He 111's over Tunbridge on the 11th of September 1940 at 16:15hrs, he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3534). Little was wounded in the leg and with burns. T.B.Little was on escort when he collided with a Spitfire over the Channel in his Hurricane II-b (Z5001) on the 27th of August 1941, and was posted M.I.A. aged 24.
  • Lochnan, P.W.: F/O P.W. Lochnan a Canadian from No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was unhurt when he crash and burned his Hurricane I (V6670) on the 11th of September 1940 near Romney, Kent at 16:20hrs. He had been in combat with some He 111's and was hit by return fire.
  • McGregor, G.R.: F/L G. R. McGregor a Canadian was possibly the oldest R.C.A.F. pilot to see service. He was with No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron during the Battle and was 38 years old. He shot down four aircraft during the Battle and was awarded the D.F.C. on the 25th of October 1940. He commanded the Squadron from November before going to No 2 (R.C.A.F.) /402 Squadron as the Commanding Officer in January. F/L V.B.Corbett took over from him when he became the commander of the Canadian Wing in April. He flew his last operational sortie as a Group Captain on 28 March 1945, destroying a locomotive. Awarded the C de G in 1947 and the Czech Military Cross. After the war became President of Air Canada.
  • McNab, E.A.: S/L E.A. McNab was a Canadian Commanding Officer On an exchange attachment to the R.A.F. when the war started, he returned to Canada to take command of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron and returned to England with them. He flew occasionally with No 111 Squadron, while sharing their base at Croydon, to gain operational experience and downed a Do 215 on the 15th of August 1940 on one of these sorties. Once No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was operational he shot down a further 6 planes and was awarded the D.F.C. on the 22nd of October 1940. In November he returned to Canada. He was also awarded the Czech Military Cross.
  • McKnight, William Lidstone: William Lidstone 'Willie' McKnight was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1918 and was commissioned in the R.A.F. in 1939. He was posted to No 615 Squadron in May 1940 who were in France. On the 19th of May 1940 McKnight shot down his first German. He then transferred to No 242 Squadron and was involved in fierce fighting over Dunkirk where he claimed 8 kills (possibly 10). McKnight was awarded the D.F.C. On the 30th of August 1940 he shot down 3 Bf 110's. He had 4 more kills in September and a Bf 109 in November. He was then awarded the Bar to his D.F.C. W.McKnight was K.I.A. on the 12th of January 1941 in his Hurricane I (P2961) by a Bf 109 on a fighter sweep over France.
  • Millar, W. B. M.: F/O W. B. M. Millar a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was wounded on the 9th of September 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (P3081) after combat near Northolt. He was badly burned.
  • Milne, J.A.: P/O J.A. Milne a Canadian of No 605 Squadron was wounded on the 22nd of October 1940 after combat with some Bf 109's. He crash landed his Hurricane I (V6783) near Dorking at 14:30hrs. He had a broken hip.
  • Mitchell, H.T.
  • Molson, HdeM.: F/O HdeM Molson a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was involved in a landing accident on his return from a sortie at Hornchurch on the 18th of August 1940 and damaged his Hurricane I (3757). He was credited with damaging three aircraft before downing a He 111 on the 11th of September 1940. He was shot down by fighters and baled out of his Hurricane I (P3873) over Canterbury, wounded, on the 5th of October 1940. Molson returned to Canada early in 1941.
  • Nelson, William Henry: F/O William Henry Nelson an American in the R.C.A.F. and was listed as Canadian joined No 74 Squadron on the 20th of July 1940. He had won a D.F.C in France flying bombers. He flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain.
  • Nesbitt, A.D.: F/O A.D. Nesbitt a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron destroyed a Bf 110 on the 4th of September 1940 and a Bf 109 on the 15th of September 1940. His Hurricane I (P3080) was shot down this day by a Bf 109 over Tunbridge at 12:10hrs. He baled out wounded. Nesbitt was back in combat on the 9th of October 1940, his Hurricane was badly damaged by a Bf 109 but he landed safely, unhurt. In March 1941 he took command of the re-numbered No 401 Squadron. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 23rd of September 1941.
  • Norris, R.W.
  • O'Brian, P.G. St.G.
  • Ogilvie, Alfred Keith: Alfred Keith 'Skeets' Ogilvie was born in Ottawa, Canada on September 14th 1915. He was granted a short-service commission on August 11th 1939. He arrived at Middle Wallop on the 20th August 1940 was posted to No 609 Squadron as a replacement for Mac D Goodwin. He opened his Battle of Britain account by destroying an Me 109 and claiming the probable destruction of an Me 110 on the 7th September 1940 although his Spitfire I (N3280) also suffered some damage in this combat and he returned to base with a damaged tail unit. On the 15th of September he shared in the downing of the Dornier Do 17 with Sgt. R.T.Holmes of No 504 Squadron which crashed on Victoria Railway Station. He probably destroyed a Do 17 on the 24th of September. On September the 27th he shot down a Me 110 off Portland.He was take prisoner on the 4th of July 1941 on Circus 32 escorting 12 Blenheim's who were attacking the Khulman chemical works and the power station at Chocques, three miles west of Bethune. He was shot down by Me 109's and wounded, in the arm and shoulder and baled out, landing in a field. He was awarded the D.F.C. on July 11th 1941.He retired from the R.C.A.F. on the 14th of September 1962 and he then returned to Ottawa where he lived until passing away in 1998.
  • Pattison,
  • Peterson, O.J.: F/O O.J. Peterson was an Canadian pilot in No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron flying Hurricane's. The Alberta-born Peterson joined the R.C.A.F. before the war. He destroyed two aircraft during the Battle of Britain. During a combat on the 27th of September 1940 with Ju 88's and Bf 110's in his Hurricane I (P3647) he was shot down and killed near Hever, Kent at 09:15hrs, aged 24.
  • Pitcher, Paul B.: F/O Paul B. Pitcher a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron claimed one victory during the Battle, also damaging several others. He took command of the Squadron from December until March. Unusually, was discharged during the war, on the 28th of November 1944, as a Wing Commander.
  • Pushman, G.R.
  • Reilley, Hugh William: P/O Born in London Ontario, Canada of an American father and Scottish mother. Before going to England and joining the R.A.F. Hugh lived in London, Ontario, Canada and was considered a Canadian. He flew with No 64 Squadron and No 66 Squadron in Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. He was shot down in his Spitfire I (R6800) on the 17th of October 1940 by a Bf 109 of JG 51 flown by Oberst Werner Molders over Westerham Kent 15:25hrs. His Spitfire crashed and burned out at Crockham Hall, Sevenoaks. H.W.Reilley was 22 years old. He is buried in Gravesend Cemetery, Kent.
  • Reyno, E.M.: F/L E.M Reyno a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was repatriated in late 1941 and became Chief Instructor at a Fighter O.T.U. He was awarded the A.F.C. on the 8th of June 1944.
  • Ricks, L.P.V.J.
  • Russel, Blair Dalzel: F/O Blair Dalzel Russel a Canadian joined up at the outbreak of war with No 1 R.C.A.F. Squadron. He destroyed eight aircraft before the end of September 1940 and was awarded the D.F.C. on the 25th of October 1940. Russel was repatriated to Canada for most of 1941 and 1942, he returned to serve with a number of Canadian Squadrons, receiving the Bar to the DFC on the 16th of November 1943. He dropped a rank to take command of a Squadron again, and on June the 10th 1944 flew to a forward airfield in France, becoming the first Spitfire to land in France after the invasion. Russel was awarded the D.S.O. on the 3rd of October 1944. He attained the rank of Wing Commander.
  • Sclanders, Kirkpatrick MacLure: P/O Kirkpatrick MacLure Sclanders a Canadian flew with No 242 Squadron. He died on the 9th of September 1940 at 17:30hrs. He crash landed his Hurricane I (P3087) near Rye after being attacked by a Bf 109.
  • Smith, D.N.E.: P/O D.N.E. Smith a Canadian fought with No 74 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On the 11th of August 1940 he was shot down and killed in a Spitfire I (R6962) East of Harwich by Bf 110's at 12:15hrs.
  • Smith, F.M.: F/Lt F.M. Smith a Canadian of No 72 Squadron was wounded on the 31st of August 1940 at 18:35hrs. He baled out of his Spitfire I (P3438) after combat.
  • Smith, J.D.
  • Smith, R.R.: P/O R.R. Smith a Canadian from No 229 Squadron was wounded on the 15th of September 1940, he baled out of his Hurricane I (V6616) and after combat over Sevenoaks, Kent at 12:00hrs.
  • Smither, R.: F/O R. Smither a Canadian of No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron was a long-term regular R.C.A.F. officer, he destroyed a Bf 110 on the 4th of September 1940. He was shot down and killed in his Hurricane I (P3876) in combat with Bf 109's on the 15th of September 1940 over Tonbridge at 12:10hrs, aged 28.
  • Sprague, H.A.
  • Sprenger, W.P.: F/O/ W.P. Sprenger a Canadian from No 1 (RCAF) Squadron was shot down by Bf 109's on the 31st of August 1940, he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3858), unhurt. On the 27th of September 1940 he force-landed after his Hurricane was damaged in combat. During an anti-aircraft co-operation flight over Loch Lomon he crashed due to an unknown cause and was killed, aged 29.
  • Tamblyn, Hugh Norman: P/O Hugh Norman Tamblyn a Canadian flew with No 242 Squadron in Hurricane's and No 141Squadron in Defiant's during the Battle of Britain. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 7th of January 1941.
  • Trevena,
  • Trueman, Alex Albert Gray: F/O Alex Albert Gray Trueman a Canadian flew Hurricane with No 253 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was shot down and killed over Kenley in a Hurricanes I (V6638) on the 4th of September 1940.
  • Turner, Percival Stanley: P/O Percival Stanley 'Stan' Turner was English and emigrated to Canada. He joined the R.A.F. before 1939 and he flew with No 242 Hurricane Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On the 25th of May Turner shot down three Me 109's over Dunkirk and at the end of the war his score was at least 14 Kills. Turner was promoted to Group Captain. D.S.O , D.F.C. and Bar the Czech War Cross and the Czech Medal for Valour.
  • Walker, J.A.
  • Walker, J.R.
  • Wallace, C.A.B.
  • Walsh, J.
  • Watson, F.S
  • Wilson, Robert Roy: P/O Robert Roy Wilson a Canadian flew Hurricane's with No 111 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was shot down in his Hurricane I and killed in combat on the 11th of August 1940 at 14:25hrs.
  • Yuile, A.M.: F/O A.M. Yuile a Canadian joined No 115 (Auxiliary) Squadron on the 15th of September 1939 for flying training, he flew solo on the 23rd of September 1939. After joining No 1 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron he was shot down while attacking Do 17's on the 1st of September 1940, he baled out of his Hurricane I (R4171) unhurt. He destroyed a He 111 on the 11th of September. On the 15th of September at 14:45hrs he was shot down again South of London in his Hurricane I (L1973) and wounded in the shoulder while attacking a He 111. On the 13th of September 1944, as a Squadron Leader, he resigned his commission to complete his University degree.

Czechozlovakia

http://www.the-battle-of-britain.co.uk/nationalities/Czech.htm

France

  • F.H.De La Boucher
  • P.Blaize
  • H.Bouquillard
  • Y.J.Briere
  • Choran
  • F.H.De la Boucher
  • J.E.De Mozay
  • C. J. M. P.De Scitivaux
  • F.E.Fayolle
  • C.Guerin
  • Henrie G.Lafont
  • Xavier de Montbon
  • R.Mouchotte
  • Georges Perrin

Germany

Ireland

  • Beamish, F. V.
  • Considene, B.B.
  • Edwards, R. S. J.
  • Finucane, B.
  • Grogan, G. J.
  • Harkness, H.
  • Hemmingway, J. A.
  • Ievers, N. L.
  • Kilmartin, J. I.
  • McConnel, W. W.

Italy

Jamaica

  • P/O H.Capstick

New Zealand

http://www.the-battle-of-britain.co.uk/nationalities/NewZealand.htm

Palestine

  • Goodman, G. E.

Poland

http://www.the-battle-of-britain.co.uk/nationalities/Polish.htm

Rhodesia

  • Hull, Caesar B.†: S/L Caesar B.Hull from Southern Rhodesia flew with No 43 Squadron. He was described as a brilliant, boisterous enthusiast and probably Fighter Command's most popular pilot. He took over command of the Squadron from the 1st of September 1940. He died trying to save his friend 'Dick' Reynell on the 7th of September 1940, he was shot down by a Bf 109 over Purley, Surrey at 16:45hrs in a Hurricane I (V6641).
  • Holderness, J. B.

South Africa

  • Barry, N. J. M.†
  • Burton, P. R. F† Flight Officer (F/O) Percival Ross-Frames Burton found in RAF No. 249 Squadron deliberately rammed a Bf 110 in a final act of valour. Percy’s body was found riddled with bullets, which led to speculation that Percy Burton was severally wounded in the attack and had consciously pursued and rammed the Bf 100 knowing he was not coming back.
  • Chater, H. A.
  • Clark, C. A. G.
  • Difford, I. B.† : F/O I.B.Difford a South African of No 607 Squadron was killed when his Hurricane I (L1728) collided with another Hurricane I (P3860) of his Squadron flown by I.M.W.Scott on the 7th of October 1940 at 16:00hrs.
  • Drake, G. J.†: P/O G.J.Drake a South African flew with No 607 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was killed on the 9th of September 1940 at 17:30hrs. His Hurricane I (P2728) was shot down by Bf 109's over Guildhurst, Kent.
  • Goldsmith, C. W.†: P/O C.W.Golsdsmith a South African flew with No 54 Squadron and No 603 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He died of his wounds on the 28th of October 1940. His Spitfire II (P7439) had been shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 51 on the 27th of October 1940 South of Maidstone, Kent at 14:05hrs.
  • Graham, L. W.: P/O L.W. Graham a South African joined No 56 Squadron on the 29th of July 1940. L.W.Graham was shot down in flames when bounced by Bf 109's on the 16th of August 1940, at 12:05hrs and baled out of his Hurricane I (V7368) slightly injured. He was posted away three days later.
  • Haviland, R. H.
  • Hay, B. D. E.
  • Hill, M. R.
  • Hugo, Petrus Hendrik: P/O Petrus Hendrik 'Dutch' Hugo was a South African born on the 20th of December 1917 in Cape Province. He served with No 615 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He, L.M.Gaunce and A.Eyre destroyed 3 Bf 109's over the convoy 'Bosom' in mid July 1940. He was awarded a D.F.C. on the 11th of August 1940. On the 16th of August 1940 was injured when he force landed his Hurricane (P2963) following an attack on a He 111 and a combat with a Bf 110, at 17:30hrs and was shot in the legs. Still in bandages on the 18th of August he was wounded when he crash landed his Hurricane I (R4421) near Orpington, Kent at 13:15hrs after a combat with Bf 109's. He spent the rest of the Battle of Britain in Orpington Hospital. He became a flight commander leading No 41 Squadron flying Spitfires in 1941 and he later became a Group Captain at the age of 24.
  • Lewis, Albert Gerald: P/O Albert Gerald Lewis a South African flew with No 616 Squadron at the outbreak of hostilities and then moved to No 504 Squadron fighting in France. He then moved to No 85 Squadron still in France where he claimed 9 kills. He stayed with No 85 Squadron until August and shot down two more Germans. Lewis then joined No 249 Squadron. On the 27th of September he claimed 6 kills, two probables and one damaged. Lewis baled out of his Hurricane I (V6617) badly burned on the 28th of September 1940 over Faversham at 14:20hrs.
  • Malan, Adolph 'Sailor Malan': Group Captain Adolph Malan, D.S.O. and bar, D.F.C. and bar. A South African, 'Sailor' served in the Merchant Navy before joining the RAF in 1935. He joined No 74 Squadron in 1936 to fly Gauntlets from Hornchurch and was a flight commander flying the Spitfire in September 1939. He claimed his first victory on 21 May 1940 over Dunkirk and received a bar to his D.F.C. for destroying two Heinkel 111's at night. In the Battle of Britain Malan's score began to mount rapidly and, as a stern disciplinarian in the air and on the ground his 'Ten Rules of Air Fighting' were circulated within Fighter Command. By the end of 1940 he had scored 18 victories and received the DSO, and early in 1941 became Wing Leader of the Biggin Hill squadrons. Flying Spitfire's they undertook sweeps and escort missions over France and in June Malan destroyed nine Bf 109's. When his score was 32 he was taken off flying. After a distinguished ground career he retired from the RAF and returned to South Africa.
  • Morris, E. J.:P/O E.J.Morris a South African from No 79 Squadron was wounded on the 30th of August 1940 at 18:50hrs. He crash landed his Hurricane I (P3877) after combat with a Heinkel He 111H 2. Pilot Officer E.J. Morris went into a head on attack with a Heinkel. He knew this form of attack although he himself had never tried it. 79 Squadron Biggin Hill (Hurricanes) engaged a formation of Heinkel 111s and while some peeled of to execute their attack from above, many decided to make a head on attack. Morris was one of them. He pressed the firing button, banked sharply only for the Heinkel to ram the underbelly of his Hurricane. His aircraft was cut to pieces, but Morris, still strapped in his seat managed to pull the ripcord and parachuted to safety. His injuries were just a broken leg...and a bit of confidence. He said afterwards, "I thought they were supposed to break formation if we pressed home a frontal attack". He was told that '...not if the pilot is dead, you are supposed to make allowances for that'. Morris replied, "Then how the hell are you supposed to know if he is dead or not?" The way you did, he was politely told.
  • Oelofse, J. R. S.†: P/O J.R.S.Oelofse a South African joined No 43 Squadron in February 1940. J.R.S.Oelofse was K.I.A. in combat ten miles south of the Isle of Wight on the 8th of August 1940 in a Hurricane I (P3468), aged 23.
  • Posner, F. H.†: P/O F.H.Posener a South African from No 152 Squadron was shot down and killed in his Spitfire I (K9880) on the 20th of July 1940 by a Bf 109 of III Gruppe of JG 27 flown by Oberletnant Homuth off Swanage at 16:35hrs.
  • Watkinson, A. B.: P/O A.B.Watkinson a South African of No 66 Squadron was wounded on the 28th of September 1940. He baled out of his damaged Spitfire I (X4322) after combat over Mayfield in Sussex.
  • Van-Mentz, B.

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