Defiant - Aircraft Details - Aviation Directory

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Defiant - Aircraft Details - Aviation Directory

Defiant

Name : Defiant
Manufacturer : Boulton Paul
Production Began : 1939
Number Built : 1075

BOULTON PAUL DEFIANT Built as a fighter, with a crew of two. Maximum speed of 304 mph, and a ceiling of 30,350 feet. armament on the defiant was four .303 browing machine guns in the Boulton Paul Turret. Designed as a intercepter fighter, the Defiant first flew in August 1937. and entered service with the Royal Air Force in October 1939 with no 264 squadron. and first flew in operations in march 1940 the Boulton Paul Defiant was certainly no match for the German Fighters, due to their lack of fire power as the defiant had no wing mounted machine guns. Heavy losses. The aircraft was re deployed as a night -Fighter in the autumn of 1940. This role also being taken over by Bristol Beaufighters in 1941, leaving the defiant for training, target tug, and air-sea rescue roles. A Total of 1075 Boulton Paul Defiant's were built

Pilots and Aircrew for : Defiant

A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name.

Name

Info

Atkins, F. P. J.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Atkins, F. P. J.

Sergeant F.P.J.Atkins from No 141 Squadron killed along with his pilot (Pilot Officer R.Kidson) in their Defiant (L7015) when it was shot down near Dover on 19th of July 1940 by a Bf 109 of JG 51.

Baker, B
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Died : 8 / 10 / 1979

Baker, B

Sergeant B.Baker of No 264 Squadron was flying as gunner in Defiant's during the early part of the Battle of Britain. Baker was shot down on the 26th of August 1940 off Herne Bay. His Defiant I (L6985) crashed into the sea and Sergeant Baker died. His pilot Flight |Lieutenant A.J.Banham escaped the crash.

Banham, A. J.
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Died : 0 / 0 / 1987

Banham, A. J.

Flight Lieutenant A.J.Banham was part of No 264 Squadron flying Defiant's during the early part of the Battle of Britain. Flight Lieutenant A.J. Banham was promoted to Squadron Leader and from then on commanded over No 229 Squadron from 7th of September 1940. On 15th of October 1940 he baled out of his Hurricane I (P3124) wounded with burns after being shot down near Kent. Passed away 1987.

Barker, Frederick
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Barker, Frederick

Sergeant F.J.Barker and his Pilot Sergeant E.R.Thorn both of No 264 Squadron shot down 3 Bf 109's and a Bf 110 on the 28th of May 1940. On May 29th they shot down 2 Ju 87's and a He 111 on the 31st. Both men were promoted to Flight Sergeant and awarded the D.F.M. for their actions. On the 24th of August 1940 they shot down a Ju 88. Both were injured on 26th of August 1940 after shooting down 2 Do 17's and a Bf 109 that were attacking them, they crash landed the battle damaged Defiant I (L7005) near Chislet. Barker survived the war.

Barwell, Eric
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Died : 12 / 12 / 2007

Barwell, Eric

Born in Suffolk in August 1913, Eric Barwell joined the RAFVR in 1938 to train as a pilot. He was commissioned into No.264 Sqn in February 1940, flying the Boulton-Paul Defiant. His squadron flew in support of the evacuation of Dunkirk, and he claimed two Me109s, two Ju87 Stukas and a Heinkel during this evacuation. However, in the combat with the Heinkel, his aircraft was damaged and he was forced to ditch, managing to put it down in the water between two British destroyers. He and his gunner were rescued by HMS Malcolm. On 24th August, while scrambling to intercept bombers, he and his wingman were attacked by five fighters, his wingman being immediately shot down. His gunner managed to shoot down one of the enemy fighters before the Defiant managed to escape, but it was clear that the aircraft was no match for the German fighters. They were withdrawn from combat and used in a night-time training role. Barwell was awarded the DFC for the six victories scored. In April 1941, he scored a night-time victory over a Heinkel, with a second also probable. He transferred to No.125 Sqn flying Beaufighters, claiming a Dornier damaged on 1st July 1942. By March 1943, No.125 Sqn were equipped with Mosquitoes. He shot down two Ju-88s in this aircraft, and also recorded his final victory, over a V-1 rocket. He was awarded the bar to his DFC and transferred to various experimental squadrons before leaving the RAF in September 1945. Sadly, Eric Barwell died on 12th December 2007.

Berry, A.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Berry, A.

Sergeant A.Berry of No 264 Squadron was shot down by Bf 109's of JG 3 off Manston on the 24th of August 1940. Sergeant A. Berry and his pilot, I.G. Shaw were killed.

Berry, Joseph
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Died : 1 / 10 / 1944

Berry, Joseph

Joseph Berry was born 28th February 1920. Father was Arthur Joseph and mother Mary Rebecca Charlton. He had a brother and sister, Jack and Ivy. He lived at 55 Ramsey St, Cassop cum Quarrington, Teesdale (12 miles east of Crook, Co Durham). Later he moved to Stampeth Nr Alnwick (Northumberland) where from 1931 to 1936 he attended the Duke Grammar School. Leaving school in 1936 as a 16 year old Joe moved into lodgings in Carlton, Nottingham for his work in the Inland Revenue, two years later he met Joyce who was working at the same branch. Joe enlisted in the RAFVR in August 1940, and in March 1942 Joe and Joyce were married. Little is known of Joseph Berry's early service. On completion of training as a Fighter Pilot he was posted to 256 Squadron at Squires Gate Nr Blackpool, this was a Night Fighter Squadron flying Defiants, on one occasion having to bail out of his stricken aircraft (letter code JT). He was commissioned in March 1942 at Squires Gate, this Squadron was then transferred to Woodvale, South Port flying Beaufighters. Joseph was initially posted to Lyneham in Kent where he and fellow pilot Bryan Wild caught a train to Filton, Bristol to collect their brand new Beaufighters, later flying them to Setif, in the Atlas Mountains. This area in North Africa was a pilot pool, where air crew from the U.K. awaited posting to their various squadrons in the region; Casablanca to Tunisia costal area. After 3 weeks they were called to join 153 Squadron at Maison-Blanche Algiers. 153 Squadron was formed at Ballyhalbert on the 14th October 1941, from A flight of 256 Squadron with Boulton Paul Defiants 1s. It had previously been disbanded following the first world war. It became operational in December 1941 as a night fighter squadron, but it was not until January 1942 that they converted to Beaufighter Mk 1s. Throughout the summer of 1942 the squadron carried out night patrols, and in September their role extended to convoy patrols, in December 1942, 153 Squadron moved to Algiers to become operational on Christmas Day. It retained its role through to July 1943 with the night defence of the Algiers and Bone areas. Gradually, throughout this period, the squadron's role extended to convoy escort work. As the Sicilian campaign got under way, 153 Squadron remained in North Africa carrying out convoy escort work (letter code TB). The main duty of this Night-fighter unit was to repel German aircraft from attacking convoys in the Mediterranean, on the Gibraltar to Suez route. By Jan 1943 he and his observer, a Newcastle man called Ian Watson, were flying Beaufighters as a night fighter pilot with 255 Squadron in the Mediterranean. On the 15th of November the aircraft were flown to Maison Blanche in Algeria. Detachments flew from Bone, Setif, Souk el Arba, Souk el Khemis, and Tingley. August brought a move to Western Sicily, where sorties were flown over the Salerno invasion fleet and beachhead in September. This is where Joseph opened his account; shooting down three enemy aircraft, on the 9th September a Messerschmitt Me210, the 10th September another Me210 over the Salerno area, and on 24th October a Junkers Ju88 over the Naples area, and the second occasion in which he had to bail out of his aircraft (letter code YD). On the 3rd of October 1943 while serving with 255 Squadron in the Mediterranean, Joe was involved in the Great E-Boat Raid at Cos (Greece). 60 aircraft were involved; several Beaufighter and 1 Beafort Squadron attacked the German Invasion Force North of the Allied occupied Island. The German invasion force consisted of several large vessels used as Troop Ships, Destroyers, E-Boats and Landing Barges. The attack had mixed results, due to heavy enemy fire and bad weather with head winds on the return journey; the Squadrons took overall losses of 27%. The Beaufighter had a range of 370 miles, and due to heavy fuel consumption 25 got back, most of the others ditched or were shot down. He was awarded a DFC in March 1944. In June of that year, promoted Flt.Lt., he was posted to the FIU and flying Mosquitos. FIU formed a special flight of Tempests to intercept the V1s which had begun falling on south-east England, this flight operating mainly by night. Over the next two months Joseph was to establish himself as the top-scorer against these robots in Tempest, shooting down 52 and one shared by early August. On 23 July he set the record, claiming seven in one night. Four nights later he pursued one at low level over West Malling airfield, closing to 100 feet in order to ensure he destroyed it before it fell on the base. His own aircraft was damaged in the resultant explosion. To his obvious chagrin on this occasion it was decided that he had to share this success with the crew of a Mosquito who had opened fire from 1,000 yards, and in the opinion of FIU had missed hopelessly. On 16 August 1944 the Tempest flight moved to Manston to reform 501 Squadron, of which Berry became commanding officer. The unit continued to hunt V1s, and he personally accounted for seven more, receiving a Bar to his DFC during September. During the night of 27/28 September, with the V1 threat mainly negated by the Allied advance in France, he led two Tempests on a Ranger sortie over Holland, strafing trains. From Bradwell Bay before dawn at 05-35 on the 1st of October flying his Tempest SD-F he led a Ranger sortie with F/Lt E.L. Willy Williams SD-L and F/Lt C.A. Horry Hansen SD-H to attack ground targets of opportunity between Bad Zwischenhan in Northern Germany, a He111 airfield; and a nearby rail yard where trains transporting V1s to these airfields and launch sites could be found, and any other He111 airfields or enemy targets of opportunity from there to the Rhine. But while flying fast and low to their target; bursts of small arms fire from a German soldier, stationed at the German Radar Site Gazzelle just East of Veendam unluckily struck Joseph's Tempest rupturing his glycol tank, struggling to control his stricken aircraft, eye witness reports say; that he increased his height to 500ft presumably in an attempt to bail out, leaving a glycol vapour trail in his wake; he radioed to his fellow pilots I've had it chaps; you go on. Just over 2 miles to the East of Gazelle Joseph's plane crashed in flames in Kibbelgaarn, a small hamlet 4 Â½ miles South of Sheemda. The two other pilots circled the crash site a couple of times to see if their commanding officer had survived the impact, and then carried on their mission. Two inhabitants of Kibblegarrn; Mr A.Jager who was the head teacher of the village junior school that Joseph's airplane had just narrowly missed, and Mr S. de Lange were the first to reach the crash site, they pulled the dead pilot from the blazing wreckage, desperately trying to extinguish the flames from his uniform, the name of the pilot at that time was unknown as his identity tags were destroyed in the blaze. The only clue to his identity was a small metal medicine box and a cigarette case with the initials JB engraved on it. Two hours later the Germans arrived. Joseph was buried in a quiet plot in nearby Scheemda, on the simple wooden cross were written the words, Unknown RAF Pilot. The remaining two pilots returned home safely at 09-25 reporting attacks on four trains, leaving them smoking and steaming. Three trains were reported attacked between the River Gruis and Dummer Lake, and the fourth train attacked 12 miles east of Zwolle. His total of V1s has been put at 60, but recorded claims appear to indicate 59 Â½. He was awarded a second Bar to his DFC on the 20th January 1946, back dated to October 1944.

Boitel-Gill, DEREK PIERRE AUMALE
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Died : 18 / 9 / 1941

Boitel-Gill, DEREK PIERRE AUMALE

He joined the RAF in 1929, went to 5 FTS, Sealand and joined 3 Squadron at Upavon on 9th September 1930. He went on to the RAFO in 1934. Sometime personal pilot to the Nizam of Hyderabad, Boitel-Gill went on to serve as a pilot with Imperial Airways. He was recalled to the RAF in April 1940 and joined 152 Squadron at Acklington as a Flight Commander. On 5th May Boitel-Gill was posted to 5 OTU Aston Down. After he had converted to Spitfires he was retained to assist in instructing new pilots on Defiant's and did not re-join 152 Squadron until 27th July 1940. Flight Lieutenant Derek B.P.A.Boitel-Gill of No 152 Squadron landed his Spitfire I (K9954) on the 15th of August 1940 at Cherbourg following with a Bf 109 combat over Portland. The Spitfire I was a write off but pilot Boitel-Gill was uninjured. He destroyed a Ju88 on 12th August, two Me110's and a Ju87 on the 15th, another Ju87 on the 18th, a Ju88 and a Me109 on 25th September, a Ju88 on the 26th and damaged a Ju88 on 19th October. Awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd October 1940), he commanded 152 from November 1940 to 17th June 1941, when he was posted to 59 OTU Crosby-on Eden as Wing Commander Flying .On the 18th September 1941 Wing Commander Derek Boitel-Gill was killed in a flying accident at Carlisle, He was cremated at West Norwood Crematorium, Lambeth, London.

Bromley, J. S. M.
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Died : 13 / 5 / 1940

Bromley, J. S. M.

J.S.M.Bromley of No.264 Squadron was on patrol in Defiant (L6958) when it was damaged in combat by a Me109 and crashed near Rotterdam.

Chandler, G. E.
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Died : 13 / 5 / 1940

Chandler, G. E.

Pilot Officer G.E.Chandler of No.264 Squadron was in Defiant (L6960) was shot down south of Rotterdam on May 13th 1940 following combat with a Me109.

Cowper, Bob
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Cowper, Bob

Joining 153 Sqn flying Defiants, changing to Beaufighters. In 1943 he flew Beaufighters in Malta. With 89 Sqn he crashed in Tunisia, having to walk home 65 miles through the Sahara Desert. Went from 89 Sqn to 108 Sqn and then as an instructor teaching night flying. Joined 456 Sqn RAAF before D-Day, finishing the war on Intruder missions and 6 air victories. He became acting CO of 456 Sqn.

Cox, W. E.
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Died : 23 / 1 / 1953

Cox, W. E.

Sergeant W.E.Cox of No.264 Squadron was in Defiant (L6965) when it was shot down at Zevenberg on May 13th 1940. Cox Passed away 23rd January 1953.

Crombie, R.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Crombie, R.

Sergeant R.Crombie of No 141 Squadron along with his pilot J.R.Kemp was killed on the 19th of July 1940 in Defiant (L6974), after being shot down off Dover.

Curley, A. G.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Curley, A. G.

Sergeant A.G.Curley was a gunner in a Defiant of No 141 Squadron. He and his pilot (R.A.Howley) were on convoy patrol on the 19th of July 1940 when their Defiant (L6995) was shot down. They were both killed.

Daisley, L. C. W.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

Daisley, L. C. W.

Sergeant L.C.W.Daisley of No.264 Squadron was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L6953) was shot down by a Me109.

Deansley, EDWARD CHRISTOPHER
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Died : 19 / 2 / 1998

Deansley, EDWARD CHRISTOPHER

He joined 605 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force in early 1937 and was commissioned on 18th March. Called up on 24th August 1939, Deanesly was posted to 152 Squadron and was shot down His Spitfire had been damaged by return fire from a Ju87, which punctured his glycol tank. He ditched in the Channel south of Portland, was picked up by the SS Empire Henchman, landed at Lyme Regis and admitted to hospital, wounded.. On the 26th of September 1940 he was shot down and wounded again off Swanage, he baled out of his stricken Spitfire I (K9982) after combat. crashed into the Channel. After a spell in hospital, Deanesly became a Fighter Controller. On 23rd November 1940 256 Squadron was reformed at Catterick with Defiants as a night-fighter unit and Deanesly joined it as a Flight Commander. Over the Birmingham area during the night of 10th/11th April 1941 Deanesly, with Sgt. WJ Scott s his gunner, destroyed a He111, on 3rd/4th May they shot down a Ju88 over Merseyside and also a Do17 which crashed in North Wales. On 7th/8th May they destroyed a He111 bomber over manchester. Deanesly took command of 256 Squadron in September 1941 and led it until April 1942. He commanded RAF Castle Camps until October, being then posted to West Africa where he was involved with maintaining the aircraft ferry route from Takoradi to Egypt. After commanding 298 Wing in the Middle East from January to August 1943, Deanesly took over 114 Wing until March 1944 when he was posted back to the UK. He became CFI at 107 OTU, Leicester East, training pilots on Dakotas for paratroop and glider-towing operations. Deanesly took command of 575 Squadron, equipped with Dakotas, in December 1944. He took part in the Rhine crossings in March 1945, towing a glider.

Donald, I. D. G.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Donald, I. D. G.

Flight Lieutenant I.D.G.Donald of No 141 Squadron was the pilot in a Defiant (L7009) when flying convoy patrol on the 19th of July 1940 when he was shot down near Dover. Pilot Donald was killed.

Farnes, E.
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Farnes, E.

Pilot Officer E.Farnes of No 141 Squadron the gunner in a Defiant. On the 19th of July 1940 on convoy patrol, he baled out over the Channel after combat and was rescued. The pilot (M.J.Louden) crash landed at Hawkinge and the Defiant (L7001) was written off, pilot was wounded.

Fitzgerald, T. B.
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Fitzgerald, T. B.

Flight Lieutenant Tom Fitzgerald was a New Zealander. In April 1937 Fitzgerald was accepted for a commission in the R.N.Z.A.F. and following flying training at Wigram sailed for the United Kingdom in April 1938 on transfer to the R.A.F. In early August, with the Battle of Britain well advanced, Fitzgerald was posted to Fighter Command, one of twenty pilots from Bomber Command who volunteered in response to a request for trained pilots. He joined No 141 Squadron in Scotland on the 10 August 1940 to fly Defiant's on night-fighter operations.

Garvin, G. D.
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Garvin, G. D.

Squadron Leader G.Desmond Garvin of No 264 Squadron and his gunner Flight Lieutenant R.C.V.Ash were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7021) was shot down near Faversham.

Gaskell, R. S.
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Gaskell, R. S.

Pilot Officer R.S.Gaskell of No 264 Squadron crashed and wrote off his Defiant (L6965) on the 24th of August 1940 following combat. He suffered slight injuries but gunner (W.H.Machin) was killed.

Goodall, H. I.
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Died : 10 / 10 / 1940

Goodall, H. I.

Pilot Officer H.L.Goodall of No 264 Squadron and his gunner (R.M.Young) were both killed when their Defiant (N1627) crashed near Marlow, on October 8th 1940 whilst on patrol.

Greenhalgh, F. D.
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Greenhalgh, F. D.

F.D.Greenhalgh of No.264 Squadron was flying in Defiant (L6977) when it was shot down over Dunkirk whilst on patrol on May 13th 1940. He became a prisoner of war.

Greenhous, P. E. J.
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Greenhous, P. E. J.

Pilot Officer P.E.J.Greenhous of No.264 Squadron was in Defiant (L6977) when it was shot down over Dunkirk whilst on patrol on May 13th 1940. Greenhous was made a prisoner of war.

Gregory, Albert E
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Died : 12 / 11 / 2010

Gregory, Albert E

Albert Gregory was born in Derby on 9th May 1917. Gregory joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in April 1939 as an Airman u/t Wop/Air Gunner. Called up on 1st September and posted to Aldegrove in October to commence Air Gunnery training in December 1939, Albert joined 141 Squadron at Grangemouth as an Air Gunner flying in Blenheims before the squadron converted to Defiants. He could not fly in the Defiant because he was too tall for the turret, so transferred to 219 squadron based at Catterick in May 1940 with whom he served throughout the Battle of Britain on Beaufighters. In September 1940 the introduction of Radar equipped Beaufighters meant Albert Gregory retrained as a Radio Observer and in March 1941 his aircraft accounted for the destruction of a He111. In May 1941, he went to no 2 Radio School at Yatesbury for a Wireless Operators course and passed out from this in September 1941. Albert then served with 23 Sqn in Boston IIIs on intruder patrols over occupied France, Belgium and Holland on bombing and strafing missions, before spending time with 275 and 278 (ASR) Squadrons. On 2nd April 1942 he damaged two Do 17s and in July 1942, Albert Gregory was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and was commissioned in August 1942. Albert later served with 278 (ASR) squadron and was released from the RAF in November 1945 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. In July 1947 Albert Gregory rejoined the RAF and in February 1948 he was posted to 52 Squadron at Changi, Singapore. The squadron was engaged in Army support supply dropping and troop carrying in the anti-terrorist campaign in Malaya. In 1950 following his return to Britain, Albert became a signals instructor and retired from the RAF in May 1955. Sadly, he passed away on 12th November 2010.

Gregory, William
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Died : 6 / 10 / 2001

Gregory, William

Radar Operator to Ace Bob Braham, flying Defiants, Beaufighters and Mosquitos, and contributing to 29 victories. Wing Commander Bill Sticks Gregory was Air Interception (AI) radar operator to the Second World War night fighter ace Wing Commander Bob Braham. William James Gregory, was born on November 23rd 1913 at Hartlepool, where he attended the Lister Sealy School. Before the war, he worked for his father as a plasterer, and was drummer in the Debroy Somers Band - earning the nickname Sticks. William James Gregory enlisted in the RAF soon after the outbreak of war, and in May 1940 was posted to No 29.Squadron as a wireless operator/air gunner. Subsequently, he was redesignated observer/radio operator and then radar operator. Before teaming up with Braham, Gregory had a nasty experience when he and his pilot were, as he noted in his logbook, scrambled to intercept Huns raiding Liverpool. They were about to shoot down a Do17 when their Beaufighter was hit in the starboard wing by friendly anti-aircraft fire. Having baled out at 16,000 feet, Gregory landed on the roof of Lime Street station - and as he climbed down to the ground rail passengers mistook him for a German airman and roughed him up. Flight Sergeant William Gregory joined Wing Commander Bob Braham when he stood in temporarily for Brahams usual radar operator, Gregorys superb radar skills helped Braham to destroy 29 German aircraft in the night skies over Britain and occupied Europe - a tally which was among the highest of any wartime RAF fighter pilot, flying by day or night. Their first combat took place in early July 1941. Flying in a twin-engine Bristol Beaufighter of No.29 Squadron over a moonlit Thames Estuary, Gregory called to Braham: Contact dead ahead and at 2,000 yards.As Braham went into a gentle dive to close the range and to get below a Ju 88 bomber, the enemy opened fire. When Gregory urged Braham to open up, Braham said calmly: No, not yet. We must get closer to make sure of him. Despite heavy fire from the Ju88, Braham continued to delay firing, until with three short bursts he sent the bomber blazing down into the Thames. Later that year, after a brief detachment in Scotland to assist No.141 Squadron convert from obsolescent Boulton Paul single-engine Defiants to Beaufighters, Braham and Gregory returned to No.29 at West Malling in Kent. Early in 1942, Gregory was commissioned a pilot officer - a promotion for which Braham had been pressing - and he and Braham were posted as instructors to No.51, a night fighter Operational Training Unit at Cranfield. Keen to return to operations, in early June the two men slipped away for an unofficial weekend visit to their old squadron, No.29, in Kent. During a night sortie, Gregory positioned Braham to attack a Do217 bomber. Braham soon set it alight, and it dived into the sea off Sandwich. Bad weather then caused them to divert to Manston, on the Kent coast. With fog rolling in from the sea, Braham overshot and crash-landed in a ploughed field. After the mishap at Manston, Gregory and Braham returned to No.29 Squadron where Braham became a flight commander. In December 1942 Braham, aged only 22, received command of No.141 Squadron at Ford on the south coast; Gregory, at 29 the old man of the team, stayed with him. One moonlit night, Gregory and most of the squadron aircrew were having a party at Worthing, on the Sussex coast, when they heard enemy aeroplanes overhead. Racing back to their airfield they took off in their waiting Beaufighter. Gregory brought the aircraft to within visual range of a Do 217 bomber, flying at 15,000 feet. There was an exchange of fire in which Braham, having rather enjoyed himself at the party, opened up at too long a range. Gregorys caustic comments quickly sobered Braham up, and in four long bursts he sent the Dornier diving ablaze into the sea. Early in 1943 the squadron moved west to Predannack, near the Lizard Point in Cornwall, mainly for night training. Visiting Fighter Command, Braham urged the use of AI night fighters in support of the bomber offensive over occupied Europe, in which heavy losses were being incurred. Although his proposal was not accepted at this stage, he won approval for moonlight attacks on rail and road traffic on the Brest peninsula. At the end of April 1943 Braham and Gregory led No.141 Squadron to Wittering, near Stamford, Lincolnshire. Their aircraft were now fitted with Serrate, a radar device which enabled Gregory and his fellow operators to home in on enemy fighter transmissions from a distance of up to 100 miles. This was an ideal aid in Gregorys new night-intruding role, and after he and Braham had exchanged their Beaufighter for a de Havilland Mosquito equipped with Serrate, the two men went into action in support of Sir Arthur Harriss bomber formations. One night, flying over Cologne, they were attacked by two enemy night fighters, one of which shot out their port engine, obliging them to make a perilous return back to base. Another night, supporting a raid over Mannheim, Gregory logged a hell of a dogfight. In a 25-minute battle, they destroyed one German aircraft - an Me 110 fighter - and drove off another. In March 1944, Gregory, by now highly experienced, joined the night operations staff at No 2 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force (2nd TAF) headquarters, where Braham had preceded him. Such was his and Brahams hunger for action that from time to time they would slip away from their desks to freelance on sorties over Europe with various Mosquito squadrons. On one daylight sortie, they destroyed an He 177 heavy bomber which was circling Chateaudun airfield in France at 1,000 feet. Caught in a stream of fire from their Mosquitos nose guns, the bomber, Gregory recalled, reared up like a wounded animal, winged over on its back and dived vertically into the ground. On May 12 1944, Gregory and Braham - truanting again from the operations room - had just taken part in the destruction of a Fw190 fighter off the Danish coast when an Me 109 fighter struck. Short of fuel, and further damaged by anti-aircraft fire, Braham coaxed the stricken aircraft towards home until he had to ditch 70 miles off the Norfolk coast, where they were rescued by two minesweepers. Shortly after that, the team broke up. Braham was shot down and ended the war as a prisoner; Gregory continued staff duties. While Braham accumulated three DSOs, three DFCs and an AFC in the course of his wartime service, Gregory was awarded a DSO, two DFCs, an AFC and a DFM. At the end of the war, Gregory accepted a permanent commission, specialising in navigation and fighter control. He received the Air Efficiency Award in 1946, and after commanding RAF Wartling, in East Sussex, retired in 1964. Thereafter, until final retirement, he worked as an estate agent at Eastbourne. He was a member of Cooden Beach golf club and, having retained his drumming skills, played with a local band. Later in life, so as to be near his daughter, he moved to Camberley, Surrey, where golf, bowls and darts - he was known as The Demon - brought him much enjoyment. Sadly Wing Commander Gregory passed away at the age of 87, on the 6th October 2001.

Haine, Richard
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Died : 30 / 9 / 2008

Haine, Richard

Richard Dickie Haine was born in St Stephens in October 1916. In 1936, he qualified as an RAF pilot, and flew the Hawker Fury with No.25 Sqn, which re-equipped with Bristol Blenheims prior to the outbreak of war. In February 1940, he transferred to No.600 Sqn. Shortly afterwards, he piloted one of six Blenheims tasked with attacking an airfield where Ju52 transport aircraft and their cargo of paratroops were reported to be landing during the Blitzkrieg on Holland. During this action he was shot down and crash landed, escaping back to Britain on the destroyer HMS Hereward, the destroyer which evacuated Queen Wilhelmina and her government. He was awarded the DFC for his actions over Holland that day. On his return to England, he flew night patrols on Blenheims, Defiants and Beaufighters, but rarely intercepted any aircraft due to poor radar. In January 1944 he took the post of Commanding Officer of No.488 Sqn flying Mosquitoes. With this squadron he flew beachhead patrols on D-Day, and had victories over two Ju88s. He was appointed to No.302 Sqn in the Pacific but had yet to arrive when the Japanese surrendered. He continued his career in the RAF until his retirement. Sadly, Richard Haine died on 30th September 2008

Hamilton, A. C.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Hamilton, A. C.

Pilot Officer A.C.Hamilton of No 141 Squadron was the gunner in a Defiant (L7009) flown by Flight Lieutenant I.D.G.Donald. Their aircraft was shot down in combat over Dover on July 19th 1940. They both lost their lives.

Johnson, C. E.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Johnson, C. E.

Pilot Officer C.E.Johnson of No 264 Squadron and his pilot Pilot Officer P.L.Kenner were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7026) was shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 26 over Thanet.

Jones, E. J.
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Died : 29 / 5 / 1940

Jones, E. J.

Sergeant E.J.Jones of No.264 Squadron was killed on May 29th 1940 when his Defiant was badly damaged by a Me110. He baled out when the turrett was hit but was lost. He was 31 and buried at Dunkirk.

Jones, J. T.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Jones, J. T.

Pilot Officer J.T.Jones of No 264 Squadron and his gunner (W.A.Ponting) were killed on the 24th of August 1940. Their Defiant (L6966) was shot down in combat off Ramsgate.

Joyce, Frank
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Joyce, Frank

Originally flying Hurricanes with 87 Squadron, he was shot down in May 1940 during the Battle of France, was badly injured bailing out and lost his leg. After having a false leg fitted, he returned to active service duties with 286 Squadron, flying Defiants on coastal patrols.

Kay, D. H. S.
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Died : 19 / 10 / 1944

Kay, D. H. S.

Pilot Officer D.H.S.Kay of No.264 Squadron was flying in his Defiant (L6957) on May 29th 1940 when it was badly damaged by a Me110. Kay managed to return safely. Kay was killed on October 19th 1944.

Kemp, J. R.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Kemp, J. R.

Pilot Officer J.R.Kemp a New Zealander was killed on July 19th 1940 along with his crewman Sergeant R.Crombie in a Defiant (L6974) of No 141 Squadron. They were shot down near Dover whilst on convoy patrol.

Kenner, P. L.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Kenner, P. L.

Pilot Officer P.L.Kenner of No 264 Squadron and his gunner Pilot Officer C.E.Johnson were killed on the 28th of August 1940. Their Defiant I (L7026) was shot down near Thanet.

Kidsun, R.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Kidsun, R.

Pilot Officer R.Kidson a New Zealander from No 141 Squadron killed along with his gunner (F.P.J.Atkins) in their Defiant (L7015) when they were shot down on July 19th 1940 near Dover.

King, Fredrick Harry
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

King, Fredrick Harry

Pilot Officer Fredrick Harry King was in No 264 Squadron until the 24th of August 1940 when he and his pilot (Squadron Leader P.A.Hunter) were chasing enemy aircraft out to sea flying a Defiant (N1935) and went missing.

Knocker, W. R. A.
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Died : 15 / 11 / 1940

Knocker, W. R. A.

Pilot Officer W.R.A.Knocker was killed when the engine of his Defiant I (N1547) cut out on November 15th 1940 and hit a tree on landing. The aircraft then exploded near Rochford.

Lauder, A. John
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Lauder, A. John

Sergeant A.John 'Ginger' Lauder flew with No 264 Squadron in Defiant's during the Battle of Britain. The Squadron changed to night fighting after being decimated by enemy fighters. Lauder's final rank achieved was that of Flight Lieutenant.

Leggett, P G
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Leggett, P G

Percival Graham Leggett was born on the 24th of February 1921 and joined the RAFVR In June 1939 as an Airman under training Pilot. He was called up for active duty on 1 September 1939 and he completed his training in September 1940. On the 18 September 1940 Leggett crashed at Oldbury on Severn in Gloucestershire but was unhurt. Leggett was posted to No.615 Squadron at RAF Prestick in Scotland then to 245 Squadron at RAF Aldergrove on 28 September and then to No.46 Squadron at RAF Stapleford on 18 October 1940. He claimed a Fiat BR.20 and probably destroyed and shared in the destruction of another on 11 November 1940. Leggett was then posted to No.145 Squadron in late November 1940 and then to No.96 Squadron on 18 December 1940. Flying his Hurricane off Ark Royal, Leggett joined 249 Squadron in Malta in June 1941 and was in action that same afternoon. In July he increased his Battle of Britain score by shooting down a Macchi C.200 but was shot down in December, bailing out with minor injuries. He was posted to the Desert Air Force just before El Alamein. An RAFVR pilot, Leggett had flown both Hurricanes and Defiants before his posting to Malta. He stayed on in the RAF commanding 73 Squadron on Vampires, retiring in 1958 as a Squadron Leader.

Loudon, M. J.
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Loudon, M. J.

Flight Lieutenant M.J.Louden of No 141 Squadron was piloting a Defiant on convoy patrol on July 19th 1940. He crash landed at Hawkinge and was wounded after combat with a Bf 109 of JG 51. The gunner in the Defiant (E.Farnes) baled out over the Channel and was later rescued. The Defiant (L7001) was a write off.

Lucas, Robin M M D
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Lucas, Robin M M D

Flight Lt Robin Lucas flew with 141 Squadron flying Boulton-Paul Defiants on night missions and flew Defiants during the Battle of Britain.

Macdougall, I. N.
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Macdougall, I. N.

Pilot Officer I.N.MacDougal of No 141 Squadron was flying convoy patrol in Defiant (L6983) on the 19th of July 1940 when it was damaged following an attack of Dover. MacDougal crash landed the aircraft and escaped without being wounded. The gunner (Sgt J.F.Wise) was killed after baling out.

Machin, W. H.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Machin, W. H.

Sergeant W.H.Machin of No 264 Squadron gunner for R.S.Gaskell flying in Defiant (L6965) was killed on August 24th 1940 when he was shot down in combat.

Mcgugan, R.
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Mcgugan, R.

Sergeant Robert 'Bob' McGugan was a gunner in Defiant's whilst with No 141 Squadron during the Battle of Britain.

McLeod, A.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

McLeod, A.

Pilot Officer A.McLeod was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L7007) was shot down by a Me109

Penny, Michael
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Penny, Michael

His war service began in October 1940 at I.TW. Newquay. On completion of his training he was posted to No. 24 E. F.T.S. Luton. After 11 hours dual flying he first flew solo in a Miles Magister. After forty hours instruction he was posted to No. 9 S.F.T.S. Hullavington for advanced flying on Miles Masters and Hurricanes. On completing this course he was presented with his "Wings", having now flown 62 hours. His next posting was to No. 60 O.T.U. at East Fortune where he converted to B & P Defiants. "The Defiant was a very unpleasant aircraft to fly, very heavy and I did not like the idea of becoming a night fighter in this aircraft" said Michael. He was then posted to No. 153 Squadron in Northern Ireland; after only a few days the Squadron was disbanded and he was given a chance to convert to Beaufighters or stay on 'singles'. Michael requested training for Spitfires but was informed that there were no vacancies at that moment in time. He then asked if he could fly Lysanders being used to tow drogues. His request was granted and he flew Lysanders until January 1943 when his posting came through to 58 O.T.U. Grangemouth. He completed 50 hours on Spitfires and was posted to 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron 124 Airfield, Lasham. Michael recalls, "Although we were operational, we were now in 2 nd T. A. F. and most of our flying was done in cooperation with the Army and Tank Cor. This involved continual very low flying and demanded very strict air flying discipline - this held me in good stead as time went on". In May 1943 the Squadron moved to 121 Airfield Fairlop where he flew his first operation over occupied Europe on a fighter sweep over Rouen, followed by an escort op. with Ventura bombers to Zeebruger; this was his first experience of enemy antiaircraft fire. Various escort and fighter sweeps followed. There followed a series of moves to various airfields in Sussex and Kent. In early 1944 the Squadron, then stationed at Ford, had bombs fitted to our aircraft for dropping on V1 launch sites. "We began our dive at about 10,000 feet and released our bomb at 5000 feet - a most unpleasant experience. This brought us into range from all kinds of anti-aircraft fire, but fortunately we suffered very few direct hits," Michael recalls. After completing over 120 operations Michael was posted "tour expired" by the Air Comm. and went on to become a Spitfire flying instructor. He was demobilised in November 1945.

Ponting, W. A.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Ponting, W. A.

Pilot Officer W.A.Ponting of No 264 Squadron and his pilot (J.T.Jones) were killed on August 24th 1940 when they were shot down off Ramsgate. Their Defiant (L6966) was shot down following combat.

Scott, H.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

Scott, H.

Pilot Officer H.Scott of No.264 Squadron was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L6959) was shot down by a Me109.

Shaw, I. G.
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Died : 24 / 8 / 1940

Shaw, I. G.

Flight Officer I.G.Shaw of No 264 Squadron and his gunner A.Berry were killed on August 24th 1940 in their Defiant (L7027) when it was shot down off Manston.

Skelton, A. E.
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Skelton, A. E.

Flight Lieutenant A.E.Skelton was flying in Defiant (L6969) on May 13th 1940 when it was shot down south of Rotterdam following combat with a Me109, he was taken prisoner.

Slatter, D. M.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Slatter, D. M.

Pilot Officer D.M.Slatter a gunner from No 141 Squadron was on patrol on July 19th 1940 in a Defiant (L7016) piloted by Pilot Officer J.R.Gardener when he was shot down. Pilot Gardener baled out near Dover and was rescued but Slatter was reported as killed in action.

Stephenson, I. R.
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Died : 26 / 11 / 1943

Stephenson, I. R.

Flight Officer I.R.Stephenson of No 264 Squadron was injured on the 26th of August 1940 when he baled out of his Defiant I (L7025). He had been in combat off Herne Bay. His gunner Sergeant W Maxwell was killed.

Stevens, F S Fred
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Stevens, F S Fred

After training in Australia and Canada, Fred Stevens found himself in October 1941 flying Bolton Paul Defiants, converting shortly after to Beaufighters, which he throughout 1942. In early 1943 he converted to the Mosquito Mk2 Night Fighter with A1 radar. This was with 456 Squadron (RAAF), they later re-equipped with the Mosquito Night Fighter Mk17. Before D-Day they transferred to Ford in West Sussex for the build up to the invasion, carrying out numerous operations. Later Fred and 456 were involved with attacking V1s at night.

Stokes, R. W.
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Died : 29 / 5 / 1942

Stokes, R. W.

Pilot Officer R.W.Stokes of No.264 Squadron was flying in a Defiant (L7019) on May 29th 1940, it was damaged and crashed on landing at Manston. Stokes was safe.

Taylor, Tommy
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Taylor, Tommy

A Pilot with 9 and 467 Squadrons, Tommy completed two full tours on Lancasters flying from Bardney and Waddington. He finished the War flying Boulton and Paul Defiants on North Sea patrols in 1945.

Toombs, F. A.
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Died : 15 / 11 / 1940

Toombs, F. A.

Pilot Officer F.A.Toombs from No 264 Squadron was killed along with Pilot Officer W.R.A.Knocker when the engine of their Defiant I (N1547) cut out on November 15th 1940. They hit a tree on landing and the aircraft then exploded near Rochford.

Toombs, J R
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Died : 11 / 12 / 2006

Toombs, J R

John Richard "Jack" Toombs flew Blenheims during the Battle of Britain with No.236 Sqn, and also flew with No.264 Sqn and has also flown Defiants. Jack Toombs passed away on 11th December 2006.

Turner, R. C.
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Died : 28 / 8 / 1940

Turner, R. C.

Sergeant R.C.Turner of No 264 Squadron and his pilot Pilot Officer D.Whitley were killed on August 28th 1940. Their Defiant I (N1574) was shot down by a Bf 109 over Thanet.

Whitehouse, E. H.
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Died : 28 / 5 / 1940

Whitehouse, E. H.

Flight Lieutenant E.H.Whitehouse was killed on May 28th 1940 when his Defiant (L6959) was shot down by a Me109.

Wise, J. F.
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Died : 19 / 7 / 1940

Wise, J. F.

Sergeant J.F.Wise of No 141 Squadron was on convoy patrol on July 19th 1940 when they were attacked by Bf 109's off Dover. Their Defiant (L6983) was damaged and he bailed out and Wise was lost.

Young, R. B. M.
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Died : 8 / 10 / 1940

Young, R. B. M.

Sergeant R.M.Young a New Zealander of No 264 Squadron and his pilot (P/O H.L.Goodall) were both killed on October 8th 1940 when their Defiant (N1627) crashed near Marlow, Bucks whilst they were flying a patrol.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
L. C. W. Daisley

Historical Notes :
28-05-1940 - Defiant was shot down by a Me109, killing crew Sergeant L.C.W.Daisley and Lance Corporal H.Revill.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
D. H. S. Kay
E. J. Jones

Historical Notes :
29-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer D.H.S.Kay was damaged in combat with a Me110. The turret was shot up and gunner Sergeant E.J.Jones baled out, but was killed. Pilot Kay flew the aircraft back safely.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
E. H. Whitehouse
H. Scott

Historical Notes :
28-05-1940 - Defiant was shot down by a Me109, killinbg crew Flight Lieutenant E.H.Whitehouse and Pilot Officer H.Scott.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Historical Notes :
31-05-1940 - Defiant was involved in a collision with another Defiant (L6980) and force-landed on the beach.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
R. S. Gaskell
W. H. Machin
W. E. Cox

Historical Notes :
24-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer R.S.Gaskell crashed and was written off following combat. Pilot Gaskell suffered slight injuries but gunner (W.H.Machin) died of his wounds.
13-05-1940 - Defiant crashed at Zevenbergen.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
J. T. Jones
W. A. Ponting

Historical Notes :
24-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer J.T.Jones of No 264 Squadron was shot down in combat off Ramsgate. Jones and gunner (W.A.Ponting) were killed.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Historical Notes :
31-05-1940 - Defiant was shot down by a Me109 off the Belgian coast.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
A. E. Skelton

Historical Notes :
13-05-1940 - Defiant was shot down south of Rotterdam following combat with a Me109.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
Eric Barwell

Historical Notes :
29-05-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer E.G.Barwell was damaged by a Me110 and came down in the sea.

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF
No.21 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
R. Crombie
J R M Kemp
J. R. Kemp

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by pilot J.R.Kemp and Sergeant R.Crombie were killed after being shot down off Dover.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Historical Notes :
31-05-1940 - Defiant was lost in combat with He111s and Me109s over Dunkirk.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
F. D. Greenhalgh
P. E. J. Greenhous

Historical Notes :
13-05-1940 - Defiant was shot down over Dunkirk whilst on patrol.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Historical Notes :
31-05-1940 - Defiant was involved in a collision with another Defiant (L6961) and pilot baled out, the gunner was lost.

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
I. N. Macdougall
J. F. Wise

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer I.N.MacDougal was on convoy patrol when it was attacked off Dover. The Defiant was damaged and the gunner bailed out and was killed. Pilot MacDougal crash landed the aircraft uninjured.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
A. J. Banham
B Baker

Historical Notes :
26-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Flight Lieutenant, was shot down off Herne Bay and crashed into the sea. Sergeant B. Baker perished, Pilot A.J.Banham escaped the crash.

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
A. G. Curley

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by pilot (R.A.Howley) was shot down whilst on convoy patrol. Pilot Howley and gunner Sergeant A.G.Curley were both killed.

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
E. Farnes
M. J. Loudon

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by M.J.Louden and gunner Pilot Officer E.Farnes was on convoy patrol and was shot down after combat with the enemy. Pilot Farnes baled out over the Channel and the Defiant crash landed, it was written off.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
Frederick Barker

Historical Notes :
26-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Sergeant E.R. Thorn, also present Sergeant F.J.Barker crash landed near Chislet following combat with enemy Do 17's and Bf 109's, both men injured.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
A. McLeod

Historical Notes :
28-05-1940 - Defiant was shot down by a Me109, killing crew Pilot Officer A.Mcleod and Pilot Officer J.E.Hatfield.

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
I. D. G. Donald
A. C. Hamilton

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by Flight Lieutenant I.D.G.Donald was flying convoy patrol when it was shot down near Dover. Pilot Donald died.

Squadrons :

Historical Notes :
24-08-1940 - 24th August he was flying a Defiant (L7013) over Thanet when they were engaged in combat with a Bf109 and was badly damaged. He force landed PS-U at Manston at 08:20 hrs when Very cartridges exploded within the cockpit. Both he and Pilot Officer G. Robinson (turret gunner) escaped both unhurt. The aircraft was damaged but was repairable

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
F. P. J. Atkins
R. Kidsun

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer R.Kidson was shot down near Dover, killing Pilot Officer Kidson and Sergeant F.P.J. Atkins who was also present.

Squadrons :
No.141 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
D. M. Slatter
J. R. Gardner

Historical Notes :
19-07-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer J.R.Gardener was on patrol when it was shot down. Pilot Gardender baled out near Dover and was later resuced but gunner Pilot Officer D.M.Slatter was reported as killed.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
R. W. Stokes

Historical Notes :
29-05-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer R.W.Stokes was damaged and crashed on landing at RAF Manston.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
G. D. Garvin

Historical Notes :
28-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Squadron Leader G.D.Garvin and carrying Flight Lieutenant R.C.V.Ash crashed near Faversham following enemy combat, both men present were killed.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
I. R. Stephenson

Historical Notes :
26-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer I.R.Stephenson was shot down off Herne Bay. It had been attacked by a Bf 109. Gunner Sergeant W Maxwell was killed, Pilot Stephenson was wounded.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
C. E. Johnson
P. L. Kenner

Historical Notes :
28-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer P.L.Kenner was shot down by a Bf 109 of JG 26 over Thanet. Pilot Officer C.E.Johnson also present was killed along with Pilot Kenner

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
A. Berry
I. G. Shaw

Historical Notes :
24-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Sergeant A.Berry was shot down by Bf 109's of JG 3 off Manston, Sergeant Berry and his pilot I.G.Shaw were killed.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
F. A. Toombs

Historical Notes :
15-11-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer F.A.Toombs crashed when the engine cut out and it hit a tree on landing. The aircraft then exploded near Rochford.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
R. C. Turner

Historical Notes :
28-08-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer D.Whitley and gunner Sergeant R.C.Turner was shot down by a Bf 109 over Thanet.

Squadrons :
No.264 Sqn RAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
H. I. Goodall
R. B. M. Young

Historical Notes :
08-10-1940 - Defiant flown by Pilot Officer H.L.Goodall crashed near Marlow whilst on patrol. Pilot Goodall and his gunner (R.M.Young) were both killed.

Squadrons :
No.410 Sqn RCAF

Pilots or Aircrew :
Robert Lionel Frank Day

Historical Notes :
08-12-1941 - Defiant flown by Flight Lieutenant R.L.F.Day struck trees when coming into land in poor visibility. Pilot Day seriously injured, Flight Sergeant Townsend recieved GM for pulling him from burning wreckage.

Known Individual Aircraft : Defiant :
Type	Serial	Codes	First Flew	Squadron History	Aircrew History	History Notes	Engine	Factory
Defiant I	L6953		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6957		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6959		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6961		-	*details*	*no information*	*details*
Defiant	L6965		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L6966		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6968		-	*details*	*no information*	*details*
Defiant I	L6969		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6972		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L6974		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6975		-	*details*	*no information*	*details*
Defiant I	L6977		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6980		-	*details*	*no information*	*details*
Defiant	L6983		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L6985		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L6995		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L7001		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L7005		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L7007		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L7009		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L7013		-	*details*	*no information*	*details*
Defiant	L7015		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L7016		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L7019		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L7021		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L7025		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	L7026		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	L7027		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	N1547		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	N1574		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant	N1627		-	*details*	*details*	*details*
Defiant I	V1137		-	*details*	*details*	*details*

Squadrons for : Defiant
A list of all squadrons known to have flown the Defiant. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
Squadron	Info
No.125 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st February 1918 Fate : Disbanded 10th May 1957 Newfoundland Nunquam domandi - Never to be tamed Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.125 Sqn RAF	No.125 Sqn RAF No. 125 Squadron was formed on 1 February 1918 as a light bomber unit at Old Sarum but did not become operational before it was disbanded on 1 August 1918. was reformed on 16 June 1941 at RAF Colerne equipped with Bolton-Paul Defiant night fighters. The squadron became operational at the end of September covering western England and South Wales. The squadron was raised as a result of a War Loan raised by the Newfoundland Commission on Government. The Commission presented the British Government with $500,000 to establish the squadron with the hope that it would be manned by Newfoundlanders. In September 1941 the squadron moved to RAF Fairwood Common and became fully operational, with the Defiant proving to be a more than effective night fighter. By March 1942, 125 Squadron started converting to the twin-engined Beaufighter. Defiants and Hawker Hurricanes were also used to supplement the Beaufighters. November 1943 saw the squadron move to RAF Valley in Wales to enable patrols to take place over the Irish Sea. With a conversion to Mosquitos in February 1944, No. 125 moved to RAF Hurn in preparation to cover the Operation Overlord landings in Normandy. With the commencement of V-1 attacks on London the squadron moved to RAF Middle Wallop to assist in the defence and to fly patrols from RAF Bradwell Bay over the Low Countries. A move to RAF Coltishall saw the squadron defend against enemy intruders and flying bomb carriers. whilst undertaking reconnaissance to locate the remainder of German shipping. No. 125 transferred to Yorkshire, where it was disbanded on 20 November 1945. On 31 March 1955, No. 125 reformed at Stradishall with Meteor night-fighters, beginning to replace these with Venoms in November 1955. This latter type was flown until the Squadron was disbanded on 10 May 1957.
No.141 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st January 1918 Fate : Disbanded 31st March 1964 Caedimus noctu - We slay by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.141 Sqn RAF	No.141 Sqn RAF No. 141 Squadron of the Royal Air Force was formed on 1 January 1918 at Rochford, for home defence in the London Area. The Squadron moved to RAF Biggin Hill in February and giving up its mixed collection of types in favour of Bristol F.2 Fighters during March. In March 1919, it moved to Ireland, and was disbanded the following year, on 1 February 1920. On 4 October 1939, No 141 reformed at Turnhouse and by the end of the month had received some Gladiators followed shortly afterwards by Blenheims and these two types formed the training equipment of the until the arrival of Defiants in April 1940. Becoming operational on this type on 3 June 1940, the first operational patrol was flown by No 141 on 29 June and in July it moved to West Malling. The maintenance flight was based at Biggin Hill while the Defiants used Hawkinge as an advanced airfield and it was from the latter that the Squadron had its first and last daylight encounter with the enemy. Six out of nine aircraft were lost over the Channel to Me 109s and the squadron was withdrawn to Prestwick two days later as the ineffectiveness of the Defiant against single-seat fighters became evident. In September, a detachment was sent back to southern England but this time for night patrols and the whole squadron moved there in October. In April 1941, No. 141 returned to Scotland where it converted to Beaufighters for the defence of central Scotland and north-east England. In June 1942 it moved to Tangmere for local defence and in February 1943 to south-west England where it began flying intruder missions over north-west France. At the end of April 1943, it was transferred to Wittering and began flying intruder sorties over German airfields in support of Bomber Command in June. Mosquitoes began to replace the Beaufighters in October and in December the Squadron joined No. 100 Group, sending aircraft with Bomber Command's main force to attack enemy night-fighters and their bases. This type of operation continued until the German surrender and on 7 September 1945 the Squadron was disbanded. On 17 June 1946, No. 141 reformed at Wittering, again as a Mosquito night-fighter Squadron. In September 1951, it began to convert to Meteors and replaced these with Venoms in 1955. Javelins began to arrive in February 1957 and were flown until the Squadron was renumbered 41 Squadron on 1 February 1958. On 1 April 1959, No. 141 was reformed as a Bloodhound anti-aircraft missile unit at Dunholme Lodge, disbanding on 31 March 1964.
No.151 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 12th June 1918 Fate : Disbanded September 1992 Foy pour devoir - Fidelity unto duty Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.151 Sqn RAF	No.151 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.153 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 4th November 1918 Fate : Disbanded 2nd July 1958 Noctividus - Seeing by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.153 Sqn RAF	No.153 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.255 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 25th July 1918 Fate : Disbanded 30th April 1946 Ad auroram - To the break of dawn Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.255 Sqn RAF	No.255 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.256 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : June 1918 Fate : Disbanded 21st January 1959 Addimus vim viribus - Strength to strength Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.256 Sqn RAF	No.256 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.264 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 27th September 1918 Fate : Disbanded 30th November 1962 Madras Presidency We defy Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.264 Sqn RAF	No.264 Sqn RAF 264 Squadron was formed from two former Royal Naval Air Service flights, No.439 and No.440, on 27th September 1918 at Souda bay in Crete with the role of anti-submarine patrols, and equipped with the Short 184 floatplanes. The Squadron was disbanded on 1 March 1919. On 8th December 1939 at Martlesham Heath, 264 Squadron was reformed and equipped with the new Boulton Paul Defiant fighter. In March 1940 the squadron started operations doing convoy patrols. After initial successes the Luftwaffe soon realised that the Defiant was vulnerable to frontal attack, and 264 Squadron along with the other Boulton Paul Defiant squadrons started to suffer heavy losses of aircraft and crew. At the end of May 1940, 264 Squadron was withdrawn from operations as a day-fighter squadron and began to train in the night-fighter role. During the Battle of Britain 264 Squadron was used again for day fighting but again suffered losses and returned to the night-fighter role. In May 1942 the squadron was re-equipped with Mosquito II and moved to RAF Colerne, and later receieved the new Mark VI. The squadron operated as night-fighters in the west of England and also in the role of day patrols in the Bay of Biscay and western approaches. 264 Squadron later became part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force providing night patrols over Europe and near the end of the war it was based at Twente in Holland patrolling over Berlin. 264 squadron was disbanded at Twente on 25th August 1945.
No.275 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 15th October 1941 Fate : Disbanded 1st September 1959 Non interibunt - They shall not perish Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.275 Sqn RAF	No.275 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.276 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 21st October 1941 Fate : Disbanded 14th September 1945 Retrieve Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.276 Sqn RAF	No.276 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.277 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 22nd December 1941 Fate : Disbanded 15th February 1945 Quaerendo servamus - We save by seeking Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.277 Sqn RAF	No.277 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.278 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st October 1941 Fate : Disbanded 14th October 1945 Ex mare ad referiendum - From out of the sea to strike again Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.278 Sqn RAF	No.278 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.285 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st December 1941 Fate : Disbanded 26th June 1945 Respice finem - Consider the end Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.285 Sqn RAF	No.285 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.286 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 17th November 1941 Fate : Disbanded 16th May 1945 Praesidia nostra exercemus - We exercise our defences Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.286 Sqn RAF	No.286 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.287 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 19th November 1941 Fate : Disbanded 15th June 1946 C'est en forgeant - Practice makes perfect Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.287 Sqn RAF	No.287 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.289 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 17th November 1941 Fate : Disbanded 26th June 1945 C'est en forgeant - Practice makes perfect Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.289 Sqn RAF	No.289 Sqn RAF e squadron formed at RAF Kirknewton on 17 November 1941 and was equipped with Lysanders and Blenheims, Hurricanes and Hudsons to provide practice for the anti-aircraft defences in Scotland by towing targets and conducting simulated attacks. The squadron moved to RAF Turnhouse and RAF West Freugh, then operated other aircraft types from bases in England before it was disbanded at RAF Andover on 26 June 1945.
No.307 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 5th September 1940 Fate : Disbanded 2nd January 1947 Polish Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.307 Sqn RAF	No.307 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.409 Sqn RCAF Country : Canada Founded : 17th June 1941 Fate : Disbanded 1st July 1945 Media nox meridies noster - Midnight is our noon Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.409 Sqn RCAF	No.409 Sqn RCAF Full profile not yet available.
No.410 Sqn RCAF Country : Canada Founded : 30th June 1941 Fate : Disbanded 9th June 1945 Cougar Noctivaga - Wandering by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.410 Sqn RCAF	No.410 Sqn RCAF Full profile not yet available.
No.456 Sqn RAAF Country : Australia Founded : 30th June 1941 Fate : Disbanded 15th June 1945 Cougar Noctivaga - Wandering by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.456 Sqn RAAF	No.456 Sqn RAAF Full profile not yet available.
No.567 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st December 1943 Fate : Disbanded 15th June 1946 Cougar Noctivaga - Wandering by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.567 Sqn RAF	No.567 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.667 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 1st December 1943 Fate : Disbanded 20th December 1945 Cougar Noctivaga - Wandering by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.667 Sqn RAF	No.667 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.
No.96 Sqn RAF Country : UK Founded : 8th October 1917 Fate : Disbanded 21st January 1959 Nocturni obambulamus - We prowl by night Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.96 Sqn RAF	No.96 Sqn RAF Full profile not yet available.

Last edited : 22:22, January 5, 2018
Last editor : HMS

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