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No.17 Sqn RAF

Name : No.17 Sqn RAF Founded : 1st February 1915 Disbanded : 14th November 1919 Re - founded : 1st April 1924 Country : UK More Details : Excellere contende - Strive to excel Known Code Letters : , YB, UT, UV,

No 17 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 1 February 1915 and after a period of training embarked for Egypt in November. On 24 December, it began to make reconnaissance flights over the Turkish lines in Sinai, also flying in support of troops engaged with Turkish army units in the Western Desert. Detachments were also to be found in Arabia until July 1916, when the Squadron was sent to Salonika as a mixed unit of twelve BE2cs for reconnaissance and a scout component of two DH2s and three Bristol Scouts. At first it was the only RFC unit in Macedonia but was later joined by others in April 1918, handed over its fighters to a newly-formed No 150 Squadron. For the rest of the war, it was engaged in tactical reconnaissance and artillery spotting on the Bulgarian border. In December 1918, the squadron re-equipped with twelve DH9s and six Camels, sending A Flight to Batum to support the White Russian forces and B and C Flights to Constantinople in January 1919. On 14 November 1919, No 17 was disbanded. Reforming at Hawkinge on 1 April 1924, with Snipes No 17 formed part of the fighter defence of the UK until the outbreak of World War Two. Successively equipped Woodcocks, Siskins, Bulldogs and Gauntlets, the squadron remained in the UK during the Abyssinian crisis but lost most of its Bulldogs as reinforcements for squadrons moving to the Middle East and had to fly Harts for a period. In June 1939 Hurricanes were received and flew defensive patrols until the German attack on France in May 1940. Fighter sweeps were then flown over the Netherlands, Belgium and French airfields to cover the retreat of allied troops. In June the squadron moved to Brittany as the remnants of BEF and RAF units in France were evacuated, retiring to the Channel Islands two days before returning to the UK. No 17 flew over southern England throughout the Battle of Britain, being moved to northern Scotland in April 1941. In November 1941, the squadron sailed for the Far East where war broke out in December. Diverted to Burma, it arrived in January 1942, as Japanese troops neared Rangoon. Defensive patrols were flown until the Rangoon airfields were overrun and No 17 moved north, eventually being cut off from India while operating from Lashio. The surviving aircraft were flown out and the ground personnel made their way across Burma to the Indian border. By the end of May, the squadron had re-assembled at Calcutta and in June received aircraft again for the defence of the area. Ground attack missions began in February 1943 and continued until August, when the squadron moved to Ceylon. Spitfires began to arrive in March 1944 and were taken back to the Burma front in November to fly escort and ground attack missions. In June 1945, it was withdrawn to prepare for the invasion of Malaya and was taken by carrier to the landing beaches near Penang in early September soon after the Japanese capitulation. On 11 February 1949, No 691 Squadron based at Chivenor for anti-aircraft co-operation duties was renumbered No 17 Squadron, being officially disbanded on 13 March 1951, passing its tasks to No 3 CAACU which was formed five days later. No 17 reformed at Wahn on 1 June 1956 as a Canberra photographic reconnaissance squadron in Germany, disbanding on 31 December 1969. On 1 September 1970, No 17 reformed at Bruggen with Phantoms, which were flown until December 1975. Conversion to Jaguars began in September. In January 1985 the squadron began to convert to Tornado GR1s, the Jaguar element disbanding on 1 March 1985 when No 17 became fully equipped with Tornados. In 2003 No 17 became the first RAF squadron to receive the Eurofighter Typhoon. Based a Warton it's responsibilities include the evaluation of the new aircraft and its integration into full squadron service. On 19 May 2005, the Squadron officially reformed with the presentation of the Squadron Standard at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, to become No 17 (Reserve) Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
C. F. G. Adye	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	26th May 1940		Hurricane	P3483	Killed in Action
L. H. Bartlett	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	18th March 1941	Hurricane	Z2704
Alfred William Alexander Bayne	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown	29th July 1940 25th August 1940 02nd October 1940	Hurricane
H Bird-Wilson	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	24th September 1940 29th July 1940	Hurricane
Wilfred BIRKISHAW	sgt	unknown	30th September 1930		Bulldog		Killed at Arundel Park, Sussex, following collision of three Bulldogs of No.17 (Fighter) Squadron. Killed in Action
Howard Peter Blatchford	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	02nd October 1940	Hurricane
N. Cameron		unknown	unknown
W. E. Coope		unknown	unknown
Manfred B. Czernin	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	24th September 1940 14th October 1940 17th November 1940	Hurricane
Guy Davidson		unknown	17th January 1928
P. L. Dawbarn	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	15th July 1940	Hurricane	P3482
M. S. Donne	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	11th May 1940		Hurricane	N2403	Killed in Action
G. D. Emms	Squadron Leader	unknown	7th June 1940		Hurricane	P2905	Killed in Action
F. Fajtl	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	02nd October 1940	Hurricane
Desmond Fopp	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	03rd September 1940	Hurricane	P3673 P3672
G. Griffiths	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	15th August 1940 24th September 1940	Hurricane
R. K. Hamblin		unknown	unknown
D. H. W. Hanson	Flight Officer	unknown	3rd September 1940	15th August 1940	Hurricane		Killed in Action
W. J. Harper	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown	15th August 1940	Hurricane
R. D. Hogg	Pilot Officer	unknown	11th November 1940		Hurricane	P2794	Killed in Action
A. J. Hughes	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	18th March 1941	Hurricane	Z2670
W. T. Jones	Flight Sergeant	unknown	26th May 1940		Hurricane	N2528	Killed in Action
James Lacey		November 1944	unknown	19th February 1945	Spitfire
D. C. Leary	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	09th June 1940	Hurricane	P3347
A. P. Lines	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	17th May 1940	Hurricane	P2822
J. A. A. Luck	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	11th May 1940	Hurricane	P2758
K. Manger	Pilot Officer	unknown	11th August 1940	01st June 1940	Hurricane	P3476 P3760	Killed in Action
R. V. Meredith	Flight Officer	unknown	3rd June 1940			P3477	Killed in Action
J. P. Morrison		unknown	unknown
D. J. North-Bomford	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	18th August 1940	Hurricane
P. C. Pinkham		unknown	unknown
G. E. Pittman	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	15th August 1940 24th September 1940 14th October 1940	Hurricane
J. K. Ross	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	02nd October 1940 13th October 1940	Hurricane
D. A. Sewell	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	13th October 1940	Hurricane
Wilf Sizer		unknown	unknown		Gauntlet
G. W. Slee	Pilot Officer	unknown	11th May 1940		Hurricane	N2405	Killed in Action
N. D. Soloman		unknown	unknown
Leonard Walter Stevens	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	24th September 1940 02nd December 1940	Hurricane
G. C. Tomlinson	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown	17th May 1940 11th May 1940	Hurricane	P3277 N2547
Richard Whittaker	Pilot Officer	unknown	7th June 1940		Hurricane	P3472	Killed in Action
C. W. Williams	Squadron Leader	unknown	25th August 1940		Hurricane	R4199	Killed in Action
Cedric W. Williams	Squadron Leader	unknown	25th August 1940	18th August 1940	Hurricane	R4199 V7404	Killed in Action
D. H. Wissler	Pilot Officer	unknown	11th November 1940	24th September 1940 29th July 1940	Hurricane	V7570	Killed in Action

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.17 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this squadron. A profile page is available by clicking their name.
Name	Info
Adye, C. F. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Adye, C. F. G.    Died : 26 / 5 / 1940	Adye, C. F. G. Flight Lieutenant C.F.G.Adye of No.17 Squadron was killed on May 26th 1940 whilst on patrol in Hurricane (P3483), he baled out after combat with Me109s over the Channel.
Bartlett, L. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Bartlett, L. H.	Bartlett, L. H.
Bayne, Alfred William Alexander Click the name above to see a profile of Bayne, Alfred William Alexander	Bayne, Alfred William Alexander . Alfie Bayne joined the RAF in January 1936 and joined the Squadron 54 in April 1937. On 7 June 1940, he was assigned to Squadron 17 as Flight Commander. At the head of his squadron, he takes an active part in the Battle of Britain He was shot down in combat on 25th of August 1940. He safely baled out of his Hurricane I (V7407) safely near Portland He was awarded the DFC in November 1940 . In July 1941, he became commander of Squadron 132 when it forms but in February 1942 he was transferred to the Far East. Arrived in Ceylon after the Japanese had attacked, he took command of the Squadron 30 in May 1942, remaining with the unit until February 1943. He was then posted to Burma as commander of Squadron 136 , managing to shoot down two Japanese aircraft which 1 will be confirmed. His tour of duty ends in May 1943. He left the RAF in 1946 with the rank of Wing Commander and died May 28, 1963. Flight Lieutenant A.W.A. Bayne of No. 17 Squadron was . Bayne later flew Spitfires with No 54 Squadron in the Battle of Britain.
Bennette, G. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Bennette, G. R.    Died : 19 / 8 / 1942	Bennette, G. R. Missing August 19th 1942**
Biggs, Jack Click the name above to see a profile of Biggs, Jack	Biggs, Jack Serving with 17 Sqn on Hurricanes he then transferred to Spitfires flying on the Burma front from March 1944 until the end of September 1945 as air cover for the planned invasion on Malaya which, as a result of the Nuclear attacks on the Japanese Empire, never happened.
Bird-Wilson, H Click the name above to see a profile of Bird-Wilson, H    Died : 27 / 12 / 2000	Bird-Wilson, H Birdy-Wilson joined the R.A.F. in 1937 and fought with 17 squadron during the Battle of France. Active throughout the Battle of Britain, awarded the DFC in the September of 1940, the same date he was shot down by Major Adolph Galland of JG26, bailing out with severe burns. He took command of 152 squadron in April 1942 and promoted Wing Commander 1943 he led 121 wing then 122 wing. Rested in January 1944 he went to the US command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. Throughout the rest of 1944 he flew Mustangs, being awarded the D.S.O. in January 1945. He added the Czech Medal of Merit, 1st Class and the Dutch DFC. He stayed in the R.A.F. after the war until his retirement in 1974. By 1987 he had flown no less than 213 different types, including an Airship, the James Bond Autogiro and during 1978 the F-15 Eagle Fighter. He died on 27th December 2000. Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Flying Officer Bird-Wilson has shot down six enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of several others. He has shown fine fighting qualities and determination in his attacks.â€� (London Gazette – 24 September 1940) Citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Order Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has participated in a very large number of sorties. He has continued to display the highest qualities of leadership, skill and gallantry, qualities which have been well illustrated in the fine fighting spirit of the squadrons he commands. Within the past four months. Wing Commander Bird-Wilson has led large formations of aircraft on a variety of sorties during which much success has been obtained. Many enemy aircraft have been destroyed, whilst a good number of locomotives, wagons, mechanical transport and armoured fighting vehicles have been most effectively attacked. Throughout these operations. Wing Commander Bird-Wilson has set an example which has inspired all.â€� (London Gazette – 9 January 1945)
BIRKISHAW, Wilfred Click the name above to see a profile of BIRKISHAW, Wilfred    Died : 30 / 9 / 1930	BIRKISHAW, Wilfred Killed at Arundel Park, Sussex, following collision of three Bulldogs of No.17 (Fighter) Squadron.
Blatchford, Howard Peter Click the name above to see a profile of Blatchford, Howard Peter    Died : 3 / 5 / 1943	Blatchford, Howard Peter Joined 41 Sqd 10 January 1937 Departed 20th April 1940 n April 1940 he was posted to No. 212 Squadron RAF, flying photo-reconnaissance operations. In June he joined the Photographic Development Unit as a flight commander, later transferring to No. 17 Squadron RAF in September, flying Hurricanes. He soon joined No. 257 Squadron RAF, under the command of Sqn Ldr Robert Stanford Tuck Flight Officer H.Peter Blatchford was a Canadian, he served with No 17 Squadron & No 257 Squadron's during the Battle of Britain flying Hurricane's. He became Commanding Officer of No. 257 Squadron RAF in July 1941. Blatchford was then promoted to Wing Commander in September that year, becoming Wing leader of the Digby Wing. He finished his tour of duty in April 1942, returning to operations in February 1943 and Wing Commander of the Coltishall Wing. Leading the wing to escort bomber attacking a power station in Amsterdam, Blatchford was shot down and killed in action on 3 May 1943 by Obfw. Hans Ehlers of II Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 1. His body was never found. Blatchford had by this time claimed 5 aircraft shot down, 3 shared aircraft shot down, 3 'probables', 4 damaged and 1 shared damaged
Brett, C. P. N. Click the name above to see a profile of Brett, C. P. N.	Brett, C. P. N.
Britton, H. W. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Britton, H. W. A.    Died : 6 / 8 / 1940	Britton, H. W. A. Killed August 6th 1940
Cameron, N. Click the name above to see a profile of Cameron, N.	Cameron, N.
Chelmecki, M. Click the name above to see a profile of Chelmecki, M.	Chelmecki, M.
Chew, C. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Chew, C. A.    Died : 24 / 3 / 1945	Chew, C. A. Killed March 24th 1945
Coope, W. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Coope, W. E.    Died : 4 / 6 / 1941	Coope, W. E. Squadron Leader Coope was forced to land in his Hurricane I (L1813) on November 14th 1939 following combat over Koksidje, Belgium. He was imprisoned but escaped the country on the 27th of November 1939.
Czernin, Manfred B. Click the name above to see a profile of Czernin, Manfred B.    Died : 0 / 0 / 1962	Czernin, Manfred B. Flight Officer Manfred Czernin was a pre-war bomber pilot and joined No 85 Squadron in May 1940 in France scoring several victories. During the Battle of Britain he flew Hurricanes with No 17 Squadron after the fall of France.
Davidson, Guy Click the name above to see a profile of Davidson, Guy    Died : 17 / 1 / 1928	Davidson, Guy Killed 17 January 1928 in a Woodcock of No.17 (Fighter) Squadron, Upavon
Dawbarn, P. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Dawbarn, P. L.	Dawbarn, P. L. Flight Officer P.L.Dawburn flew with No 17 Squadron. On the 15th of July 1940 he was on patrol and crashed his Hurricane (P3482)near Essex. The aeroplane was a written off.
Donne, M. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Donne, M. S.    Died : 11 / 5 / 1940	Donne, M. S. Flight Lieutenant M.S.Donne of No.17 Squadron was killed when he was shot down in his Hurricane (N2403) by a Me109 near Dordrecht on May 11th 1940.
Emms, G. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Emms, G. D.    Died : 7 / 6 / 1940	Emms, G. D. Squadron Leader G.D.Emms was killed on June 7th 1940, his Hurricane (P2905) was shot down in combat whilst on patrol over France.
Etherington, W. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Etherington, W. J.	Etherington, W. J.
Fajtl, F. Click the name above to see a profile of Fajtl, F.	Fajtl, F.
Fopp, Desmond Click the name above to see a profile of Fopp, Desmond    Died : 8 / 8 / 2005	Fopp, Desmond Sgt D.Fopp of No 17 Squadron was wounded on the 3rd of September 1940. His Hurricane I (P3672) crashed after being attacked by a Bf 110 over Essex. He was badly burned.
Gould, A J Nat Click the name above to see a profile of Gould, A J Nat	Gould, A J Nat Joined the RAAF in April 1940 and trained in Australia. Nat sailed to the UK in December 1940 and attended 56 OTU at Sutton Bridge. In April 1941 he joined 17 Sqn RAF and in September joined 134 Sqn equipped with Hurricanes and sailed aboard HMS Argus for Murmansk, USSR. After some ops, Nat returned to the UK in December and converted to Spitfires. He then sailed for Australia in March 1942 and joined 75 Sqn RAAF equipped with Kittyhawks. He flew to New Guinea in July and participated in the Battle of Milne Bay and on 28th August twice flew S A29-133 on ops and remained with 75 Sqn until December. After instructing at 2 OTU, Nat was posted in October 1943 to 457 Sqn equipped with Spitfires at Darwin. After 12 months of operations he returned to 2 OTU. In June 1945, Gould transferred to RANVR for service with the RN. Nat Gould commanded 816 Firefly and 806 Sea Fury Sqns during Korea.
Griffiths, G. Click the name above to see a profile of Griffiths, G.	Griffiths, G.
Hamblin, R. K. Click the name above to see a profile of Hamblin, R. K.	Hamblin, R. K.
Hanson, D. H. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Hanson, D. H. W.    Died : 3 / 9 / 1940	Hanson, D. H. W. Flight Officer D.H.W.Hanson of No.17 Squadron was killed on September 3rd 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane (R4174) too low following an attack on a Do17 near Foulness. He was buried at Mappleton in Yorks, he was 22.
Harper, W. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Harper, W. J.	Harper, W. J.
Hogg, R. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Hogg, R. D.    Died : 11 / 11 / 1940	Hogg, R. D. Sergeant R.D.Hogg from No 17 Squadron was killed on November 11th 1940 in a Hurricane I (P2794) which crashed near Burnham, Kent following combat.
Hughes, A. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Hughes, A. J.	Hughes, A. J.
Jones, W. T. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, W. T.    Died : 26 / 5 / 1940	Jones, W. T. Flight Sergeant W.T.Jones of No.17 Squadron was killed whilst flying patrol in Hurricane (N2528), he was shot down in combat with Do17s and Me110s.
Kordula, F. Click the name above to see a profile of Kordula, F.	Kordula, F.
Kumiega, T. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Kumiega, T. L.	Kumiega, T. L.
Leary, D. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Leary, D. C.    Died : 28 / 12 / 1940	Leary, D. C. Killed December 28th 1940
Lines, A. P. Click the name above to see a profile of Lines, A. P.	Lines, A. P. Flight Officer A.P.Lines of No.17 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (P2822) on May 17th 1940 when he was forced to bale out following combat with a Me109 near Brussels.
Luck, J. A. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Luck, J. A. A.	Luck, J. A. A. Sergeant J.A.A. Luck was flying in Hurricane (P2758) when he was shot down by a Me109 near Dordrecht. Luck survived but became a prisoner of war.
Macdougall, R. I. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Macdougall, R. I. G.	Macdougall, R. I. G.
Manger, K. Click the name above to see a profile of Manger, K.    Died : 11 / 8 / 1940	Manger, K. Pilot Officer K.Manger of No 17 Squadron was shot down in his Hurricane (P3476) on June 1st of 1940. On August 11th 1940 he was shot down in his Hurricane I (P3760) off the East Coast and killed.
Meredith, R. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Meredith, R. V.    Died : 3 / 6 / 1940	Meredith, R. V. Flight Officer R.V.Meredith of No.17 Squadron went missing whilst on patrol in his Hurricane (P3477) on June 3rd 1940. He was buried at Malo-les-Baines in France.
Miller, A. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Miller, A. G.	Miller, A. G.
Morrison, J. P. Click the name above to see a profile of Morrison, J. P.    Died : 22 / 10 / 1940	Morrison, J. P. Sergeant J.P.Morrison from No 46 Squadron was killed on October 22nd 1940 when he was shot down over Dungeness in his Hurricane I (R4074).
Niemiec, P. Click the name above to see a profile of Niemiec, P.	Niemiec, P.
North-Bomford, D. J. Click the name above to see a profile of North-Bomford, D. J.	North-Bomford, D. J. Sgt. D.J.North-Bomford flew Hurricane's with No 17 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On August 18th 1940 his Hurricane I was damaged in combat off Dover.
Palliser, Charles Click the name above to see a profile of Palliser, Charles    Died : 24 / 9 / 2011	Palliser, Charles Born in West Hartlepool, Charles Palliser was educated at Brougham School and later attended a technical school. Joining the RAFVR at the outbreak of war in 1939, Charles Palliser was posted to No.3 ITW Hasting, moved to No.11 EFTS Perth on 5th December 1939 and in April 1940 went to No.6 FTS at RAF Little Rissington. Palliser converted to Hawker Hurricanes at No.6 OTU at RAF Sutton Bridge in July 1940 and joined No.17 Squadron at RAF Debden on 3rd August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Palliser moved to RAF Tangmere with No.43 Squadron on 18th August 1940 and then to North Weald with 249 Squadron on 14th September 1940. On the 15th of September he claimed his first aerial victory. In April 1941 Palliser was commissioned and embarked with 249 Sqn on HMS Furious and on 10th May sailed for Gibraltar, and on arrival the squadron transferred to HMS Ark Royal. The squadron flew to Ta' Qali, Malta on 21stMay 1941 to take part in the Battle of Malta. During that battle he claimed a further five victories, and on 27th November Palliser flew Gladiator Faith on a met flight. In January 1942 he was posted to 605 Squadron as flight commander. Palliser was awarded the DFC, which was gazetted on 30th January 1942. He left the island in February 1942 as one of the islands longest serving pilots and joined No.25 Air School at Standerton as flight commander, arriving in South Africa to take up the appointment on the 28th March 1942. Palliser was posted to No.62 CFS, Bloemfontein on 17th July, to 2 EFTS Randfontein on 19th October and then to 4 EFTS Benoni on 2nd September 1943. He returned to the UK and in October 1947 Palliser retired from the RAF, at the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Pinkham, P. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Pinkham, P. C.    Died : 5 / 9 / 1940	Pinkham, P. C. Squadron Leader Phillip C.Pinkham of No 19 Squadron was a career officer in the R.A.F. which he joined in 1935. He served with No 17 Squadron flying biplanes. In January 1940 Pinkham took command of the Air Fighting School at St Athan, training pilots to fly Hurricane's. On June 10th 1940 he took over command of No 19 Squadron. In July he received the A.F.C. for his flying training work. Pinkham was shot down and killed on September 5th 1940. His Spitfire I (P9422) was shot down over the Thames Estuary. His aircraft crashed near Birlink, Kent.
Pittman, G. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Pittman, G. E.	Pittman, G. E.
Quill, Jeffrey Click the name above to see a profile of Quill, Jeffrey    Died : 20 / 2 / 1996	Quill, Jeffrey Jeffrey Quill was born at Littlehampton in Sussex in 1913, the youngest of five children. He was educated at Lancing College, overlooking Shoreham aerodrome (then a small grass field with old hangars and a wooden hut for the flying club). The frequent sight of aircraft at close quarters increased Quill’s already burning interest in aviation, and after leaving Lancing in 1931 he was accepted into the Royal Air Force at the age of 18, as an acting Pilot Officer. He learned to fly on Avro Tutor biplanes, and went solo after only 5 hours 20 minutes – well below the usual 9 hours. In September 1932 he joined No.17 (Fighter) Squadron at Upavon, where he flew Bristol Bulldogs. He was then posted to Duxford, to the RAF Meteorological Flight, where they flew open-cockpit Siskins to heights of up to 25,000 feet to collect weather data. In November 1934 Quill became Flight Commander, and set out with his team to achieve 100 per cent regularity in the scheduled climbs (twice every day, except Sundays, at 0700 and 1300 hrs) without missing a single flight, even in “unflyableâ€� weather. For this outstanding achievement he was awarded the Air Force Cross. In January 1936 Jeffrey Quill became assistant to Mutt Summers, the chief test pilot at Vickers (Aviation) Ltd., and his initial task was the testing of the Wellesley bomber. On 26 March 1936 Quill made his first flight in the prototype Spitfire K5054. Much work was needed on the Spitfire before it was eventually cleared for squadron service in July 1938. Jeffrey Quill spent the entire war in charge of development and production flying, but insisted on having first-hand combat experience, and in August 1940 he was assigned to 65 (Spitfire) Squadron at RAF Hornchurch. During that month he shot down a Me109, and shared in a Heinkel He111 before being recalled to Supermarine to test the Spitfire Mk III. The Seafire, the naval version of the Spitfire used by the Fleet Air Arm, was suffering enormous losses in deck landing accidents. During 1944 Quill spent five months with the Royal Navy, and made more than 75 deck landings. By the end of the war, he had personally test-flown all 50-odd variants of Spitfire and Seafire. His personal favourite was the Spitfire Mk VIII. Jeffrey Quill continued as chief test pilot after the war, when Vickers – ever on the cutting edge of development – produced Britain’s third jet aircraft, the Attacker. On 27 July 1946 Quill made the first flight from Boscombe Down, and continued to undertake the testing, until one day the following June he passed out at about 40,000 feet. Fortunately he recovered at about 10,000 ft, in time to land safely. Quill had been flying continuously for 16 years, often at high altitude and without oxygen. He had logged over 5000 hours and flown more than 95 aircraft types. Jeffrey Quill died at Andreas, Isle of Man, on 20 February 1996. Jeffrey Quill after winning his Air Force Cross.
Ross, Jack Kenneth Click the name above to see a profile of Ross, Jack Kenneth    Died : 6 / 1 / 1942	Ross, Jack Kenneth Jack joined 17 Sqd in May 1940, and took part in the combat over Dunkirk and in the Battle of Britain Ross probably destroyed a Me109 on the 14th. He shared a Ju88 on 21st August and shared a Do17 on 3rd September. Ross shared another Do17 on 2nd October but had to make a forced landing when he ran out of fuel. On 6th October he shared in destroying another Do17 and on the 13th he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire during a patrol over Chatham. He baled out, wounded, and was admitted to Gravesend Hospital. His Hurricane, P3536, crashed at Rochester. Ross claimed a Do17 destroyed on 27th October and a Ju87 destroyed and probably a second on 11th November. He shared a Ju88 on 11th July 1941. When 134 Squadron was formed at Leconfield on 31st July from 17 Squadron personnel, Ross was promoted and went to the new unit as a Flight Commander. He served in Russia with the squadron and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 25th November 1941). he was Killed on January 6th 1942 when his Spitfire P8393 which suffered a engine or mechanical failure and went down in the Irish Sea. After a search by Pilots form his squadron his aircraft or body was never found.
Sewell, D. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Sewell, D. A.    Died : 19 / 3 / 1944	Sewell, D. A. Killed March 19th 1944**
Sizer, Wilf Click the name above to see a profile of Sizer, Wilf    Died : 22 / 12 / 2006	Sizer, Wilf Born on 23rd February 1920, at the outbreak of war Bill Sizer was flying Hurricanes with 213 Squadron, after flying Guantlets with No.17 Squadron. The squadron flew to France in May 1940, where he scored his first victories, before being attacked by five Me109s and shot down. Rejoining his squadron soon after, he took part in the air battles over Dunkirk before again being shot down and escaping back to England. He flew throughout the Battle of Britain. Based at Exeter, on the 11th of August, he shot down a Ju88, and the next day he shot down a fighter escorting a large formation of bombers. As the attacks intensified, the pilots of 213 Sqn fle wup to four patrols a day. On the 15th of August he shot down two Ju87 Stukas. He also shared in the destruction of a Ju88 in October 1940, bringing it down over Beachy Head. He was awarded the DFC for scoring 7 and 5 shared victories. In April 1941 he was posted to join 1 Squadron, and then 91 Squadron. In April 1942 he joined 152 Squadron flying Spitfires, with whom he went to North Africa. In January 1943 he was given command of 93 Squadron and took part in the Sicily landings. While leading 93 Squadron he shot down two Italian fighters and damaged several others. He was awarded a Bar to the DFC. He finished the war with 7 and 5 shared victories. He died 22nd December 2006.
Slee, G. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Slee, G. W.    Died : 11 / 5 / 1940	Slee, G. W. Pilot Officer G.W.Slee was killed when his Hurricane (N2405) was shot down by a Me109 whilst on a routine patrol. He was buried at Gravendaal in the Netherlands.
Soloman, N. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Soloman, N. D.    Died : 18 / 8 / 1940	Soloman, N. D. Pilot Officer N.D.Soloman of No.17 Squadron was killed on August 18th 1940. His Hurricane (L1921) was shot down by a Me109 off Dover.
Stevens, Leonard Walter Click the name above to see a profile of Stevens, Leonard Walter    Died : 21 / 5 / 1941	Stevens, Leonard Walter Killed May 21st 1941
Steward, G. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Steward, G. A.    Died : 23 / 10 / 1941	Steward, G. A. Killed October 23rd 1941
Tomlinson, G. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Tomlinson, G. C.	Tomlinson, G. C. Squadron Leader G.C.Tomlinson of No.17 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (P3277) on May 17th when he was forced to land near Brussels following combat and the aircraft burst into flames, Tomlinson managed to escape unharmed.
Whittaker, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of Whittaker, Richard    Died : 7 / 6 / 1940	Whittaker, Richard Pilot Officer Richard Whittaker of No.17 Squadron was killed on June 7th of 1940. His Hurricane (P3472) was shot down by a Me109 whilst he was on patrol over France.
Williams, C. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Williams, C. W.    Died : 25 / 8 / 1940	Williams, C. W. Squadron Leader C.W.Williams of No.17 Squadron was killed on August 25th 1940. He was on patrol in his Hurricane (R4199) when it was shot down in an attack against Me110s near Portland.
Williams, Cedric W. Click the name above to see a profile of Williams, Cedric W.    Died : 25 / 8 / 1940	Williams, Cedric W. Squadron Leader Cedric W.Williams was leader No 17 Squadron of Hurricane's during the Battle of Britain. On August 18th 1940 his Hurricane I (V7404) was damaged in combat with Bf 109's off Dover. He was shot down and killed on August 25th 1940 in a head on attack in his Hurricane I (R4199) on a Bf 110 off Portland.
Wissler, D. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Wissler, D. H.    Died : 11 / 11 / 1940	Wissler, D. H. Pilot Officer D.H.Wissler of No 17 Squadron was wounded on September 24th 1940. His Hurricane I (P3168) was damaged by a Bf 109 and he crash landed. D.H.Wissler was killed on November 11th 1940 while on patrol, his Hurricane (V7570) was shot down whilst in combat over the Thames Estuary.
Wratten, William Click the name above to see a profile of Wratten, William	Wratten, William Air Marshal Wratten joined the RAF as a Cranwell Cadet, graduating in December 1960. He completed the CFS course the following year and went on to instruct as a first-tour QFI on Vampire T11s at Oakington and Swinderby. The Air Marshal converted onto Lightning at Middleton-St-George in 1963 before serving on 19 Squadron from 1964 to 1968, first at Leconfield and later Gutersloh. In 1968 Air Marshal Wratten converted to Phantoms at Davis-Monthan AFB, USA, and then instructed on 288 (Phantom) OCU from 1968 to 1970. He was posted in 1971 as Flight Commander on 17 Squadron at RAF Bruggen, operating the Phantom in the Strike / Attack role. Returning to the UK in 1973, he joined the staff on HQ 38 Group before attending the RAF Staff College in 1974. He then joined the OR staff at the Minstry of Defence for a brief spell before being promoted to Wing Commander and, in 1975 taking command of 23 Squadron with the Phantom in AD role. On completing his tour as Officer Commanding 23 Squadron, Air Marshal Wratten was posted to the Air Secretarys staff at Barnwood before being promoted to Group Captain in 1980 and taking command of RAF Coningsby. In June 1982 he moved to the Falkland Islands to form and command RAF Stanley. After attending RCDS in 1983, the Air Marshal became one of the two Directors OR (Air) being concerned with future RAF aircraft (except Nimrod AEW) and offensive weapons systems. In September 1986 he was appointed SASO HQ 1 Group, a post he held until becoming AOC 11 Group on 17th March 1989. Between 14th November 1990 and 22nd March 1991, Air Marshal Wratten was detached to HQ British Forces Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he held the appointments of Air Commander and Deputy British Forces Commander Middle East during the Gulf conflict. In recognition of this service he received a Knighthood in the Operation GRANBY Honours List. On 19th September 1991, Sir William was promoted to Air Marshal prior to taking up his appointment as Director General Saudi Armed Forces Project.

Aircraft for : No.17 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.17 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
Beaufighter Click the name above to see prints featuring Beaufighter aircraft. Manufacturer : Bristol Production Began : 1940 Number Built : 5564	Beaufighter BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER The Bristol Beaufighter was a Torpedo Bomber and had a crew of two. with a maximum speed of 330mph and a ceiling of 29,000 feet. maximum normal range of 1500 miles but could be extended to 1750 miles. The Bristol Beaufighter carried four 20mm cannon in the belly of the aircraft and upto six .303in browning machine guns in the wings. it could also carry eight 3 -inch rockets, 1605 lb torpedo or a bomb load of 1,000 lb. The Bristol Beaufighter first flew in July 1939 and with some modifications entered service with the Royal Air Force in July 1940. In the winter of 1940 - 1941 the Beaufighter was used as a night fighter. and in March 1941 the aircraft was used at Coastal Command as a long range strike aircraft. and in 1941, the Beaufighter arrived in North Africa and used as a forward ground attack aircraft. The Bristol Beaufighter was used also in India, Burma and Australia. A total of 5,564 Beaufighters were built until production in Britain finished in 1945, but a further 364 were built in Australia for the Australian Air Force
Bulldog Click the name above to see prints featuring Bulldog aircraft. Manufacturer : Bristol Number Built : 400	Bulldog The Bristol Bulldog was a British Royal Air Force single-seat biplane fighter designed during the 1920s by The Bulldog was designed by Frank Barnwell, the Chief Designer of the Bristol company (or Bristol Aeroplane Company,) with over 400 Bulldogs produced, that arguably became the most famous aircraft during the RAF's inter-war period. The Bristol Bulldog never saw combat service with the RAF, though during the Abyssinia Crisis of 1935-36, Bristol Bulldogs were sent to the Sudan to reinforce Middle East Command. one interesting note. Douglas Bader,The second world war ace, lost both of his legs when his Bristol Bulldog crashed while he was performing unauthorised flying Aerobatics at Woodley airfield near Reading. The Bulldog was a Single-seat day and night fighter. All metal construction with fabric covering. Manufactured by Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd, Filton, Bristol. Her engine was a 490 hp Bristol Jupiter VIIF, with a max speed of 174mph and a ceiling of 27,000 ft. She had two synchronised Vickers 0.303in machine guns.
Gamecock Click the name above to see prints featuring Gamecock aircraft. Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1925 Retired : 1931 Number Built : 108	Gamecock The Gamecock Mark I entered service with No. 23 Squadron RAF at RAF Henlow in May 1926 and they were also the last of six squadrons to operate the fighter until July 1931. This was a fairly short RAF service life, partly because of its high accident rate - of the 90 operated by the RAF, 22 were lost in landing or spin accidents. These faults were remedied in the Mk. II version, by means of a longer upper wing and a modified tail unit. Gamecock fitted with outward-leaning struts in 1927 Gamecock fitted with Napier Lion engine, 1925-6 During the Finnish Winter War 1939-40, a Gamecock was used to capture a Soviet Ilyushin DB-3 bomber. On 29 January 1940 the Finnish Gamecock strafed two Soviet DB-3s when they landed on Finnish soil (which they mistook for Estonia) to transfer fuel from one plane to the other. The strafed crews hurried into the one plane which had enough fuel remaining and escaped, leaving the DB-3 behind to be captured by the Finns
Gauntlet Click the name above to see prints featuring Gauntlet aircraft. Manufacturer : Gloster	Gauntlet Full profile not yet available.
Harvard Click the name above to see prints featuring Harvard aircraft. Manufacturer : North American Aviation Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1995 Number Built : 15495	Harvard The Texan originated from the North American NA-16 prototype (first flown on April 1, 1935) which, modified as the NA-26, was submitted as an entry for a USAAC "Basic Combat" aircraft competition in March, 1937. The first model went into production and 180 were supplied to the USAAC as the BC-1 and 400 to the RAF as the Harvard I. The US Navy received 16 modified aircraft, designated the SNJ-1, and a further 61 as the SNJ-2 with a different engine. The BC-1 was the production version of the NA-26 prototype, with retractable tailwheel landing gear and the provision for armament, a two-way radio, and the 550-hp (410 kW) R-1340-47 engine as standard equipment. Production versions included the BC-1 (Model NA-36) with only minor modifications (177 built), of which 30 were modified as BC-1I instrument trainers; the BC-1A (NA-55) with airframe revisions (92 built); and a single BC-1B with a modified wing center-section. Three BC-2 aircraft were built before the shift to the "advanced trainer" designation, AT-6, which was equivalent to the BC-1A. The differences between the AT-6 and the BC-1 were new outer wing panels with a swept-forward trailing edge, squared-off wingtips, and a triangular rudder, producing the canonical Texan silhouette. After a change to the rear of the canopy, the AT-6 was designated the Harvard II for RAF/RCAF orders and 1,173 were supplied by purchase or Lend Lease, mostly operating in Canada as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Next came the AT-6A which was based on the NA-77 design and was powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1340-49 Wasp radial engine. The USAAF received 1,549 and the US Navy 270 (as the SNJ-3). The AT-6B was built for gunnery training and could mount a .30 in machine gun on the forward fuselage. It used the R-1340-AN-1 engine, which was to become the standard for the remaining T-6 production. Canada's Noorduyn Aviation built an R-1340-AN-1-powered version of the AT-6A, which was supplied to the USAAF as the AT-16 (1,500 aircraft) and the RAF/RCAF as the Harvard IIB (2,485 aircraft), some of which also served with the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Canadian Navy. No. 1340 Flight RAF used the Harvard in Kenya against the Mau Mau in the 1950s, where they operated with 20-lb bombs and machine guns against the rebels. Some operations took place at altitudes around 20,000 ft above mean sea level. A Harvard was the longest-serving RAF aeroplane,
Hurricane Click the name above to see prints featuring Hurricane aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1936 Number Built : 14533	Hurricane Royal Air Force Fighter, the Hawker Hurricane had a top speed of 320mph, at 18,200 feet and 340mph at 17,500, ceiling of 34,200 and a range of 935 miles. The Hurricane was armed with eight fixed wing mounted .303 browning machine guns in the Mark I and twelve .303 browning's in the MKIIB in the Hurricane MKIIC it had four 20mm cannon. All time classic fighter the Hurricane was designed in 1933-1934, the first prototype flew in June 1936 and a contract for 600 for the Royal Air Force was placed. The first production model flew ion the 12th October 1937 and 111 squadron of the Royal Air Force received the first Hurricanes in January 1938. By the outbreak of World war two the Royal Air Force had 18 operational squadrons of Hurricanes. During the Battle of Britain a total of 1715 Hurricanes took part, (which was more than the rest of the aircraft of the Royal air force put together) and almost 75% of the Victories during the Battle of Britain went to hurricane pilots. The Hawker Hurricane was used in all theatres during World war two, and in many roles. in total 14,533 Hurricanes were built.
Oxford Click the name above to see prints featuring Oxford aircraft. Manufacturer : Airspeed Production Began : 0 Retired : 0 Number Built : 6695	Oxford The Oxford was built by Airspeed (4,960), De Havilland (1,515), Percival Aircraft (1,525) and the Standard Motor Group (750) during WW2. It was capable of training pilots, navigators, air gunners, radio operators and flight engineers. As well as equipping service flying schools in Great Britain, they spread out all over the globe, training aircrew in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and Southern Rhodesia. Nearly 50% of all aircrew who served in the RAF, RCAF, RAAF and RNZAF went through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, The Oxford was the preferred trainer for the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) and British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), which sent thousands of potential aircrew to Canada for training. 27 Oxfords were on the strength of No 4 Flying Training School RAF Habbaniya, Iraq in early 1941 and some were converted locally, for use as light bombers to help in the defence of the School against Iraqi forces. Airspeed Ltd was founded by Neville Shute Norway in 1931. N.S. Norway had trained as an aeronautical engineer, and worked under Barnes Wallis (of ‘Bouncing Bomb’ fame) at Vickers Ltd. on the successful R.100 airship. His first design for the new company was the Airspeed A.S.6 Envoy, he was responsible for devising a retractable undercarriage for the Envoy, and it enjoyed both civil and military success – an Envoy served in ‘The King’s Flight’, and was used to convey members of the Royal Family, and the South African Air Force ordered a batch of seven ‘Convertible Envoys’ which could be fitted with an Armstrong Whitworth gun turret and carriers for small bombs, as needed. In 1941, the aviatrix Amy Johnson went missing in an Airspeed Oxford, presumably crashing into the Thames Estuary. After the war, 152 surplus Oxfords were converted into small 6-seat commercial airliners called the AS.65 Consul. A few Oxfords were acquired by the Hellenic Air Force and used during the Greek Civil War by No. 355 Squadron RHAF. Although the Oxford was equipped with fixed-pitch wooden or Fairey-Reed metal propellers, the cockpit contained a propeller pitch lever, which had to be moved from "Coarse" to "Fine" for landing. This was to reinforce this important step for trainee pilots. Oxfords continued to serve the Royal Air Force as trainers and light transports until the last was withdrawn from service in 1956. Some were sold for use by overseas air arms, including the Royal Belgian Air Force.
Phantom Click the name above to see prints featuring Phantom aircraft. Manufacturer : McDonnell Douglas Production Began : 1960 Retired : 1992 Number Built : 5195	Phantom The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber produced for the U.S. Navy by Mcdonnell Douglas. It became a major part of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and American Air Force. The Phantom F-4 saw service with all American forces during the Vietnam war serving as a fighter and ground attack aircraft. The Phantom first saw service in 1960 but continued in service until the 1980’s (being replaced by the F-15 and F-16 ) The last Phantoms saw service during the Gulf war in 1991 being used for reconnaissance. Other nations also used the Phantom to great success. The Israeli Air Force used them during various Arab-Israeli wars and the Phantom also saw service in the Iranian Air Force during the Iran Iraq War. Phantom production ran from 1958 to 1981, with a total of 5,195 built. The Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy flew versions based on the F-4. The British Phantoms were powered by Rolls Royce Spey engines and also received British avionics, under the names pf Phantom FG.1 and Phantom FGR.2. The last British Phantoms served with 74 Squadron until they were dispanded in 1992.
Spitfire Click the name above to see prints featuring Spitfire aircraft. Manufacturer : Supermarine Production Began : 1936 Retired : 1948 Number Built : 20351	Spitfire Royal Air Force fighter aircraft, maximum speed for mark I Supermarine Spitfire, 362mph up to The Seafire 47 with a top speed of 452mph. maximum ceiling for Mk I 34,000feet up to 44,500 for the mark XIV. Maximum range for MK I 575 miles . up to 1475 miles for the Seafire 47. Armament for the various Marks of Spitfire. for MK I, and II . eight fixed .303 browning Machine guns, for MKs V-IX and XVI two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 browning machine guns. and on later Marks, six to eight Rockets under the wings or a maximum bomb load of 1,000 lbs. Designed by R J Mitchell, The proto type Spitfire first flew on the 5th March 1936. and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938, with 19 squadron based and RAF Duxford. by the outbreak of World war two, there were twelve squadrons with a total of 187 spitfires, with another 83 in store. Between 1939 and 1945, a large variety of modifications and developments produced a variety of MK,s from I to XVI. The mark II came into service in late 1940, and in March 1941, the Mk,V came into service. To counter the Improvements in fighters of the Luftwaffe especially the FW190, the MK,XII was introduced with its Griffin engine. The Fleet Air Arm used the Mk,I and II and were named Seafires. By the end of production in 1948 a total of 20,351 spitfires had been made and 2408 Seafires. The most produced variant was the Spitfire Mark V, with a total of 6479 spitfires produced. The Royal Air Force kept Spitfires in front line use until April 1954.
Woodcock Click the name above to see prints featuring Woodcock aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker Engineering Company Production Began : 1923 Retired : 1936 Number Built : 62	Woodcock The Hawker Woodcock was designed as a night fighter in 1922 to meet specification 25/22.[1] The chief designer was Captain Thomson, and the prototype, serial number J6987, was first flown with a 358 hp (267 kW) Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar II engine in March 1923 with F. P. Raynham The first aircraft to be delivered to the Royal Air Force entered service with 3 Squadron in May 1925 at RAF Upavon. No. 17 Squadron was the only other operational squadron, with first deliveries being made in March 1926. Once the type's early structural problems were solved, the Woodcock proved popular with its pilots. It was replaced by the Gloster Gamecock in 1928. However, some Woodcocks were still flying in 1936. In June 1927 a Woodcock II of No. 17 Squadron was borrowed by the notable aviator Charles Lindbergh.[1] He used the aircraft to fly back to Paris from London soon after his transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis.