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No.79 Sqn RAF - Squadron Details - Aviation Directory

No.79 Sqn RAF


Name : No.79 Sqn RAF
Founded : 1st August 1917
Disbanded : 1st January 1962
Country : UK
Fate : Disbanded (renumbered) 1st January 1962
More Details : Madras Presidency

Nil nobis obstare potest - Nothing can stop us
Known Code Letters : , AL, NV,

Formed at Gosport on the 1st of August 1917, No.79 Squadron was moved to France in December 1917 and equipped with Dolphins which carried out fighter patrols and ground attack missions until the end of the war. After the Armistice 79 Squadron was stationed in Germany as part of the occupation forces, and on the 15 of July 1919, the squadron was disbanded.

79 Squadron was reformed on 22nd March 1937 at Biggin Hill, being formed from B Flight of No.32 Squadron. Initially the squadron was equipped with Gauntlets until the end of 1938 when they were replaced with Hawker Hurricanes. When World War Two broke out, 79 Squadrons role was to fly defensive patrols until May 1940 when 79 Squadron was sent to France for only a short period of 10 days. The Squadron took part in the Battle of Britain and after the Battle of Britain the squadron moved to South Wales until the end of 1941. 79 Squadron was sent to the Far East on 4th March 1942 arriving in India on 20th June. Between May 1944, and September 1944 No.79 was withdrawn from active service to be re-equipped with Thunderbolts and after the war the squadron was disbanded on 30th December 1945.

No.79 was reformed for a ten year period on 15th November 1951 at Gutersloh initially flying the Meteor jet fighter but being re-equipped with the new Swift and being used in the role of a fighter-reconnaissance unit. On the 1st of January No.79 squadron was renumbered 4 Squadron.

Known Service Details :

Pilot or Aircrew

Rank

Start of Service

End of Service

Known Dates

Aircraft

Airframes

Notes

L. L. Appleton

Pilot Officer

unknown

14th May 1940

11th May 1940

Hurricane

L2049
P2537

Killed in Action

H. A. Bolton

Sergeant

unknown

31st August 1940

Hurricane

V7200

Killed in Action

Robert Wilton Bungay

unknown

unknown

Lionel Harwood Buck Casson

unknown

unknown

Hurricane

For a brief spell flying Hurricanes with 79 Squadron at Biggin Hill, before rejoining 616

R. W. Clarke

unknown

unknown

J. W. E. Davies

Flight Lieutenant

unknown

27th June 1940

Hurricane

P3591

Killed in Action

L. R. Dorrien-Smith

Pilot Officer

unknown

20th May 1940

Hurricane

L2145

Killed in Action

R. Edwards

Flight Lieutenant

unknown

unknown

11th May 1940

Hurricane

L2068

T. F. Guest

unknown

unknown

R. Herrick

Flight Officer

unknown

unknown

17th May 1940

Hurricane

L2140

J. D. C. Joslin

Squadron Leader

unknown

7th July 1940

Hurricane

P2756

Killed in Action

R. R. McQueen

Sergeant

unknown

27th June 1940

P3401

Killed in Action

William H. Millington

Pilot Officer

unknown

unknown

31st August 1940

Hurricane

P3050

E. W. Mitchell

Flight Officer

unknown

8th July 1940

Hurricane

P3461

Killed in Action

E. J. Morris

Pilot Officer

unknown

unknown

30th August 1940
31st August 1940

Hurricane

P3877
P3203

George H. Nelson-Edwards

Flight Officer

unknown

unknown

31st August 1940
29th September 1940

Hurricane

N2345
P3203

C. T. Parker

Pilot Officer

unknown

unknown

12th May 1940

Hurricane

L2065

T. C. Parker

Pilot Officer

unknown

unknown

20th May 1940

Hurricane

P2634

C. D. S. Smith

Squadron Leader

unknown

22nd December 1941

Hurricane

Z5255

Killed in Action

D. W. A. Stones

Pilot Officer

unknown

unknown

18th May 1940

Hurricane

P3451

A. W. Whitby

unknown

unknown

J. E. R. Wood

Pilot Officer

unknown

8th July 1940

14th May 1940

Hurricane

N2490
N2384

Killed in Action

J. Wright

Sergeant

unknown

5th September 1940

04th September 1940

Hurricane

P3676

Killed in Action

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.79 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.
NameInfo
Appleton, L. L.
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   Died : 14 / 5 / 1940
Appleton, L. L.

Pilot Officer L.L. Appleton of No.79 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (L2049) when it was damaged by return fire from a He111 and forced to land at Le Touquet. He was flying Hurricane (P2537) on May 14th when he was shot down and killed near Renaix. He had been in combat with a Ju88.
Bailey, G. G.
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   Died : 9 / 11 / 1941
Bailey, G. G.

Killed November 9th 1941**
Birrell, M. A.
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Birrell, M. A.


Bolton, H. A.
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   Died : 31 / 8 / 1940
Bolton, H. A.

Sergeant H.A.Bolton from No 79 Squadron was killed after he crashed attempting to land his battle damaged Hurricane I (V7200) on August 31st 1940 at Kenley.
Brown, F. S.
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Brown, F. S.


Bryant-Fenn, L. T.
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Bryant-Fenn, L. T.


Bungay, Robert Wilton
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   Died : 10 / 6 / 1943
Bungay, Robert Wilton

He trained with the RAAF at Point Cook in 1936, sailed for England on 22nd July 1937 and transferred to the RAF on a short service commission in August. Bungey joined 226 Squadron at Harwell on 27th November 1937. The squadron took its Battles to France on 2nd September 1939 as part of the AASF. It was in action throughout the Battle of France and was withdrawn to England in mid-June from Brest. In August Bungey responded to a call for volunteers for Fighter Command and joined 145 Squadron at Drem on 19th September Bungey was shot down on 7th November in Hurricane I V6889 and baled out into the sea near the Isle of Wight, with an injured knee. He damaging a Ju88 on the 9th, shared in the destruction of a He111 on the 11th and shared a Ju88 over the Channel on 10th March 1941. With his knee still giving trouble, Bungey was posted from the squadron on 30th March 1941, to go into hospital for an operation. He took command of the recently-formed 452 (RAAF) Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 10th June 1941. Bungey was awarded the DFC (gazetted 7th October 1941) and he destroyed a Me109 on 6th December. He transferred back into the RAAF in January 1943
Casson, Lionel Harwood Buck
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   Died : 8 / 10 / 2003
Casson, Lionel Harwood Buck

Pilot Officer Lionel H.'Buck' Casson D.F.C. / A.F.C. of No 616 Squadron was in combat with a Do 215 over Kenley on the 1st of September 1940 at 14:20hrs. His Spitfire I (R6778) was a write off due do the damage but he escaped injury. Casson was one of the original three trainee pilots to join the newly formed 616 (South Yorkshire) Auxiliary Air Force Squadron at Doncaster in early 1939. Training at weekends and during the annual summer camps, he qualified as a pilot in early 1940 before being sent to France as a reinforcement to 501 Squadron. But, before he could join them, the train on which he was travelling was bombed outside Amiens and he lost all his belongings. Casson managed to escape by boat back to England from Cherbourg. After a brief spell flying Hurricanes with 79 Squadron at Biggin Hill, he rejoined 616 at Leconfield, Yorkshire, just as the Battle of Britain gathered momentum. At lunchtime on August 15, the fighter squadrons based in north-east England were scrambled to face the Luftwaffe's most concentrated attack against industrial targets in Scotland and the north of England. Casson flew one of the 12 Spitfires which met the enemy as they crossed the Yorkshire coast. Within minutes, 616 Squadron had accounted for six of the unescorted bombers, with similar results achieved by other northern-based squadrons. A few days later, 616 flew south to Kenley where the squadron was involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the battle as part of Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park's No 11 Group. Casson and his colleagues were scrambled three or four times each day and losses mounted; in a five-day period 10 squadron pilots were killed or wounded. On August 30 Casson was credited with a probable and a damaged Heinkel 111. Two days later he claimed an Me 109 fighter, followed by the destruction of a Dornier 17 bomber. After suffering severe losses, the squadron was withdrawn to Kirton in Lindsay on September 4 with just seven of the original 21 pilots fit to fly. With barely 300 hours flying time, Casson was now a veteran; he remained with 616 to train the new crop of young pilots, and to fly patrols over coastal convoys and during the Luftwaffe's night blitz in December. A steel buyer's son, Lionel Harwood Casson, always known as "Buck", was born at Sheffield on January 6 1915 and educated at Birkdale School and the King's School, Ely, before embarking on a career in the steel industry. Although working in a reserved occupation, he elected to remain with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force on the outbreak of war when he completed his pilot training. Once 616 became fully operational again in early 1941, it was transferred and came under the command of the new Wing Leader, the legless pilot Douglas Bader, at Tangmere. The squadron boasted a glittering array of outstanding pilots, including "Johnnie" Johnson and "Cocky" Dundas. With his steadying and mature influence, allied to the experience gained during the hectic summer days of 1940, Casson became a section leader. On May 5, he shared in the destruction of a Junkers 88, but was hit by return fire, and was forced to bale out over Chichester harbour. Throughout the summer of 1941, the Wing was heavily engaged over northern France escorting bombers and flying offensive sweeps when it made regular contact with Adolph Galland's fighters. Casson destroyed a Me 109 on June 22, claimed a "damaged" two days later and in July claimed two Me 109s as probables. The squadron suffered heavy losses, and Casson soon found himself appointed to command B Flight. On August 9, the "Bader" Wing took off for another sweep over France. During a hectic fight in which German fighters surprised them from above, Bader was shot down, and the Wing was forced to scatter. Casson had accounted for an Me 109 when he went to the aid of a lone Spitfire, but before he could join up he was engaged by a German fighter. Cannon shells damaged his aircraft's engine, forcing him to crash near St Omer, where he was captured. Shortly after his arrival at Stalag Luft III at Sagan, it was announced that Casson had been awarded the DFC. During his years in captivity, Casson's outstanding talents as a draughtsman were put to good use by the camp's escape committee. He maintained a detailed and beautifully illustrated diary of events throughout his imprisonment, which he was able to salvage despite the horrors and privation he and his colleagues suffered on the "Long March", during the severe winter of 1945 when the PoWs were driven eastwards ahead of the advancing Soviet Army. On returning home, Casson rejoined the steel industry in Sheffield. In June 1946 he was one of the first to volunteer for service when 616 Squadron was reformed at RAF Finningley. The squadron was initially equipped with Mosquito night fighters but it soon reverted to the day fighter role, flying Meteor F 4s before re-equipping with the F 8 version. In January 1951, Casson was promoted to Squadron Leader and appointed to command 616 Squadron. His outstanding period in command culminated in the award of the Esher trophy, awarded annually to the most efficient Auxiliary Air Force squadron. Casson retired in 1954, when he was awarded the AFC for his service in command of 616. He was also the holder of the Air Efficiency Award with Bar.
Clarke, R. W.
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   Died : 16 / 11 / 1940
Clarke, R. W.

Missing November 16th 1940**
Clerke, R. F. H.
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Clerke, R. F. H.


Clift, Douglas G
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   Died : 31 / 12 / 2008
Clift, Douglas G

Squadron Leader Douglas G Clift was born in 1919 and joined the RAF in January 1939. Douglas Clift arrived at 11 Group Pool, St Athan on 24 October 1939 and after converting to Hurricanes, he joined 79 Squadron at Biggin Hill on November 17. On 15 August 1940 Clift claimed a Bf 110 destroyed and on 30 August he shared in the destruction of a He 111. In July 1941 he was posted to the Central Flying School at Upavon for an instructor's course. Clift later volunteered for the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit (MSFU) and served with it until October 1942. He remained on flying duties for the rest of the war, finishing up in South-East Asia with the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). After the war Clift served with 34 Squadron flying photo-reconnaissance Spitfires until its disbandment in August 1947. later he became a radar specialist, sadly Squadron Leader Douglas G Clift passed away on the 31st December 2008 aged 89.
Davies, J. W. E.
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   Died : 27 / 6 / 1940
Davies, J. W. E.

Flight Lieutenant J.W.E.Davies of No.79 Squadron was killed on June 27th 1940 when his Hurricane was shot down by fighters whilst on escort to St Valery.
Dorrien-Smith, L. R.
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Dorrien-Smith, L. R.

Pilot Officer L.R.Dorrien-Smith of No.79 Squadron was killed when flying in Hurricane (L2145) on May 20th 1940. He was shot down near St Quentin. He was aged 21.
Edwards, R.
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Edwards, R.

Flight Lieutenant R.Edwards of No.79 Squadron was shot down in his Hurricane (L2068) on May 11th 1940 near Mons during an attack on a He111, he baled out and suffered burn injuries.
Guest, T. F.
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Guest, T. F.

Pilot Officer T.F.Guest of No.56 Squadron was taken prisoner on April 26th 1941. His Hurricane (Z2763) was shot down over the French coast.
Haysom, G. H. L.
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Haysom, G. H. L.


Herrick, R.
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Herrick, R.

Flight Officer R.Herrick of No.79 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (L2140) on May 17th 1940 when it was shot down by a Me109 and he was forced to bale out near Valenciennes. Herrick was captured and made a prisoner of war.
Heyworth, J. H.
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Heyworth, J. H.


Joslin, J. D. C.
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   Died : 7 / 7 / 1940
Joslin, J. D. C.

Squadron Leader J.D.C.Joslin of No.79 Squadron was killed on July 7th 1940. His Hurricane (P2756) was shot down in flames by Spitfires whilst on evening patrol near Dover.
Laycock, H. K.
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   Died : 26 / 8 / 1943
Laycock, H. K.

Killed August 26th 1943
Mayhew, P. F.
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   Died : 19 / 2 / 1942
Mayhew, P. F.

Killed February 19th 1942
McQueen, R. R.
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   Died : 27 / 6 / 1940
McQueen, R. R.

Sergeant R.R.McQueen of No.79 Squadron was killed on June 27th 1940 when his Hurricane (P3401) was shot down whilst on escort to St Valery. He Baled out and his body was picked up from the sea near Rye.
Millington, William Henry
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   Died : 30 / 10 / 1940
Millington, William Henry

Pilot Officer William H. Millington an Australian flew with No 249 Squadron and No 79 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Whilst flying with No 79 Squadron he was wounded on August 31st 1940 when he crash landed his Hurricane I (P3050) which was engulfed in flames after combat over Romney. W.H.Millington was later moved to No 249 Squadron and among the combat he Participated in was on the 23rd Sept 1940 in Hurricane V6622 where he was killed on October 30th 1940 when he was shot down in his Hurricane I (V7536) over the Channel. it is thought that Bill succumbed to the enticement as, after ‘finding himself caught up in a series of sporadic actions...over the Channel his Hurricane was last seen chasing a German fighter out to sea; it is believed Bill was the victim of Fw Bielefeldt of 3 Staffel [I/JG51] who claimed a Hurricane at about this time. Tich Palliser recalled it, ‘the whole squadron was sick when Bill was lost; he had been well liked, was a nice lad and had made a great impression on the squadron. He was very much missed.’
Mitchell, E. W.
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   Died : 8 / 7 / 1940
Mitchell, E. W.

Flight Officer E.W.Mitchell of No.79 Squadron was killed on July 8th 1940. His Hurricane (P3461) was shot down over Kent whilst on patrol.
Morris, E. J.
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Morris, E. J.

Pilot Officer E.J.Morris a South African from No 79 Squadron was wounded on August 31st 1940 when he was forced to crash land his Hurricane I (P3877) following combat.
Mudry, W.
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Mudry, W.


Nelson-Edwards, George H.
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Nelson-Edwards, George H.

Pilot Officer George H.Nelson-Edwards of No 79 Squadron wrote of his Hurricane I (N2345) on August 31st 1940. He crashed after combat near to Biggin Hill. On September 29th 1940 he baled out of his Hurricane (P3203) after combat off the Welsh Coast. He was later rescued.
Noble, B. R.
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Noble, B. R.


Parker, C. T.
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Parker, C. T.

Pilot Officer C.T. Parker of No.79 Squadron was involved in combat in his Hurricane (L2065) on May 12th 1940 with a Do17 whilst on patrol.
Parker, T. C.
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Parker, T. C.

Pilot Officer T.C.Parker of No.79 Squadron was shot down in Hurricane (P2634) on May 20th 1940 by ground fire near St Quentin.
Parr, L. A.
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Parr, L. A.


Peters, G. C. B.
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   Died : 29 / 9 / 1940
Peters, G. C. B.

Killed September 29th 1940
Piatkowski, S.
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   Died : 25 / 10 / 1940
Piatkowski, S.

Killed October 25th 1940
Radwanski, G.
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Radwanski, G.


Roscoe, G. L.
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   Died : 24 / 2 / 1942
Roscoe, G. L.

Killed February 24th 1942
Smith, C. D. S.
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Smith, C. D. S.


Stones, D. W. A.
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Stones, D. W. A.

Pilot Officer D.W.A.Stones of No.79 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (P3451) on May 18th 1940 when he was forced to land following combat with a Me109 near Vitry.
Tatham, Basil Tatters
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   Died : 2 / 12 / 2007
Tatham, Basil Tatters

Basil Tatham was born on the 13th of March 1921 in Bardolfs, Knebworth and later went to St Edwards in 1936 following many months in Middlesex hospital with osteomyelitis, which nearly cost him his leg. Despite this he went on to follow his father in to the 1st XI cricket team, became captain of shooting, entered the Officer Training Corps and passed his school certificates. After finishing school in 1940 he could have gone on to university but felt duty bound to join the RAF. Basil was training in the Battle of Britain, but served through two tours as a pilot flying Hurricanes, Spitfires, Typhoons and Tempests. Tatters Tatham first flew Hurricanes with 79 Squadron, and then in 1941 on Atlantic convoys with the MSFU before being torpedoed. In May 1942 he was posted to 257 Squadron on Hurricane night fighters, before joining 247 Squadron on Typhoons. After a brief rest period instructing, he rejoined 247 Squadron the day before D-day, and spent the following months destroying German tanks and other ground targets. Basil Tatham ended the war as a Flight-Lieutenant, (he was an acting Squadron Leader) with a number of medals including the Croix de Guerre Avec Etoile de Vermeil (F). He survived being shot down twice. Sadly he passed away on 2nd December 2007.
Thom, Alex
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Thom, Alex

Born in Perth, Scotland, Alex Thom joined the RAFVR on June 24th 1939 and flew at the weekends at 11 EARFTS Perth. At the outbreak of World War Two, Thom was called up for full time service with the Royal Air Force and was posted to 3 ITW at Hastings on October 2nd 1939, moving to 15 EFTS at Redhill on April 29th 1940 and on June 15th moved again to 15 FTS, initially at Brize Norton and later to Chipping Norton. Alex Thom went to 6 OTU on September 29th at Sutton Bridge where he converted to Hawker Hurricanes and joined 79 squadron stationed at Pembury only for a short period when he was transferred to 87 Squadron on October 6th 1940, moving with the squadron on the 31st of October to their new base at Exeter. He achieved the rank of Pilot Officer on the 3rd of December 1941. During his time at Exeter he was also based on the Scilly Isles and on one occasion after shooting down an enemy bomber the crew bailed out over the sea. Alex Thom circled the downed German crew who were in a life raft until a motor launch came and picked them up. Thom would later meet the crew and was given a flying helmet by the German pilot, an item he still has today. Alex Thom was appointed B Flight commander on 10th July 1942 and was awarded the DFC on the 14th August 1942. At this time he was credited with two enemy aircraft destroyed and a probable He111. On the 19th of August 1942 while supporting the ground forces at Dieppe, his Hurricane (LK - M) was hit by ground fire and lost oil pressure. He managed to limp back to England where he made a forced landing at East Den. Thom managed to get back to his airfield as a passenger in a Master flown by Flt Sgt Lowe and immediately took off again in Hurricane (LK - A) back to Dieppe where he proceeded to strafe enemy positions. On the 1st of October 1942 he became F/O. In November 1942, 87 Squadron was transferred to North Africa. They were transported by ship to Gibraltar where the squadron flew sorties, and then onto North Africa. Thom was posted away from the squadron to be a flying control officer at Bone. He returned to 87 Squadron which was then based at Tongley and took command on June 27th 1943. He was again posted away from the squadron on September 27th returning to the UK with the Rank of Flight Lt. Thom became an instructor with 55 OTU at Annan on November 17th moving to Kirton in Linsay on March 12th 1944 to join 53 OTU. He was appointed Flight Commander Fighter Affiliation Flight at 84 (Bomber) OTU at Husbands Bosworth on May 19th 1944 and remained there until October 10th when he went to RAF Peterhead as Adjutant. His final posting was to HQ13 Group, Inverness on May 8th 1945 as a Staff Officer and retired from the RAF on December 4th 1945 as a Flight Lt.


Alexander Thom DFC signing some of our art prints in 2010.

Cranston Fine Arts offer our warmest thanks to Alexander Thom for taking the time to meet with us and add his signature to some of our artwork.


Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross :

This officer has been engaged on operational flying for a long period, both by day and by night. Throughout he has displayed great keenness and devotion to duty. He has destroyed two enemy aircraft both of which he shot down after pursuing them out to sea for more than 50 miles. On one occasion, he engaged a Heinkel 111 in extremely hazardous flying weather and probably destroyed it. Recently, Pilot Officer Thom has completed several successful intruder operations. He has invariably displayed initiative and courage.
Tracey, Owen
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   Died : 8 / 12 / 1941
Tracey, Owen


Varley, G. W.
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Varley, G. W.


Whitby, A. W.
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Whitby, A. W.


Wood, J. E. R.
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   Died : 8 / 7 / 1940
Wood, J. E. R.

Pilot Officer J.E.R.Wood of No.79 Squadron was shot down in his Hurricane (N2490) on May 14th 1940 following combat with a Ju88, he baled out and was injured.
Wright, J.
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   Died : 6 / 9 / 1940
Wright, J.

Sergeant J.Wright of No 79 Squadron crashed his Hurricane I (P3676) on September 4th 1940. He was wounded after combat with some Bf 110's over Biggin Hill. He later died from his wounds suffered on September 5th 1940.



Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Historical Notes :
20-01-1938 - Gauntlet II K5310, 79 Sqn, Biggin Hill Hit tractor on take-off, Biggin Hill killing the tractor drive Christopher Leonard Sawbridge (42) killed the pilot Act Plt Off A G Evans was unhurt
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
L. L. Appleton
Historical Notes :
11-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer O.L.L. Appleton was damaged by return fire from a He111 and force-landed at Le Touquet.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
C. T. Parker
Historical Notes :
12-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer C.T. Parker was involved in combat with a Do17 whilst on patrol.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
R. Edwards
Historical Notes :
11-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant R.Edwards was shot down near Mons during an attack on a He111.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
R. Herrick
Historical Notes :
17-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer R.Herrick was shot down by a Me109 near Valenciennes.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
L. R. Dorrien-Smith
Historical Notes :
20-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer L.R.Dorrien-Smith was shot down near St Quentin. Pilot Dorrien-Smith was killed.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
George H. Nelson-Edwards
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer George H.Nelson-Edwards was written off after it crashed following combat over Biggin Hill.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
J. E. R. Wood
Historical Notes :
08-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer J.E.R.Wood was shot down off Dover by a Me109, pilot Wood baled out wounded but sadly died.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
J. E. R. Wood
Historical Notes :
14-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer J.E.R.Wood was shot down in combat with a Ju88.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
Henry Cartwright
Historical Notes :
04-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant H.Cartwright was shot down whilst on patrol over St Margaret's Bay by a Me109, killing pilot Cartwright.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
L. L. Appleton
Historical Notes :
14-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer L.L.Appleton was shot down near Renaix following combat with a Ju88.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
T. C. Parker
Historical Notes :
20-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer T.C.Parker was shot down by ground fire over St Quentin. The aircraft was then abandoned.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
J. D. C. Joslin
Historical Notes :
07-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Squadron Leader J.D.C.Joslin was shot down in flames by Spitfires whilst on patrol, pilot Joslin was killed.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
William H. Millington
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer William H.Millington crash landed on fire following combat over Romney.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Historical Notes :
29-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer G.H.Nelson-Edwards was involved in combat with a He111 off the Welsh coast, pilot baled out and was rescued.
31-08-1940 -
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
R. R. McQueen
Historical Notes :
27-06-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant R.R.McQueen was shot down whilst on escort to St Valery, pilot McQueen was killed.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
D. W. A. Stones
Historical Notes :
18-05-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer D.W.A.Stones force-landed following combat with a Me109 near Vitry.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
E. W. Mitchell
Historical Notes :
08-07-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Officer E.W.Mitchell was shot down whilst on patrol over Kent, pilot Mitchell was killed.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
J. W. E. Davies
Historical Notes :
27-06-1940 - Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant J.W.E.Davies was shot down by fighters whilst on escort to St Valery, pilot Davies was killed.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Historical Notes :
04-04-1941 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer J.J.Robinson crashed into the sea off Linley Head.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
J. Wright
Historical Notes :
04-09-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant J.Wright of No 79 Squadron crashed following combat with some Bf 110's over Biggin Hill. Pilot Wright later died from his wounds suffered in this incident.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
E. J. Morris
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Pilot Officer E.J.Morris crash landed following combat.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
H. A. Bolton
Historical Notes :
31-08-1940 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant H.A.Bolton crashed while attempting to land at Kenley. Pilot Bolton was killed.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Historical Notes :
18-12-1941 - Hurricane flown by Sergeant G.H.N.Davey was involved in combat with fighters over Brest.
Squadrons :
No.79 Sqn RAF
Pilots or Aircrew :
C. D. S. Smith
Historical Notes :
22-12-1941 - Hurricane flown by Squadron Leader C.D.S.Smith was involved in a collision with a He115 off the south coast of Ireland.



Known Individual Aircraft of No.79 Sqn RAF :

Type

Serial

Codes

First Flew

Squadron History

Aircrew History

History Notes

Engine

Factory

Gauntlet II

K5310

-

details

no information

details

Hurricane I

L2049

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

L2065

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

L2068

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

L2140

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

L2145

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

N2345

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

N2384

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

N2490

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

N2619

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P2537

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P2634

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P2756

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3050

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3203

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3401

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3451

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3461

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3591

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3661

-

details

no information

details

Hurricane I

P3676

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

P3877

-

details

details

details

Hurricane I

V7200

-

details

details

details

Hurricane IIB

Z5151

-

details

no information

details

Hurricane IIB

Z5255

-

details

details

details

Aircraft for : No.79 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.79 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
AircraftInfo

Dolphin



Click the name above to see prints featuring Dolphin aircraft.

Manufacturer : Sopwith
Production Began : 1917
Retired : 1923
Number Built : 2072

Dolphin

Despite had a number of early problems, the Dolphin eventually proved successful and generally popular with pilots. The aircraft was fast, maneuverable, and easy to fly, though a sharp stall was noted. When functioning properly, the Hispano-Suiza afforded the Dolphin excellent performance at high altitude. Accordingly, the Dolphin was often deployed against German reconnaissance aircraft such as the Rumpler C.VII, which routinely operated at altitudes above 20,000 ft. No. 87 Squadron explored the use of equipment to supply pilots with oxygen at high altitude, but the experiment was abandoned after trials showed that the oxygen tanks exploded when struck by gunfire The highest-scoring Dolphin unit was No. 87 Squadron, which shot down 89 enemy aircraft in the type. Pilots of No. 79 Squadron shot down 64 enemy aircraft in the eight and one half months that the aircraft was at the front The top two Dolphin aces served in No. 79 Squadron. Captain Francis W. Gillet, an American, scored 20 victories in the type Lieutenant Ronald Bannerman, a New Zealander, scored 17 victories. The third-ranking Dolphin ace was Captain Arthur Vigers of No. 87 Squadron, who attained all 14 of his victories while flying the same aircraft .] Another notable ace, Major Albert Desbrisay Carter of No. 19 Squadron, obtained approximately 13 of his 29 confirmed victories in the Dolphin. Captain Henry Biziou scored eight victories in the type. Four Royal Air Force squadrons operated the Dolphin as their primary equipment, while other squadrons used it in small numbers. No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron, a Canadian Air Force unit, formed with Dolphins at RAF Upper Heyford.[23] The unit became operational shortly after the Armistice

Gauntlet

Click the name above to see prints featuring Gauntlet aircraft.

Manufacturer : Gloster

Gauntlet

Full profile not yet available.

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.

Meteor



Click the name above to see prints featuring Meteor aircraft.

Manufacturer : Gloster
Production Began : 1944
Number Built : 3947

Meteor

The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies' first operational jet. Designed by George Carter, and built by the Gloster Aircraft Company, Armstrong-Whitworth, the Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations on 27 July 1944 with 616 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Gloster Meteor was not an aerodynamically advanced aircraft but the Gloster design team succeeded in producing an effective jet fighter that served the RAF and other air forces for decades. Meteors saw action with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the Korean War and other air forces used the Meteor. The Royal Danish Air Force, The Belgian Air Force and Isreali Air Force kept the Meteor in service until the early 1970's. A Total of 3947 meteors were built and two Meteors, WL419 and WA638, remain in service with the Martin-Baker company as ejection seat testbeds.

Swift

Click the name above to see prints featuring Swift aircraft.


Swift

Full profile not yet available.

Thunderbolt



Click the name above to see prints featuring Thunderbolt aircraft.

Production Began : 1943
Number Built : 15683

Thunderbolt

Alexander Kartveli was a engineer with Seversky Aircraft who designed the P-35, which first flew in 1937. With Republic Aviation Kartveli supervised the development of the P-43 Lancer. Neither of these aircraft were produced in large numbers, and neither was quite successful. However, the Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt, also nicknamed the Jug, was quite a different story. The Jug was the jewel in Kartvelis design crown, and went on to become one of the most produced fighter aircraft of all time with 15,683 being manufactured. The P-47 was the largest and heaviest single seat fighter of WW II. The P-47 immediately demonstrated its excellent combat qualities, including speed, rate of climb, maneuverability, heavy fire power, and the ability to take a lot of punishment. With a wingspan of more than 40 feet and a weight of 19,400 pounds, this large aircraft was designed around the powerful 2000 HP Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine. The first P-47 prototype flew in May of 1941, and the primary variant the P-47D went into service in 1943 with units of the U.S. Armys Eighth Air Force. The Jug had a maximum speed in excess of 400 MPH, a service ceiling in excess of 42,000 feet, and was heavily armed with either six or eight heavy caliber machine guns. With its ability to carry up to a 2,500 pound bomb load, the Jug saw lots of use in ground attack roles. Until the introduction of the N model, the P-47 lacked the long range required for fighter escort missions which were most often relegated to P-51 Mustangs or P-38 Lightnings. In his outstanding painting entitled Bridge Busting Jugs, noted aviation artist Stan Stokes depicts Eighth Air Force Jugs in a ground attack mission in the Alps in June of 1944. The top P-47 ace was Francis Gabreski who had flown with the 56th Fighter Group, the first unit to be equipped with the P-47. In August of 1943 Gabreski attained his first aerial combat victory (over an Fw-190) and by years end he had reached ace status with 8 confirmed victories. As Commander of the 61st Squadron, Gabreski continued to chalk up victory after victory, and on seven different occasions he achieved two victories during the same mission. However, in July of 1944 Gabreski damaged the prop on his Jug during a low level attack on an airfield near Coblenz. Forced to make a crash landing, he was captured and remained a prisoner of war until Wars end in 1945. Following the War Gabreski returned to military service with the Air Forces 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea. Flying the F-86 Sabre Jet, Gabreski attained 6.5 more aerial victories in 1951 and 1952 becoming an ace in two different wars




Last edited : 20:56, July 2, 2016
Last editor : HMS
Latest No.79 Sqn RAF Artwork Releases !
 A pair of 79 Sqn Hurricanes attacking a Heinkel 111 on 15th August 1940.  The nearest Hurricane is that of F/Lt Owen Tracey, who eventually destroyed the He.111 that was on its way to bomb Newcastle.

One on the Run by Ivan Berryman. (P)
 The 79 Sqn Hurricane Mk.I P3877 of P/O E J Morris receiving hits from a Dornier 17 on 31st August 1940.  Morris was forced to crash land his aircraft and was slightly wounded following the combat.

Revenge of the Raider by Ivan Berryman. (P)
 P/O J E Marshall baling out of his stricken 79 Sqn Hurricane on 30th August 1940.

A Hasty Exit by Ivan Berryman. (P)
 79 Sqn Hurricane of F/Lt Owen Tracey trying to get airborne again amid explosions from the attacking German Dorniers on 15th August 1940.

Tribute to F/Lt Owen Tracey by Ivan Berryman. (P)

No.79 Sqn RAF Artwork



Tribute to F/Lt Owen Tracey by Ivan Berryman.


A Hasty Exit by Ivan Berryman.


Revenge of the Raider by Ivan Berryman.


One on the Run by Ivan Berryman.

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