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No.10 Sqn RAF

Name : No.10 Sqn RAF Founded : 1st January 1915 Country : UK More Details : Rem acu tangere - To hit the mark Known Code Letters : , ZA, PB,

No.10 Sqn was formed on 1st January 1915 (from elements of No. 1 Reserve Squadron) moving to to St Omer, France in July 1915. The squadron flew BE2C's in August 1915 in the role of spotters for the Indian Corps during the Battle of Loos. During the Battle of Arras in April 1917 the squadron carried out some bombing sorties. After the First World war had ended No.10 squadron served in Germany before returning back the the UK and was disbanded in the winter of 1919. No.10 squadron was reformed in January 1928 as a heavy bomber squadron nad based at Upper Heyford. The squadron was equipped with Hyderabads, and over the following 10 eyars the squadron flew an assortment of bombers, including Hinaidis, Virginias and Heyfords. In January 1937, the Squadron was re equipped with Whitley bombers and moved to Dishforth. For the first few months of the Second World War, No. 10 Squadron carried out leaflet-dropping missions over Germany and in late 1941 was re equipped with the Halifax bomber. In May 1945, the squadron moved form Bomber Command to Transport Command and was re equipped with Dakotas. After the war the squadron was disbanded in 1947 only to be bought back into service for the Belrin Airlift in 1948 again flying the Dakota. Once the emergency was over the squadron again was disbanded. The squadron was again reformed during the 1950's and equipped with Canberras and was involved in operation during the Suez Crisis and during 1958 to 1964 the squadron was again re equipped with Victors based at Cottesmore. In July 1966 No.10 squadron were to be come the first squadron to be equipped with VC10s and since then were involved in air to air refuelling and tanker transport. The squadron was disbanded in October 2005 at Brize Norton, but reformed once again on 1st July 2011 flying Airbus Voyager aircraft. Battle Honours of No 10 Squadron Western Front 1915-1918 Loos, Somme 1916 Arras, Somme 1918 Channel and North Sea 1940-1945 Norway 1940 Ruhr 1940-1945 Fortress Europe 1940-1944 German Ports 1940-1945 Biscay Ports 1940-1945 Berlin 1940-1945 Invasion Ports 1940 France and Germany 1944-1945 Norway 1944 Rhine Gulf 1991 Iraq 2003.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
J. F. Bassett		unknown	unknown	27th March 1941	Whitley
Bok	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	18th March 1941	Whitley	T4202
James Bole	Sgt	unknown	unknown	18th March 1941	Whitley	T4202	During the day of 18th March 1941 this 10 Squadron aircraft was one of a number flown from their regular base of Leeming to Dishforth airfield where the unit began their operational flights from on this date. This aircraft then took off from Dishforth airfield at 20.21hrs to begin an operational flight to bomb Kiel. Outbound the crew encountered thick cloud before crossing the German coast, they located Hamburg and turned north towards Kiel releasing their bomb load from 11,500 feet at 00.01hrs and made for home. At 04.50hrs, while flying roughly over the Leeming area and possibly while awaiting their turn to land, the port engine seized up and then caught fire, the fire could not be put out and the flames spread to the fuselage. The pilot instructed his crew to bale out, they landed safely but before the pilot could make good his escape the aircraft crashed and was destroyed by fire. It was thought that he was overcome by smoke in the cockpit. Sadly the pilot lost his life as a result of the crash at 04.55hrs near to Sutton Penn Farm, north of Masham.
L. P. Brookman	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Whitley	T4220	Killed in Action
George Alexander Chalmers		1938	August 1940		Whitley
A. Coates	Sergeant	unknown	2nd March 1941		Whitley	T4265	Killed in Action
George Frederick Dove		unknown	unknown
A. A. Florigny	Pilot Officer	unknown	2nd March 1941		Whitley	T4265	Killed in Action
R. R. Hanson	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	27th March 1941	Whitley	Z6477
Michael Thomas Gibson Henry Henry		unknown	unknown	12th April 1940	Whitley	K9023	on the night of 12th / 13th April 1940 the crew of Whitley K9023 were tasked with a reconnaissance flight to observe shipping in the coastal regions of Kattegat and Skaggerak, Norway. This aircraft took off from Dishforth at 18.45hrs and bombed a supply ship but on their return the aircraft flew over a 'flak' ship which fired at the Whitley and scored hits. The pilot was able to return safely to Dishforth and land at 03.30hrs without further incident.
A. C. Hoare	Sergeant	unknown	2nd March 1941		Whitley	T4265	Killed in Action
H. A. R. Holford	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown	27th March 1941	Whitley	Z6477
Arthur Stanley Johnson		unknown	unknown	20th February 1940	Whitley
A. J. Jones	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	27th March 1941	Whitley	Z6477
Leslie Arthur Keast		16th September 1939	11th June 1940				Killed in Action
Len MacNamara		unknown	unknown
Francis McQuade		unknown	unknown	01st March 1940
Derek Charles Lovelace Mole	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	18th March 1941	Whitley	T4202
Owen	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	19th March 1941	Whitley	T4202
E. D. Polkinghorne	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Whitley	T4220	Killed in Action
J. E. Rowlett	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Whitley	T4220	Killed in Action
G.C. Sandland	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Whitley	T4220	Killed in Action
H. B. Skyrme	Flight Officer	unknown	17th January 1941		Whitley	T4220	Killed in Action
William McNaughton Spiers	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	18th March 1941	Whitley	T4202
James Henry , Steyn		unknown	unknown
N. Watson	Sergeant	unknown	19th March 1941		Whitley	T4202	Killed in Action
P. H. Woodbridge	Sergeant	unknown	2nd March 1941		Whitley	T4265	Killed in Action
C. J. Woods	Sergeant	unknown	2nd March 1941		Whitley	T4265	Killed in Action

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.10 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
Barnard, Eric Click the name above to see a profile of Barnard, Eric	Barnard, Eric Having trained as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes he joined 10 Sqn with whom he completed 32 Operations including raids over France and Germany.
Bassett, J. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Bassett, J. F.	Bassett, J. F.
Bennett, Donald Click the name above to see a profile of Bennett, Donald    Died : 15 / 9 / 1986	Bennett, Donald Born in Australia, Bennet had joined the RAF before the war. He became widely experienced in flying all types of aircraft including fighters, flying boats and heavy bombers commanding 77 squadron, flying Halifaxes. In 1942, whilst commanding 10 Squadron, he was shot down on one of the attacks on the Tirpitz, but evaded capture and returned to England. Widley regarded as a navigation expert beyond comparison, he was personally selected by Arthur Harris to form the Pathfinder Force and his uncompromising attitude and ceaseless devotion to his men made him a legendary figure in WWII history. He died 15th September 1986.
Bernard, Eric Click the name above to see a profile of Bernard, Eric	Bernard, Eric Completed his training he was posted to Melbourne where he joined 10 Squadron as a Rear Gunner. He completed 32 Operations over north west Europe
Bok, Click the name above to see a profile of Bok,	Bok,
Bole, James Click the name above to see a profile of Bole, James	Bole, James on the night of 14th / 15th March 1941 all five airmen listed above were flying together in Whitley P4956 to destroy oil storage tanks at Rotterdam. The Whitley was struck by flak in the starboard engine and the engine caught fire, this fire was put out when the fuel supply was cut to the engine. A second fire developed in the starboard wing near a fuel tank on the return flight to England, the pilot descended to 500 feet above the sea with the intention of ditching the aircraft before the fuel ignited and blew off the wing. Before the crew ditched the aircraft in the North Sea however, P/O Spiers and Sgt Bole were successful in fighting the fire. One big problem was that flames, fumes and smoke travelled along heating ducts into the cockpit, Spiers and Bole managed to block up the heating ducts with paratchute bags. The fires eventually went out and the aircraft managed to make a belly landing at Bircham Newton airfield at 23.58hrs with no hydraulics. All escaped injury. During the day of 18th March 1941 this 10 Squadron aircraft was one of a number flown from their regular base of Leeming to Dishforth airfield where the unit began their operational flights from on this date. This aircraft then took off from Dishforth airfield at 20.21hrs to begin an operational flight to bomb Kiel. Outbound the crew encountered thick cloud before crossing the German coast, they located Hamburg and turned north towards Kiel releasing their bomb load from 11,500 feet at 00.01hrs and made for home. At 04.50hrs, while flying roughly over the Leeming area and possibly while awaiting their turn to land, the port engine seized up and then caught fire, the fire could not be put out and the flames spread to the fuselage. The pilot instructed his crew to bale out, they landed safely but before the pilot could make good his escape the aircraft crashed and was destroyed by fire. It was thought that he was overcome by smoke in the cockpit. Sadly the pilot lost his life as a result of the crash at 04.55hrs near to Sutton Penn Farm, north of Masham. James Bole was later posted to 429 Squadron and was awarded the DFM for service with them, Gazetted on 10th September 1943.
Brookman, L. P. Click the name above to see a profile of Brookman, L. P.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Brookman, L. P. Sergeant L.P.Brookman of No.10 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Whitley (T4220) was lost after taking off at Leeming.
Chalmers, George Alexander Click the name above to see a profile of Chalmers, George Alexander    Died : 0 / 8 / 2002	Chalmers, George Alexander George Alexander Chalmers was born on February 12 1921 at Peterhead in Scotland. He was educated at Aberdeen Academy before working briefly at a local Crosse & Blackwell factory and joining the RAF as a boy entrant. After boy's service and qualifying as a wireless operator and air-gunner, Chalmer joined the RAF in 1938. Geogre Chalmers was posted to No 10, a two-engine Whitley bomber squadron at Dishforth, Yorkshire, from where he took part in leaflet-dropping operations over Germany after the outbreak of war. On 1st March 1940 He was the air gunner in Whitley K9026 which took off at 17.30hrs, the crew were briefed to carry out a leaflet dropping operation over Berlin. On their return they ran low on fuel and one of the aircraft's engines cut out on approach to land at Dishforth. The aircraft undershot and hit the ground some 400 yards east of the base at 03.10hrs on 2nd March 1940. Damage was sustained to the aircraft's inner fuel tanks, leading edge of the port wing and the starboard undercarriage and undersurfaces were damaged but it was repaired. The records suggest that for this operational flight this aircraft had been borrowed from 78 Squadron by 10 Squadron and flown by a 10 Squadron crew. In August 1940 Chalmers transferred to No 7, the RAF's first four-engine Stirling bomber squadron which was operating from Leeming. There followed a spell with No 35, a four-engine Halifax bomber squadron, with which Chalmers was fortunate to survive an attack on the battle cruiser Scharnhorst at La Rochelle - his captain managed to make base despite being severely wounded and piloting a badly-damaged aircraft. When he joined 617 Squadron he was a Flight Sergeant and served as wireless operator on Lancaster AJ-O during the Dambusters raid which was piloted by Bill Townsend. Awarded the DFM for his part in the attack on the Ennepe Dam he was commissioned a few months later and awarded the DFC after 65 operations. In 1946 Chalmers was granted an extended service commission, and served in No 617 and No 12 Squadrons until 1950, when he was posted to No 38, a Lancaster squadron in the Middle East. He was released as a flight lieutenant in 1954, and served in the Reserve until 1961. Meanwhile, he had joined the civil service at Harrogate, where he worked for the Ministry of Defence dealing with the RAF's technical requirements. In this period his advice was much valued in the sphere of flight refuelling. On his retirement from the MoD in 1984, the company Flight Refuelling hosted a farewell party for him at which he was hailed as an "expert in specialised spares procurement", especially in relation to a refuelling system of outstanding value used by the RAF in the Falklands conflict. Sadly, George Chalmers passed away in August 2002 aged 81.
Coates, A. Click the name above to see a profile of Coates, A.    Died : 2 / 3 / 1941	Coates, A.
Codd, David Click the name above to see a profile of Codd, David	Codd, David Joining the Army in 1938 he initially served with Royal Engineers at Dunkirk before volunteering for aircrew and transferring to the RAF in 1941. He qualified as a navigator and in 1942 joined 10 squadron at Leeming on Halifaxes before moving to 35 squadron with the Pathfinders, again on Halifax bombers. In 1943 his aircraft was shot down near Cologne and he became a POW at Stalagluft 3, having completed 42 operations. He returned to England in May 1945 and left the RAF in 1947.
Donaldson, Peter Click the name above to see a profile of Donaldson, Peter	Donaldson, Peter Flying as an Observer on Whitleys with 10 Sqn he was shot down in late 1940 whilst on an operation over France. He spent the remainder of the War as a PoW, subsequently moving between six different camps including Stalag Luft III. During his time as a PoW he escaped twice
Dove, George Frederick Click the name above to see a profile of Dove, George Frederick	Dove, George Frederick On the night of 14th February, 1943, Pilot Officer Frederick William Gates, Flight Sergeant George Frederick Dove, Sergeant William Ernest Williams, Sergeant James Fortune Bain and Sergeant Leslie Airey were members of the crew of an aircraft captained by Sergeant Ivan Henry Hazard, which was detailed to attack Milan. Whilst over the target area, the aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter from close range. Its gunfire exploded some incendiary bombs which had failed to release and a fire quickly developed in the bomber. The fuselage became a mass of flames reaching through the mid-upper turret manned by Flight Sergeant George Frederick Dove. Ammunition in the turret boxes and ducts commenced to explode in all directions. In the face of an appalling situation, Flight Sergeant George Frederick Dove coolly remained at his post. Although he was burned about the hands and face, he manned his guns with grim resolution, skill and accuracy. He delivered a devastating burst at the attacker, which had already been engaged and hit by the rear gunner and succeeded in destroying it. Disregarding the roaring flames, he then descended from his turret and went to the assistance of Sergeant Leslie Airey, the rear gunner, who had been wounded, and extricated him from the rear turret. The situation had become extremely critical and Sergeant Ivan Henry Hazard ordered the crew to prepare to abandon aircraft. When informed that one of his comrades was helpless he decided, in spite of the grave risk entailed, to attempt a forced landing. Meanwhile, Pilot Officer Frederick William Gates, assisted by Sergeant William Ernest Williams and Sergeant James Fortune Bain bravely tackled the fire with extinguishers and succeeded in getting it under control. The aircraft was now down to 800 feet but, as the fire had subsided. Sergeant Ivan Henry Hazard quickly decided to attempt to fly the badly damaged bomber home. He regained height and displaying fine airmanship crossed the Alps in safety, although one engine failed whilst so doing. On the remainder of the journey Pilot Officer Frederick William Gates rendered valuable assistance to his captain and frequently ministered to his wounded comrade, although this necessitated clambering over a hole in the floor of the aircraft in darkness. Aided by the skilful navigation of Sergeant William Ernest Williams and good work by Sergeant James Fortune Bain, the flight engineer, Sergeant Ivan Henry Hazard succeeded in flying the seriously damaged aircraft back to this country. In circumstances of the greatest danger, this aircraft crew displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with with the highest traditions of the Royal Air Force. He had previously been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during his time with No.10 Sqn.
Florigny, A. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Florigny, A. A.    Died : 2 / 3 / 1941	Florigny, A. A.
Gough, Harry Click the name above to see a profile of Gough, Harry	Gough, Harry Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as 'Shiny 10' at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.
Gurney, Derek Click the name above to see a profile of Gurney, Derek	Gurney, Derek Joined the RAF and completed his training in late 1944, when he was posted to 10 Squadron. He completed 9 Operations.
Hanson, R. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Hanson, R. R.	Hanson, R. R.
Henry, Michael Thomas Gibson Henry Click the name above to see a profile of Henry, Michael Thomas Gibson Henry    Died : 13 / 1 / 1941	Henry, Michael Thomas Gibson Henry F/O Henry was actually a pilot and was to be involved in a number of minor incidents and battle damage incidents. He was born in Birkenhead, Cheshire in 1912 and attended Sedbergh School, Yorkshire from 1926 to 1930. He was granted a permanent commission into the RAF as Acting P/O on Probation on 20th July 1937 and gained his RAF Wings in October 1937. He was made F/O on 10th December 1939 and then a F/Lt on 10th December 1940. His DFC was Gazetted on 30th July 1940 but no Citation for this award has been found as yet but was almost certainly for service in completing a Tour with 10 Squadron. F/Lt Henry was sadly killed in the crash of 35 Squadron Halifax L9487 on 13th January 1941 near Baldersby St.James, Yorkshire. He is buried in Roecliffe Churchyard near Boroughbridge
Hoare, A. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Hoare, A. C.    Died : 2 / 3 / 1941	Hoare, A. C.
Holford, H. A. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Holford, H. A. R.	Holford, H. A. R.
Holiday, Matt Click the name above to see a profile of Holiday, Matt	Holiday, Matt Matt joined the RAF in March 1939 and was originally posted to 10 Squadron and later to 77 Squadron. He completed 52 operations as a Mid Upper Gunner on Halifaxes. On a raid to Dusseldorf they were attacked by fighters and broke away from the bomber stream, but after evasive action they followed on later and bombed Dusseldorf on their own, resulting in the whole crew receiving instant awards.
Johnson, Arthur Stanley Click the name above to see a profile of Johnson, Arthur Stanley	Johnson, Arthur Stanley On 1st March 1940 Whitley K9026 took off at 17.30hrs, Sgt Johnson and his were briefed to carry out a leaflet dropping operation over Berlin. On their return they ran low on fuel and one of the aircraft's engines cut out on approach to land at Dishforth. The aircraft undershot and hit the ground some 400 yards east of the base at 03.10hrs on 2nd March 1940. Damage was sustained to the aircraft's inner fuel tanks, leading edge of the port wing and the starboard undercarriage and undersurfaces were damaged but it was repaired. The records suggest that for this operational flight this aircraft had been borrowed from 78 Squadron by 10 Squadron and flown by a 10 Squadron crew. Sgt Johnson was awarded the DFM on 20th February 1940 though the citation has yet to be located (if indeed there was one). His name may became familiar to these pages. He was awarded the Bar to the DFM soon after, Gazetted on 30th July 1940 and was screened from Operation flying soon after that. He was clearly a very able pilot. He received his commission on 17th September 1940 (with seniority of 30th August 1940); service number being 44606 thereafter and rose through the ranks. In 1944 he was awarded the DSO for service with 83 Squadron as Acting W/Co,
Jones, A. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, A. J.	Jones, A. J.
Keast , Leslie Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Keast , Leslie Arthur    Died : 11 / 6 / 1940	Keast , Leslie Arthur Leslie Keast trained at 2 FTS at Brize Norton, he passed out with distinction in June 1938. During the early months of WW2 he was the regular second pilot of F/Sgt Harcourt-Powell at 10 Squadron. On 16th September 1939 he was piloting The Whitley K9030 when it made a belly landed in error at it's Dishforth base after the he forgot to lower the undercarriage on return from a local circuit training flight. Little more is currently known other than the damage was not serious as it was repaired and the aircraft flew again.He was the pilot of Whitley K9022 that was damaged at Dishforth on 3rd March 1940. He was killed on 11th June 1940 flying Whitley P4954 which crashed in France and was twenty five years old. He is buried in Abbeville Cemetery, France.
MacNamara, Len Click the name above to see a profile of MacNamara, Len	MacNamara, Len A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.
Manning, Reg Click the name above to see a profile of Manning, Reg	Manning, Reg Flight Engineer, 10, 51 and 76 Squadrons.
Mannion, Frank Click the name above to see a profile of Mannion, Frank	Mannion, Frank Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.
McQuade, Francis Click the name above to see a profile of McQuade, Francis	McQuade, Francis Francis McQuade was a Wireless Operator with 10 squadron and On 1st March 1940 he was part of the crew of the Whitley K9026 which took off at 17.30hrs, the crew were briefed to carry out a leaflet dropping operation over Berlin. On their return they ran low on fuel and one of the aircraft's engines cut out on approach to land at Dishforth. The aircraft undershot and hit the ground some 400 yards east of the base at 03.10hrs on 2nd March 1940. Damage was sustained to the aircraft's inner fuel tanks, leading edge of the port wing and the starboard undercarriage and undersur faces were damaged but it was repaired. The records suggest that for this operational flight this aircraft had been borrowed from 78 Squadron by 10 Squadron and flown by a 10 Squadron crew. later received his commission on 31st July 1942 (49654) to the rank of P/O on probation (emergency), he transferred to the Admin and Special Duties Branch on 8th July 1943 and was promoted to F/O on probation (war subs) on the same date. He survived the War but remained in the RAF before finally relinquishing his commission on 22nd October 1957, retaining the rank of F/O.
Mole, Derek Charles Lovelace Click the name above to see a profile of Mole, Derek Charles Lovelace    Died : 0 / 10 / 1976	Mole, Derek Charles Lovelace Derek Mole received his commission to the rank of P/O (emergency) on 24th November 1941 (112539), he rose to F/O on probation on 1st October 1942 and F/Lt on 24th November 1943. He wa son board a Whitley on the night of 14th / 15th March 1941 all five airmen listed above were flying together in Whitley P4956 to destroy oil storage tanks at Rotterdam. The Whitley was struck by flak in the starboard engine and the engine caught fire, this fire was put out when the fuel supply was cut to the engine. A second fire developed in the starboard wing near a fuel tank on the return flight to England, the pilot descended to 500 feet above the sea with the intention of ditching the aircraft before the fuel ignited and blew off the wing. Before the crew ditched the aircraft in the North Sea however, P/O Spiers and Sgt Bole were successful in fighting the fire. One big problem was that flames, fumes and smoke travelled along heating ducts into the cockpit, Spiers and Bole managed to block up the heating ducts with paratchute bags. The fires eventually went out and the aircraft managed to make a belly landing at Bircham Newton airfield at 23.58hrs with no hydraulics. All escaped injury. He was the Observer on a Whitley on the 18th March 1941 this 10 Squadron aircraft was one of a number flown from their regular base of Leeming to Dishforth airfield where the unit began their operational flights from on this date. This aircraft then took off from Dishforth airfield at 20.21hrs to begin an operational flight to bomb Kiel. Outbound the crew encountered thick cloud before crossing the German coast, they located Hamburg and turned north towards Kiel releasing their bomb load from 11,500 feet at 00.01hrs and made for home. At 04.50hrs, while flying roughly over the Leeming area and possibly while awaiting their turn to land, the port engine seized up and then caught fire, the fire could not be put out and the flames spread to the fuselage. The pilot instructed his crew to bale out, they landed safely but before the pilot could make good his escape the aircraft crashed and was destroyed by fire. It was thought that he was overcome by smoke in the cockpit. Sadly the pilot lost his life as a result of the crash at 04.55hrs near to Sutton Penn Farm, north of Masham.
OBrien, Ken Click the name above to see a profile of OBrien, Ken	OBrien, Ken Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.
Owen, Click the name above to see a profile of Owen,	Owen,
Polkinghorne, E. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Polkinghorne, E. D.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Polkinghorne, E. D. Sergeant E.D.Polkinghorne of No.10 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Whitley (T4220) was lost after taking off at Leeming.
Reeve, John Click the name above to see a profile of Reeve, John	Reeve, John Commanded the lead aircraft of Operation Black Buck 1, but was forced to return to base before reaching his objective when his aircraft suffered a pressurisation failure. Several days later he flew a near identical mission as Operation Black Buck 2 successfully targeted an Argentine airstrip at Port Stanley. He served with 9, 10 and 50 Squadrons.
Rowlett, J. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Rowlett, J. E.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Rowlett, J. E. Sergeant J.E.Rowlett of No.10 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Whitley (T4220) was lost after taking off at Leeming.
Sandland, G.C. Click the name above to see a profile of Sandland, G.C.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Sandland, G.C. Sergeant G.C.Sandland of No.10 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Whitley (T4220) was lost after taking off at Leeming.
Sawyer, Tom Click the name above to see a profile of Sawyer, Tom	Sawyer, Tom Flew Whitleys with 10 Sqn from Leeming and then Halifaxes with 102 Sqn from Driffield - he completed 35 Operations, and then moved on to training aircrew on Stirlings towing gliders.
Sayer, Tom Click the name above to see a profile of Sayer, Tom	Sayer, Tom Tom was originally part of the RAFVR and was first posted to 10 Squadron as a pilot on Whitleys. He then transferred to fly Halifaxes with 102 Squadron at RAF Driffield and flew operationally from May to October 1943. He completed 35 operations in total. After a rest period he went to train new aircrew flying Stirlings who were involved in the towing of gliders for airborne operations during 1944 - 45.
Skyrme, H. B. Click the name above to see a profile of Skyrme, H. B.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Skyrme, H. B. Flight Officer H.B.Skyrme of No.10 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Whitley (T4220) was lost after taking off at Leeming.
Spiers, William McNaughton Click the name above to see a profile of Spiers, William McNaughton    Died : 26 / 7 / 1941	Spiers, William McNaughton William Spiers received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 16th November 1940 (with seniority of 7th November 1940). P/O Spiers was killed on 26th July 1941 and was still serving with 10 Squadron at the time, he was flying in Whitley T4231 which crashed in Belgium. He was twenty four years old and is buried in Koersel Communal Cemetery. He was Mentioned in Despatches after his death on 24th September 1941. Sadly his younger brother was killed on 21st February 1941, P/O John Reynolds Spiers was on board Anson R3331 which crashed in Wales.
Steyn, James Henry , Click the name above to see a profile of Steyn, James Henry ,    Died : 13 / 4 / 1941	Steyn, James Henry , completing 44 operations with 10 Squadron. Killed while flying Anson N9857 from 19 OTU He took off at 1018 hrs and set course for Inverness. At Oban they sent a radio message saying that they had descended to 500 feet in order to remain below the cloud base. Later they radioed their position at Kylerehea. By now they had run into bad weather, and by the time they arrived overhead at Stornoway airfield the visibility was bad and Stornoway airfield had closed its runways due to the depth of snow on them. At 1302 hrs, N9857 sent a message confirming their turning point at Cape Wrath. They indicated that they were attempting to climb over the bad weather. Approximately 10 minutes later, the Wireless Operator at RAF Stornoway picked up a very faint Morse message. "icing up...........lost power in port engine...........losing height........descending through 3,000 feet ......." and then nothing more after that. The aircraft crash landed on the plateau of the mountain Beinn an Fhurain approximately 3 miles east of Inchnadamph in Sutherland, Scotland at around 2,300 feet. On landing the starboard wing hit a rocky knoll and shattered which sent the aircraft cartwheeling. The fuel in the wing ignigted and burnt out most of the wing and part of the foreward fuselage.
Tait, J B Click the name above to see a profile of Tait, J B    Died : 31 / 5 / 2007	Tait, J B One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Willie Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007. Citation for the second bar to the Distinguished Service Order, gazetted 22nd September 1944. Since he was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order this officer has completed many sorties against targets in enemy-occupied territory and Germany. On several occasions Wing Commander Tait has remained in the immediate vicinity of the target area, often in the face of heavy opposition, for a considerable time. His excellent leadership, gallantry and untiring devotion to duty have contributed materially to the successes achieved by the squadron he commands. London Gazette, 1944. Citation for the third bar to the Distinguished Servide Order, gazetted 9th January 1945. This officer has displayed conspicuous bravery and extreme devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, constantly exemplified over a long period of operational flying. He has completed a very large number of sorties, many of them against most dangerous and difficult targets and the successes obtained are a magnificent tribute to his brilliant leadership and unsurpassed skill. On 3 occasions, Wing Commander Tait has led attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz. The last occasion was on 12th November, 1944. The vessel was lying at Tromso. Visibility was good as Wing Commander Tait led his squadron in to the attack. In spite of continuous fire from 3 ships and from land batteries, the attack was pressed home. The first bomb, dropped by Wing Commander Tait, hit the Tirpitz. Another hit was obtained almost immediately and another 12,000 lb bomb fell close alongsdie. The battleship caught fire and smoke poured from her. Finally, she capsized. By his outstanding skill and leadership, Wing Commander Tait played a prominent part in the success of the operation. This officer has completed 98 sorties and throughout has set an example of a high order. London Gazette, 1945.
Taylor, P Click the name above to see a profile of Taylor, P	Taylor, P Joined the RAF as an Aircraft Apprentice at Halton in 1938, aged 16. In 1940 he became airframe fitter on the Maintenance Unit and volunteered for aircrew in 1941. He was recommended for training as a Navigator, completed his ground training in the UK and his flying training in Port Albert, Canada. On completion, he was Commissioned and returned to the UK in January 1943, where he commenced familiarisation training in Tiger Moths (15 EFTS) and Ansons. In August 1943, along with a pilot, wireless operator and bomb aimer, he commenced training on Whitleys. From December 1943 to January 1944, he underwent training for conversion to Halifaxes and was posted to 10 Sqdn. After one operation he was transferred to 158 Sqdn (Lissett). On his tenth op. (18th April 1944) his aircraft was returning from a bombing raid on the marshalling yards at Tergunier (northern France) when they were attacked by a German night-fighter. The port wing of the aircraft was on fire, they went into a steep dive and the pilot shouted “Bale Out�. Fortunately for him, the navigator position in the Halifax was next to the forward escape hatch and both he and the Flight Engineer were the only ones able to bale out, the other five crew members were all killed on impact. The Flight Engineer was captured the next day but Flt/Lt Taylor avoided capture and was sheltered by the Resistance in various safe houses until 28th July. By this time in the war French collaborators had infiltrated the Resistance Movement and were turning evading Allied airmen over to the Germans. Flt/Lt Taylor was betrayed and turned over to the Germans on 28th July. He was imprisoned in Paris with approximately 140 other Allied airmen captured in similar circumstances. When Allied forces closed in on Paris, all prisoners mainly French civilians were packed into cattle trucks and evacuated to Germany, destination unknown, which turned out to be Buchenwald concentration camp. Along with other airmen, he was subsequently transferred to Stalag Luft 3 on 21st October where he remained as POW until the Russian advanced forced evacuation of all POWs and a long trek, finishing near Hamburg just as Germany surrendered.
Watson, N. Click the name above to see a profile of Watson, N.    Died : 19 / 3 / 1941	Watson, N.
Williamson, Frank Click the name above to see a profile of Williamson, Frank	Williamson, Frank Was at 10 Sqn and 102 Sqn at the same time as Tom Sawyer, he flew Whiltleys and Halifaxes and he completed 26 Operations.
Woodbridge, P. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Woodbridge, P. H.    Died : 2 / 3 / 1941	Woodbridge, P. H.
Woods, C. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Woods, C. J.    Died : 2 / 3 / 1941	Woods, C. J.

Aircraft for : No.10 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.10 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
BE2C Click the name above to see prints featuring BE2C aircraft. Production Began : 0 Retired : 0 Number Built : 0	BE2C The early models of the B.E. 2 had already served in the RFC for two years prior to the outbreak of war, and were among the aircraft that arrived with the British Expeditionary Force in 1914. Like all service aircraft of this period, they had been designed at a time when the qualities required by a warplane were largely a matter for conjecture, in the absence of any actual experience of the use of aircraft in warfare. The type that replaced the B.E.2a and B.E.2b in the reconnaissance squadrons of the RFC in 1915 was the B.E.2c, which had also been designed before the war. The most important difference in the new model was an improvement in stability – a genuinely useful characteristic, especially in aerial photographic work, using the primitive plate cameras of the time, with their relatively long exposures. A suitable engine was not available in sufficient quantities to replace the air-cooled Renault – the RAF 1a being essentially an uprated version of the French engine – When bombs were to be carried or maximum endurance was required the observer had to be left behind, so it was still necessary to have him sit over the centre of gravity, in front of the pilot. In this awkward position his view was poor, and the degree to which he could handle a camera (or, later, a gun) was hampered by the struts and wires supporting the centre section of the top wing. In practice the pilot of a B.E.2c handled the camera, and the observer, when he was armed at all, had a rather poor field of fire to the rear, having, at best, to shoot back over his pilot's head. The vulnerability of the B.E.2c to fighter attack became plain in late 1915, with the advent of the Fokker Eindecker. British ace Albert Ball summed it up as "a bloody awful aeroplane". Unable to cope with such a primitive fighter as the Fokker E.I, it was virtually helpless against the newer German fighters of 1916-17. The aircraft's poor performance against the Fokker, and the failure to improve the aircraft or replace it caused great controversy in England, with Noel Pemberton Billing attacking the B.E.2c and the Royal Aircraft Factory in the House of Commons on 21 March 1916, saying that RFC pilots in France were being "rather murdered than killed" This prompted the setting up of two enquiries; one into the management of the Royal Aircraft Factory, and another into the high command of the Royal Flying Corps, the latter headed by a judge. These reports largely cleared both Factory management and the RFC commanders responsible for ordering the B.E.2, but the supervisor of the Factory, Mervyn O'Gorman, was effectively dismissed by a "sideways promotion",
Canberra Click the name above to see prints featuring Canberra aircraft. Manufacturer : English Electric Production Began : 1951	Canberra The English Electric Canberra first flew on Friday 13 May 1949 when its performance created a sensation. Such was the quality of the original design that in May 1951, when the first B2 Canberras entered service with No 101 Squadron at RAF Binbrook they could out manoeuvre all the fighters of the period and fly with impunity more than 10,000 feet above them. Operated by 17 airforces in more than 20 different variants, Canberras have been to war at Suez and in India, in Vietnam and the Falklands campaign, and in 1996 Canberra PR9s were engaged in operational reconnaissance flights over Bosnia and in other regions. It is widely and justifiably regarded as one of the greatest aircraft designs of all time.
Dakota Click the name above to see prints featuring Dakota aircraft. Manufacturer : Douglas Production Began : 1941 Retired : 1970	Dakota DOUGLAS DAKOTA, Transport aircraft with three crew and can carry 28 passengers. speed 230-mph, and a altitude of 23,200 feet. maximum range 2,100 miles. The Douglas Dakota served in all theatres of world war two, The Royal Air Force received its first Douglas Dakota's in April 1941, to 31 squadron which was serving in India. These were DC2, later DC3 and eventually C-47 Dakotas were supplied. The Douglas Dakota was developed from the civil airliner of the 1930's. The Royal Air Force received nearly 2,000 Dakotas, But many more than this served in the US Air Force and other allied countries. The last flight of a Douglas Dakota of the Royal Air Force was in 1970. You can still see Douglas Dakota's in operational and transport use across the world.
Halifax Click the name above to see prints featuring Halifax aircraft. Manufacturer : Handley Page Production Began : 1941 Retired : 1952 Number Built : 6177	Halifax Royal Air Force heavy Bomber with a crew of six to eight. Maximum speed of 280mph (with MK.VI top speed of 312mph) service ceiling of 22,800feet maximum range of 3,000 miles. The Halifax carried four .303 browning machine guns in the tail turret, two .303 browning machines in the nose turret in the MK III there were four .303 brownings in the dorsal turret. The Handley Page Halifax, first joined the Royal Air Force in March 1941 with 35 squadron. The Halifax saw service in Europe and the Middle east with a variety of variants for use with Coastal Command, in anti Submarine warfare, special duties, glider-tugs, and troop transportation roles. A total of 6177 Halifax's were built and stayed in service with the Royal Air Force until 1952
Heyford Click the name above to see prints featuring Heyford aircraft. Manufacturer : Handley Page	Heyford Full profile not yet available.
Hinaidi Click the name above to see prints featuring Hinaidi aircraft. Manufacturer : Handley Page	Hinaidi Full profile not yet available.
Hyderabad Click the name above to see prints featuring Hyderabad aircraft.	Hyderabad Full profile not yet available.
VC10 Click the name above to see prints featuring VC10 aircraft.	VC10 Full profile not yet available.
Victor Click the name above to see prints featuring Victor aircraft. Manufacturer : Handley Page	Victor The Handley Page Victor was a British jet bomber aircraft produced by the Handley Page Aircraft Company. It was the third and final of the V bombers which provided Britain's nuclear deterrent. The other two V-bombers were the Avro Vulcan and the Vickers Valiant. The Victor was the last of the V-bombers to enter service and the last to retire, nine years after the last Vulcan (The Handley Page Victor saw service in the Falklands War and 1991 Gulf War as an in-flight refuelling tanker. The only Offensive mission that the Victors was during the Bornio Conflict in 1962 to 1966 where two B.1A Victors flew missions.
Virginia Click the name above to see prints featuring Virginia aircraft. Manufacturer : Vickers	Virginia Full profile not yet available.
Whitley Click the name above to see prints featuring Whitley aircraft. Manufacturer : Armstrong Whitworth Production Began : 1937 Retired : 1942 Number Built : 1814	Whitley The Whitley first entered service with No. 10 Squadron in March 1937, replacing Handley Page Heyford biplanes. By the outbreak of the Second World War, seven squadrons were operational, the majority flying Whitley IIIs or IVs, as the Whitley V had only just been introduced. ] With the Handley Page Hampden and the Vickers Wellington, Whitleys bore the brunt of the early fighting and saw action on the first night of the war, when they dropped propaganda leaflets over Germany.[8] Among the many aircrew who flew the Whitley in operations over Germany, was Leonard Cheshire who spent most of his first three years at war flying them. Unlike the Hampden and Wellington—which met specification B.9/32 for a day bomber—the Whitley was always intended for night operations and escaped the early heavy losses received in daylight raids on German shipping, early in the war. With Hampdens, the Whitley made the first bombing raid on German soil on the night of 19/20 March 1940, attacking the Hornum seaplane base on the Island of Sylt. Whitleys also carried out Operation Haddock the first RAF raid on Italy, on the night of 11/12 June 1940. As the oldest of the three bombers, the Whitley was obsolete by the start of the war, yet over 1,000 more were produced before a suitable replacement was found. A particular problem with the twin-engine aircraft, was that it could not maintain altitude on one engine. Whitleys flew 8,996 operations with RAF Bomber Command, dropped 9,845 tons (8,931 tonnes) of bombs and 269 aircraft were lost in action. From April 1942, the Whitley was retired as first-line bomber. It continued to serve as glider tug, paratroop trainer, transport, or radio countermeasures aircraft. It also played an important role in Coastal Command . No. 100 Group RAF used Whitleys to carry airborne radar and electronic counter-measures. In February 1942, Whitleys carried the paratroops who participated in the Bruneval raid (Operation Biting) in which German radar technology was captured from a German base on the coast of France. The British Overseas Airways Corporation operated 15 Whitley Mk Vs converted into freighters in 1942. Running night supply flights from Gibraltar to Malta, they took seven hours to reach the island, often landing during air attacks. They used large quantities of fuel for a small payload and were replaced in August 1942 by the Lockheed Hudson, with the 14 survivors being returned to the Royal Air Force. Long-range Coastal Command Mk VII variants, were among the last in front-line service, with the first kill attributed to them being the sinking of the German submarine U-751, on 17 July 1942, in combination with a Lancaster heavy bomber.