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No.25 Sqn RAF

Name : No.25 Sqn RAF Founded : 25th September 1915 Disbanded : 31st January 1920 Re - founded : 1st February 1920 Re - disbanded : 4th April 2008 Country : UK More Details : Feriens Tego - Striking I defend Known Code Letters : , ZK, RX,

No. 25 Squadron was formed at Montrose in Scotland on 25 September 1915 from the personnel of No. 6 Reserve Squadron. Moving to France in February 1916, the Squadron took up fighter/reconnaissance patrols over the Western Front with two-seat FE2Bs. During 1917, the Squadron transferred to long-range reconnaissance and high-altitude bombing with newly received DH4s. After moving to Germany as part of the occupation forces, No. 25 Squadron returned to the UK and disbanded in January 1920. The squadron reformed the next day at RAF Hawkinge, flying Snipes, and went to Turkey in 1922/23 during the Chanak Crisis. After returning to the UK the unit stayed for a number of years at Hawkinge. The Snipes gave way to Grebes and later Siskins, while in December 1936 the squadron became the first unit to receive the Hawker Fury Mk II, having already flown the Fury Mk I since 1932. The Fury was replaced by the Hawker Demon when the squadron was given a night-fighter role. For night-flying training purposes the squadron also received Gloster Gladiators. No. 25(F) Squadron moved to RAF Northolt on 12 September 1938. During World War II it flew Blenheims on night patrols, which were replaced by Beaufighters and later Mosquitos. By the closing stages of the war, the squadron was almost entirely committed to bomber escort missions. After the war, the night-fighter Mosquitos remained on strength until 1951 when they were finally replaced by Vampires. A mix of two Meteor night-fighter variants replaced the Vampires in 1954 and remained with the Squadron until it was disbanded in June 1958. Barely a week later, on 1 July 1958, No. 153 Squadron at Waterbeach was renumbered No. 25 and the same mix of Meteors (NF12s and NF14s) was flown until all-weather Javelin fighters arrived in early 1959. In November 1962, the Squadron again disbanded, this time until October 1963, when the Squadron was reformed at North Coates as the first operational Bloodhound surface-to-air guided missile unit. In 1970, the Squadron moved to Bruggen with detached Flights based at Laarbruch and Wildenrath, remaining in Germany until 1983 when the unit returned to the UK with bases at Wyton, Barkston Heath and Wattisham. The Bloodhounds were withdrawn from service on 1 August 1989 and the Squadron reformed the same day at Leeming as a Tornado F3 squadron. During its time at Leeming, the squadron has had operational tours in the Gulf, providing air and groundcrews for the detachment of Tornado F3 based in Saudi Arabia on a rotational basis with other air defence squadrons. This ceased following the Operation Telic in 2003.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
Richard Cummings. Haine	PO	unknown	unknown	10th May 1940	Blenheim		On 10 May he flew one of the six Blenheims, which attacked Rotterdam airfield in daylight with only one returned to base. Haine claimed a Bf109 destroyed and two Ju52s damaged by his rear gunner before they were shot down and made a forced-landing in Holland.
William James [Marmaduke] Alington	Wing Commander	1943	unknown		Beaufighter
R. J. Candy		unknown	unknown
W. Cowen		unknown	unknown
F. W. Curtis		unknown	unknown
A. T. Gooderham		unknown	unknown
D. W. Hogg	Pilot Officer	unknown	3rd September 1940		Blenheim	L1512	Killed in Action
Felton Vesey Holt	Major	25th September 1915	unknown				Officer Commanding, No 25 Sqn RFC. (FE2b – Western Front)
Frank J. Howell	Pilot Officer	3rd December 1937	25th March 1938		Demon
William Hoy		unknown	unknown	09th July 1944	Mosquito
R. G. Ker-Ramsay		unknown	unknown
Kenneth R Lusty		May 1940	unknown
J. B. McCormack		unknown	unknown
Owen Herbert Mcnair		unknown	8th August 1930		Siskin	J9325	8th August 1930 Sgt Owen Herbert McNair was killed while flying this Siskin IIIA J9325, of 25 Sqn,baed at Hawkinge the Siskin Crashed while in a slow turn, near Falmer, Sussex He was 22 Killed in Action
C. D. S. Smith		unknown	unknown

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.25 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
Alington, William James [Marmaduke] Click the name above to see a profile of Alington, William James [Marmaduke]    Died : 4 / 1 / 1969	Alington, William James [Marmaduke] Officer, Merchant Navy. Gained aviator's licence (No. 10571), taken on 24.06.1932 on a D.H. 60X Cirrus II 30/80 h.p. at Hampshire Aeroplane Club. Joined the staff of Aberdeen Airways as a pilot, 1935. 04.04.1936 commissioned, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) William Alington was born on 26th March 1926 in Hythe, Kent and was the son of Lt.Col. A C M Alington. His brothers Paym Lt.Cdr Rupert Hildebrand Alington and W/Co Patrick Hamilton Alington RAF also served in WW2 with distinction. He was flying as far back as 1932 as a civilian pilot and gained his aviator's licence (No.10571) in June 1932 at the Hampshire Aeroplane Club. He later joined the staff of Aberdeen Airways and Alan Clark's Peak District aircraft crash research reveals that he was the pilot of Moth G-EBWA which crashed on Burbage Edge near Buxton on 11th October 1934. On 28th April 1936 he was granted a commission as P/O on probation in the Reserve. In the years before the War he rose in rank and on 13th November 1940 in the RAF, Reserve of Air Force Officers, he was made F/Lt. He was awarded the AFC, Gazetted on 30th September 1941, this was gained for service with 2 CFS. Hugh Halliday's research discovered a recommendation for his award which states.."This officer has completed 2,700 hours of instructional flying of which 595 hours have been flown since December 1939. His great enthusiasm for the work is reflected in the high standard attained by his pupils." Later, on 16th December 1941, he rose to S/Ldr. On 2nd February 1943 he was awarded the DFC for service and commanding 25 Squadron, the citation reads.."This officer has completed a large number of sorties and has destroyed two enemy aircraft at night. He is an extremely able flight commander, whose efforts to achieve success in night fighting have been most praiseworthy." He was also awarded the Bar to the DFC, Gazetted on 23rd July 1943 for service with 264 Squadron. This citation reads.."This officer has displayed exceptional keenness and determination to inflict loss on the enemy. On one sortie, he damaged seven locomotives. More recently, in June 1943, he led a formation of light bombers on an operation which resulted in the destruction of four enemy aircraft on the ground, while much damage was caused to a hangar. In addition, a minesweeper was attacked and damaged. By his fearless and skilful leadership, Wing Commander Alington played a large part in the success of the sortie." Post-War he stayed with the RAF Reserve of Officers and relinquished his commission of S/Ldr but retaining his rank of W/C with effect from 10th February 1954. On 18th May 1941 He was the pilot of Master T8550 which was flying at night and had just taken off from Church Fenton when the aircraft's engine cut out, the aircraft struck a tree at 23.30hrs near Ulleskelf and crashed seriously injuring both the airmen on board. Pilot - F/Lt William James "Marmaduke" Alington . Injured. Passenger - Sgt D W Poole (926724). Injured. (05.1941) 54 Operational Training Unit RAF (09.1941) No. 2 Central Flying School RAF (AFC) (1943) 25 Squadron RAF (DFC) 24.06.1943 -24.04.1944 264 Squadron RAF (Bar to DFC) P/O 04.04.1936 P/O 04.10.1936 F/O 04.10.1937 F/Lt. 03.09.1940 (T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941 (WS) Sq.Ldr. 24.06.1943 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of W/Cdr.) (A) W/Cdr. (1943)
Ambrose, R. Click the name above to see a profile of Ambrose, R.    Died : 4 / 9 / 1940	Ambrose, R. Killed September 4th 1940
Baddeley, D. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Baddeley, D. H.    Died : 26 / 6 / 1942	Baddeley, D. H. Killed June 26th 1942
Barrett, W. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Barrett, W. E.	Barrett, W. E.
Bennison, A. Click the name above to see a profile of Bennison, A.	Bennison, A.
Bent, B. Click the name above to see a profile of Bent, B.	Bent, B.
Bent, Benjamin Click the name above to see a profile of Bent, Benjamin	Bent, Benjamin Having joined the RAF in 1937, he flew with 25 Sqn as a Radar /Wireless Operator on Blenheims on night fighter duties throughout the Battle of Britain, assisting in five successful interceptions on his first tour. After a spell as an instructor, he reclassified a Navigator rejoining 25 Sqn on Beaufighters and then Mosquitoes, assisting in a total of eight victories including the first enemy aircraft shot down on D-Day.
Berwick, R. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Berwick, R. C.    Died : 19 / 6 / 1941	Berwick, R. C. Killed June 19th 1941
Bignall, J. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Bignall, J. E.    Died : 4 / 9 / 1941	Bignall, J. E. Killed September 4th 1941
Blenkharn, F. Click the name above to see a profile of Blenkharn, F.	Blenkharn, F.
Broom, P. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Broom, P. W.	Broom, P. W.
Brown, A. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Brown, A. W.	Brown, A. W.
Bull, C. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Bull, C. H.    Died : 8 / 8 / 1940	Bull, C. H. Killed August 8th 1940
Candy, R. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Candy, R. J.	Candy, R. J.
Cassidy, E. Click the name above to see a profile of Cassidy, E.	Cassidy, E.
Charnock, G. Click the name above to see a profile of Charnock, G.    Died : 5 / 6 / 1941	Charnock, G. Believed Killed June 5th 1941
Compton, J. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Compton, J. W.	Compton, J. W.
Cory, N.H. Click the name above to see a profile of Cory, N.H.	Cory, N.H.
Cottam, G. Click the name above to see a profile of Cottam, G.	Cottam, G.
Cowen, W. Click the name above to see a profile of Cowen, W.	Cowen, W.
Cross, Kenneth Click the name above to see a profile of Cross, Kenneth    Died : 18 / 6 / 2003	Cross, Kenneth Born October 4th 1911, Kenneth Cross was commissioned in to the RAF in 1930, joining 25 Sqn in 1931. Kenneth Cross survived the sinking of the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious in June 1940, when his No.46 Sqn Hurricane was onboard. Sqn Ldr Kenneth Cross was one of only two pilots to survive the sinking of HMS Glorious. Squadron Leader Cross and Flight Lieutenant Jameson from 46 squadron managed to get aboard a Carley float with 61 seamen, but 25 of the latter died of exposure and exhaustion before the 38 survivors, the two RAF men amongst them, were finally picked up by a passing fishing vessel. He spent much of the war commading Hurricanes in Africa, involved in the Crusader offensive in 1941, returning home in early 1944, and working at the Air Ministry until 1945. He died on the 18th of June 2003.
Crossman, R. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Crossman, R. G.    Died : 8 / 7 / 1941	Crossman, R. G. Killed July 8th 1941
Culmer, J. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Culmer, J. D.	Culmer, J. D.
Curtis, F. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Curtis, F. W.    Died : 14 / 8 / 1917	Curtis, F. W.
Ditzel, J. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Ditzel, J. W.	Ditzel, J. W.
Draby, T. Click the name above to see a profile of Draby, T.	Draby, T.
Early, J. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Early, J. G.	Early, J. G.
Emmett, W. A. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Emmett, W. A. C.	Emmett, W. A. C.
Fildes, F. Click the name above to see a profile of Fildes, F.	Fildes, F.
Friend, J. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Friend, J. R.    Died : 7 / 12 / 1940	Friend, J. R. Killed December 7th 1940
Gooderham, A. T. Click the name above to see a profile of Gooderham, A. T.    Died : 2 / 11 / 1941	Gooderham, A. T. Sergeant A.T.Gooderham flew with No 46 Squadron he was wounded on October 15th 1940 when his Hurricane I (V6789) was shot down over the Thames Estuary. Gooderham was killed on November 2nd 1941. His Hurricane (Z3841) was shot down.
Gothorpe, E. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Gothorpe, E. C.	Gothorpe, E. C. (Service details unknown)
Haine, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of Haine, Richard    Died : 30 / 9 / 2008	Haine, Richard Richard Dickie Haine was born in St Stephens in October 1916. In 1936, he qualified as an RAF pilot, and flew the Hawker Fury with No.25 Sqn, which re-equipped with Bristol Blenheims prior to the outbreak of war. In February 1940, he transferred to No.600 Sqn. Shortly afterwards, he piloted one of six Blenheims tasked with attacking an airfield where Ju52 transport aircraft and their cargo of paratroops were reported to be landing during the Blitzkrieg on Holland. During this action he was shot down and crash landed, escaping back to Britain on the destroyer HMS Hereward, the destroyer which evacuated Queen Wilhelmina and her government. He was awarded the DFC for his actions over Holland that day. On his return to England, he flew night patrols on Blenheims, Defiants and Beaufighters, but rarely intercepted any aircraft due to poor radar. In January 1944 he took the post of Commanding Officer of No.488 Sqn flying Mosquitoes. With this squadron he flew beachhead patrols on D-Day, and had victories over two Ju88s. He was appointed to No.302 Sqn in the Pacific but had yet to arrive when the Japanese surrendered. He continued his career in the RAF until his retirement. Sadly, Richard Haine died on 30th September 2008
Haine, Richard Cummings. Click the name above to see a profile of Haine, Richard Cummings.    Died : 30 / 9 / 2008	Haine, Richard Cummings. Haine learned to fly at the Cotswold Aero Club, Staverton, whilst still at school. He joined the RAF as an NCO pilot in 1935 and in September began his elementary flying training at the Bristol Flying School at Filton. In November Haine moved to 11 FTS, Shawbury and after completing the course he joined 25 Squadron at Hawkinge. He was in the squadron aerobatics team at the Hendon Air Display in 1937. The squadron converted to Blenheims in December 1938 and moved to Northolt in August 1939. Haine flew what could be the first defensive patrol of the war, in the early hours of 4 September 1939. On 28 December he flew one of the six Blenheims of 25 Squadron, which went with six from 601 to attack the German seaplane base at Borkum, the first fighter attack on Germany. Haine was commissioned in April 1940 and posted to 600 Squadron at Manston. On 10 May he flew one of the six Blenheims, which attacked Rotterdam airfield in daylight with only one returned to base. Haine claimed a Bf109 destroyed and two Ju52s damaged by his rear gunner before they were shot down and made a forced-landing in Holland. He and his gunner evaded capture and got back to England in the destroyer which were evacuating the Dutch Royal Family. For this action Haine was awarded the DFC (9.7.40). He was made an OBE (01.01.62) and retired from the RAF on the 1 October 1970 as a Group Captain. He died aged 91
Herrick, Michael James Click the name above to see a profile of Herrick, Michael James    Died : 6 / 6 / 1944	Herrick, Michael James Herrick was born in Hastings on 5 May 1921. Educated at Wanganui Collegiate School, he gained his pilot’s licence with the Hawkes Bay Aero Club while still at school. In March 1939 he left New Zealand to take up a two-year cadetship at the Royal Air Force (RAF) College in Cranwell. The course was shortened due to the outbreak of the war and Herrick graduated on 7 March 1940. Posted to No. 25 Squadron at the age of 18, Herrick flew Bristol Blenheim light bombers on night patrols during the Battle of Britain. In September 1940 he scored the squadron’s first victories of the war – shooting down two Heinkel He 111 bombers within minutes of each other. Herrick destroyed another bomber nine days later, meaning he personally accounted for three of the four victories achieved by Fighter Command during night operations that month. Herrick’s achievements were recognised with the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). By the end of 1941 Herrick was back in New Zealand on attachment with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). After spells as an instructor at Woodbourne and Ohakea he was posted to the newly formed No. 15 Squadron RNZAF at Whenuapai in June 1942. Four months later No. 15 Squadron sailed from Wellington to Tonga, where they took over the Curtis P-40 Warhawk fighters of the United States Army Air Force's No. 68 Pursuit Squadron. By the time the squadron moved to Guadalcanal in April 1943, Herrick had assumed command, the previous CO having been killed in a flying accident. On 6 May he and another pilot shot down a Japanese floatplane – credited as the first enemy aircraft destroyed by New Zealand fighters in the Pacific. After leading No. 15 Squadron through two operational tours and earning a Bar to his DFC, Herrick returned to the United Kingdom. He joined No. 305 Squadron – a Polish fighter-bomber unit flying night operations against airfields and V-1 Flying Bomb launch sites in occupied Europe. On 16 June 1944, Herrick embarked on his first daylight raid and headed toward Denmark with another de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber piloted by Wing Commander J.D.R. ‘Bob’ Braham. Herrick was en route to attack the German airfield at Aalborg when his plane was intercepted and shot down by a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 flown by Lieutenant Robert Spreckels. Although Herrick and his Polish navigator managed to bail out they were too low to survive the landing. In a twist of fate, Braham was shot down by Spreckels 11 days later. When the two airmen met during Braham’s interrogation Spreckels informed him that Herrick had put up a brave fight
Hill, A. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Hill, A. M.	Hill, A. M.
Hodds, W. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Hodds, W. H.	Hodds, W. H.
Hogg, D. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Hogg, D. W.    Died : 3 / 9 / 1940	Hogg, D. W. Pilot Officer D.W.Hogg of No 25 Squadron was shot down on the September 3rd 1940, he was killed.. His Blenheim I (L1512) crashed near North Weald. The Gunner Sergeant W.Powell baled out uninjured.
Hollis, E. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Hollis, E. J.	Hollis, E. J.
Holloway, S. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Holloway, S. V.	Holloway, S. V.
Hollowell, K. B. Click the name above to see a profile of Hollowell, K. B.	Hollowell, K. B.
Holt, Felton Vesey Click the name above to see a profile of Holt, Felton Vesey    Died : 23 / 4 / 1931	Holt, Felton Vesey Air Vice Marshal Felton Vesey Holt CMG, DSO, RAF (23 February 1886–23 April 1931) was a squadron and wing commander in the Royal Flying Corps who became a brigadier general in the newly established Royal Air Force just before the end of the First World War. During the inter-war years Holt remained in the Air Force, serving in several staff appointments before becoming Air Officer Commanding Fighting Area. Holt was killed in a flying accident not long after taking up his final appointment. Having carried out an inspection of RAF Tangmere, he had taken off in his DH.60M Moth K1838, with his PA flying another Moth when a formation of Siskins, seeing his PA’s aircraft decided to pay him an aerial salute. Unfortunately, the formation dived directly at the AVM, whom they could not see and the 43 Sqn Siskin J8893 piloted by Sgt Charles George on the left of the formation caught the wing of his Moth. Going into a spin, the pilot recovered and the AVM took to his parachute, but they were too low, the AVM being killed when he hit the ground without a fully deployed parachute and Flt Lt Henry Michael Moody MC (32) the pilot when the aircraft hit the ground. The inquest brought a verdict of accidental death. DH.60M Moth K1838, 24 Sqn, Northolt Collision with 43 Sqn Siskin J8893, Seahurst Park, near Tangmere AVM Felton Vesey Holt CMG DSO (45) killed Flt Lt Henry Michael Moody MC (32) killed Sgt Charles George Wareham unhurt in Siskin
Hooper, B. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Hooper, B. G.	Hooper, B. G.
Howe, B. Click the name above to see a profile of Howe, B.    Died : 20 / 4 / 1941	Howe, B. Killed April 20th 1941
Howell, Frank J. Click the name above to see a profile of Howell, Frank J.    Died : 9 / 5 / 1948	Howell, Frank J. F/Lt Frank Howell, DFC*, was born at Golders Green in London on 25th January 1912. Frank Howell took a short service commission in the Royal Air Force. He trained at AST Antsy 1st March - 30th April 1937, moving on to No 3 FTS at Grantham from 1st May - 7th August 37. On 3rd May 37 he was made Acting Pilot Officer. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesTraining was completed at South Cerney from 24th August - 26th November 37, whereupon he was posted to No 25 (F) Squadron at Hawkinge, flying Hawker Demon aircraft on 3rd December 37. He became a Pilot Officer on 1st March 1938. His next posting was to No 80 Sqdn flying Gloster Gladiators at Ismailia from 27th March 1938, during which time he was attached to No 4 FTS at Abu Sueir from 13th June - 25th September 38. No 80 Sqdn moved to Amiriya on 24th September 1938, returning to Ismailia on 9th October 38. On 16th January 1939, they again moved to Helwan, where they remained until Frank was posted back to the UK on 28th August 1939. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesHe was stationed at the Uxbridge depot from the 29th August 1939 until being posted to 609 (West Riding) Squadron at Drem on 14th November 1939. On 1st September 39 his promotion to Flying Officer had taken place, and it was with this rank that he joined the squadron. From Drem, Frank followed the movements of the squadron, going to Kinloss from 5th December 1939 - 12th January 1940, whereupon they returned to Drem until 19th May 40. From Drem, the Squadron moved south to Northolt, where they stayed until moving to Middle Wallop in Hampshire on the 4th July 40, finally heading to Warmwell in Dorset on 29th November 40. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesFrank Howell force landed Spitfire N3203 on 30th May 40 at Martlesham (with no damage) due to foul weather. His first combat came the next day, 31st May 40, while flying an offensive patrol at 15,000ft over Dunkirk in Spitfire N3024. He attacked a Junkers Ju88 with Joe Dawson, which is believed to have crashed, and, in conjunction with John Dundas, attacked a Heinkel He111, setting fire to the starboard engine. Both were claimed as 'Damaged Probable'. The following day 1Jun40, again over Dunkirk, he attacked another He111, seeing no result, before attacking 3 more and setting the starboard engine alight on one of them - claiming one 'Damaged' and one 'Damaged Probable'. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesThis was also the day, 1Jun40, he became 'A' Flight Commander. He was amongst the party that escorted Winston Churchill to France and back on 11th and 13th June 40. On 12th July 40, Red Section, consisting of Flt-Lt Frank Howell in R6691, Fg-Off Paul Edge in R6636 and Plt-Off Johnny Curchin R6634 shot down a Heinkel 111 (later only credited with a 'Probable'). On 18th July 40, whilst flying Spitfire R6634, he shared in the destruction of a Junkers Ju88 of 1/KG54, engaging it 5 miles off Swanage. His aircraft was hit in the glycol tank by return fire and he baled out uninjured, landing 4 miles south of Poole at 15.15 hours and being picked up by the Royal Navy. Paul Edge was also shot down, and the aircraft was finally shot down by Alan Feary. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesHe was scrambled on 13th August 40 in R6691 and flying at 18,000ft saw "50 plus Ju87's with Escort". He promptly shot down 2 of them. On August 15th 1940, in his own words: "Middle Wallop attacked again by 12 Ju88's. Took off as a salvo hit hangar and chased a Ju88 to Warmwell, and shot it down in flames". On the 25th August 1940, flying X4104 he damaged two Messerschmitt 110's in head on attacks. He was credited on this day with 1 Bf110 'Destroyed' in X4234. On the 3rd September 1940 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesOn 7th September 1940, whilst patrolling Northolt - Brooklands at 20,000ft in R6691, he encountered a large formation of Messerschmitt 110's. Having shot one down, he then spotted a large formation of Ju88's and attacked one, setting its engine on fire, before attacking another, on which he observed no result - although the cine-gun film shows a fire starting. He was also shot at by another Spitfire during this engagement. He was credited with one Bf110 Destroyed, and 2 Ju88's Probably Destroyed. Patrolling Brooklands at 20,000ft in R6691 on 15th September 1940, he took 2 snap shots at a formation of Dornier Do17's with escort, with no visible result. During his second patrol that day, over Hastings, he shot down 1 Dornier Do17 out of a formation of 18. On 7th October 1940, he force landed Spitfire X4472 at Shaftesbury after combat with Messerschmitt Bf 109's over Yeovil. He had been hit in the oil tank, but had shot down a Bf110. On 21st October 1940, in conjunction with Sydney Hill, he shared in the destruction of a Ju88 which had been machine-gunning Old Sarum. This was 609 Squadrons 100th Kill. 4 Days later, on the 25th October 1940, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. rom 609, Frank was posted to Filton on 23rd February 1941 to form and command 118 Squadron on Spitfires. Whilst with 118, Howell claimed the squadron's first victory, a Heinkel He111 on the night of July 7th. He also claimed a 'Probable' Bf109 and shared another on October 13th. 118 subsequently moved to Colerne, Warmwell and Ibsley, from where Frank was posted on 23rd October 1941, joining HMS Prince of Wales and heading out to the Far East theatre of war. During his command of 118 Sqn as an actinbg Squadron Leader, Frank won a bar to his DFC. "The King has approved the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:- Bat to DFC: Acting/Sq Ldr. F. J. Howell, D.F.C. 118 Sq. This officer has displayed fine qualities as a fighter pilot, combined with outstanding leadership and talents for organisation. He has played a large part in raising and maintaining a high standard of efficiency in his squadron, which had distinguished itself. He has destroyed at least ten enemy aircraft and possibly a further seven." His promotion to Squadron Leader came through on 1st December. Joining 243 Sqdn on 6th December, which was reforming at Kallang with Brewster Buffalos, he was almost immediately posted a few days later to Headquarters Fighter Command in Singapore. He was on the Prince of Wales when it was sunk on 10th December, and was taken prisoner by Japanese forces on 16th February 1942 whilst trying to reach Sumatra - being held at Muntok, Palembane, Singapore, Changi, until 15th August 1945. Frank returned to the UK, arriving back at Cosford on 24th October. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesFrom 18th March - 9th April 1946, Frank Howell was posted to No. 110 Refresher Unit at Wittering, before moving on to No 17 SFTS at Coleby Grange until 24th May. On 17th August he was sent to HQ Fighter Command until 30th June 1947, becoming Squadron Leader again on 15th November, before a posting to No 1 Squadron at Tangmere on IF Course 5th -23rd January 1948. He was subsequently posted to take over as Commanding Officer of No 54 Squadron at Odiham on 12th January, which was equipped with De Havilland Vampire's. 1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesOn 9th May 1948, Frank Howell was making a cine film of his squadron's aircraft, when the wingtip of one of them struck him, severing his jugular vein. Squadron Leader Frank Howell, DFC, bled to death before he could be treated.
Hoy, William Click the name above to see a profile of Hoy, William    Died : 20 / 11 / 2012	Hoy, William William Hoy was born in Edinburgh on December 23 1918 and educated at George Watson’s College, where he won a scholarship to the RAF College, Cranwell. He graduated as a pilot in October 1939. He flew Anson and Hudson aircraft on shipping sweeps over the North Sea, taking part in the operations over the Norwegian coast after the German invasion in April 1940. He then joined No 420 Flight, flying the antiquated Harrow bomber on operations to drop aerial mines by night. The mines were attached to 2,000ft of piano wire in the hope that enemy bombers would fly into the wire, causing the mines to strike them and explode. There are no recorded successes. Converting to the Beaufighter night fighter in late 1941, Hoy joined No 604 Squadron and was soon appointed a flight commander. On the night of July 29 1942 he shot down a Heinkel bomber off Land’s End and, in spring 1943, he accounted for two more off the coast of Yorkshire and damaged a third. On another occasion he led another Beaufighter on a well-planned attack on an enemy reconnaissance aircraft, which was destroyed as a direct result of Hoy’s initiative. In July 1943 he was awarded a DFC. After a rest period, Hoy returned to the front line as flight commander of 25 Squadron, flying the Mosquito. On July 9 1944 he shot down a V-1 flying bomb over the Channel. After the war Hoy commanded two night fighter squadrons before being appointed wing commander, flying at Church Fenton in Yorkshire – the home of four fighter squadrons. He attended No 1 Course at the new RAF Flying College at Manby, Lincolnshire, before taking up an appointment in the Middle East. After his flight in Aries V, Hoy served with Nato and at the Air Ministry. His last appointment before retiring in 1966 was as station commander at RAF Manston in Kent. William Hoy died on 20th November 2012.
Hughes, J. McC. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Hughes, J. McC. M.    Died : 7 / 12 / 1940	Hughes, J. McC. M. Killed in flying accident 7th December 1940
Johnson, C. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Johnson, C. A.	Johnson, C. A.
Jones, J. F. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, J. F. R.	Jones, J. F. R.
Kensall, G. Click the name above to see a profile of Kensall, G.    Died : 20 / 12 / 1943	Kensall, G. Killed December 20th 1943
Ker-Ramsay, R. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Ker-Ramsay, R. G.	Ker-Ramsay, R. G. Flight Lieutenant R.G.Ker-Ramsey of the F.I.U. was on night patrol over the French coast near Calais on September 13th 1940. He and his crew (G.Dixon & E.L.Byrne) baled out of their Blenheim IVf (Z5721) and were taken prisoner.
Lamb, A. Click the name above to see a profile of Lamb, A.	Lamb, A.
Lambert, H. M. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Lambert, H. M. S.    Died : 15 / 9 / 1940	Lambert, H. M. S. Killed September 15th 1940
Lewis, J. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Lewis, J. H.	Lewis, J. H.
Lewis, W. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Lewis, W. G.    Died : 14 / 7 / 1941	Lewis, W. G. Killed July 14th 1941
Lingard, J. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Lingard, J. G.	Lingard, J. G.
Loxton, W. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Loxton, W. W.	Loxton, W. W.
Lusk, H. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Lusk, H. S.	Lusk, H. S.
Lusty, K. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Lusty, K. R.	Lusty, K. R.
Lusty, Kenneth R Click the name above to see a profile of Lusty, Kenneth R    Died : 18 / 9 / 2009	Lusty, Kenneth R Kenneth Lusty joined the RAF as an Airman u/t Air Gunner on 4th September 1939. After call-up, he did his basic training at Padgate and then went to RAF Aldergrove on 30th December for a gunnery course. On 24th February 1940 Lusty joined 235 Squadron. As a Coastal Command Squadron, the need for WOp/AGs in the crews meant that Lusty was posted away on 14th May to 25 Squadron at North Weald. He served with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain. Lusty retrained as a Radio Observer, was commissioned in May 1941 and on 16th July he joined 1453 Flight, newly-formed at Wittering and equipped with Turbinlite Havocs. On 1st August 1942 Lusty was rested. He returned to operations on 2nd April 1943, joining 410 (RCAF) Squadron at Drem operating Beaufighters. Lusty's pilot was posted to 406 (RCAF) Squadron at Predannack on 25th August and they went together but when the squadron became all-Canadian Lusty went to 264 Squadron at Fairwood Common on 9th October 1943. After completing his tour Lusty was sent to the Staff College on 5th July 1944. He was posted to 132 Squadron at Vavuyina, Ceylon on 28th November 1944 as Adjutant. He moved to BHQ Colombo on 23rd June 1945 as Senior Admin Officer. Lusty returned to the UK and was released from the RAF on 21st January 1946 as a Squadron Leader. He died on 18th September 2009.
Lyall, A. Mc L. Click the name above to see a profile of Lyall, A. Mc L.	Lyall, A. Mc L.
Lynch, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Lynch, J.    Died : 22 / 1 / 1944	Lynch, J. Missing January 22nd 1944
Main, H. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Main, H. R.    Died : 27 / 8 / 1941	Main, H. R. Killed August 27th 1941**
Maxwell, Reginald Click the name above to see a profile of Maxwell, Reginald    Died : ?	Maxwell, Reginald Born 20th July 1894, Reginald Stuart Maxwell claimed four victories in 1916 flying FE2b with 25 and 20 Squadrons. He later moved to 54 Squadron flying Sopwith Camels, and claimed a further 5 victories during 1918. He was gazetted for the DFC on 8th February 1919. London Gazette entry for the Distinguished Flying Cross, 8th February 1919 On 16th November, on a low bombing raid against a railway station, this officer led his whole squadron to within 100 feet over the objective, thus enabling them to drop their bombs with the greatest possible effect on the trains, transport, etc., in the station. After dropping these bombs he led the formation against troops, etc., crowded on a main road, causing great confusion and inflicting heavy casualties. His magnificent example inspires all who serve in his squadron.
McCormack, J. B. Click the name above to see a profile of McCormack, J. B.    Died : 10 / 9 / 1942	McCormack, J. B. Missing September 10th 1942**
Mcnair, Owen Herbert Click the name above to see a profile of Mcnair, Owen Herbert    Died : 8 / 8 / 1940	Mcnair, Owen Herbert Sgt Owen Herbert McNair was killed while flying this Siskin IIIA J9325, of 25 Sqn,baed at Hawkinge the Siskin Crashed while in a slow turn, near Falmer, Sussex He was 22
Medworth, J. C. O. Click the name above to see a profile of Medworth, J. C. O.	Medworth, J. C. O.
Miley, M. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Miley, M. J.    Died : 15 / 9 / 1940	Miley, M. J. Killed September 15th 1940
Miller, T. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Miller, T. H.    Died : 17 / 12 / 1942	Miller, T. H. Killed December 17th 1942**
Mitchell, H. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Mitchell, H. M.	Mitchell, H. M.
Monk, E. W. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Monk, E. W. J.    Died : 21 / 11 / 1940	Monk, E. W. J. Killed November 21st 1940**
Phillip, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Phillip, J.    Died : 17 / 5 / 1942	Phillip, J. Killed May 17th 1942**
Phillips, E. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Phillips, E. R.    Died : 14 / 2 / 1941	Phillips, E. R. Killed February 14th 1941
Pound, R. R. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Pound, R. R. C.	Pound, R. R. C.
Powell, E. Click the name above to see a profile of Powell, E.    Died : 21 / 11 / 1940	Powell, E. Missing November 21st 1940**
Pugh, J. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Pugh, J. S.	Pugh, J. S.
Pye, J. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Pye, J. W.	Pye, J. W.
Rich, P. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Rich, P. G.	Rich, P. G.
Roberts, D. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Roberts, D. F.    Died : 3 / 4 / 1941	Roberts, D. F. Killed April 3rd 1941
Rofe, B. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Rofe, B. J.    Died : 12 / 1 / 1942	Rofe, B. J. Killed January 12th 1942
Romanis, A. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Romanis, A. L.    Died : 16 / 11 / 1940	Romanis, A. L. Killed November 16th 1940
Smith, C. D. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Smith, C. D. S.	Smith, C. D. S.
Smith, P. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Smith, P. R.    Died : 4 / 4 / 1943	Smith, P. R. Killed April 4th 1943**
Smyth, R. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Smyth, R. H.	Smyth, R. H.
Snape, W. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Snape, W. G.	Snape, W. G.
Sword-Daniels, A. T. Click the name above to see a profile of Sword-Daniels, A. T.	Sword-Daniels, A. T.
Theasby, A. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Theasby, A. J.    Died : 16 / 11 / 1940	Theasby, A. J. Killed November 16th 1940
Thompson, J. B. Click the name above to see a profile of Thompson, J. B.    Died : 31 / 7 / 1940	Thompson, J. B. Killed July 31st 1940
Turnbull, R. N. Click the name above to see a profile of Turnbull, R. N.	Turnbull, R. N.
Walker, J. H. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Walker, J. H. G.    Died : 9 / 5 / 1942	Walker, J. H. G. Killed May 9th 1942
Wyatt, J. P. Click the name above to see a profile of Wyatt, J. P.    Died : 15 / 9 / 1940	Wyatt, J. P. Killed September 15th 1940

Aircraft for : No.25 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.25 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
Blenheim Click the name above to see prints featuring Blenheim aircraft. Manufacturer : Bristol Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1956 Number Built : 4422	Blenheim The Bristol Blenheim, the most plentiful aircraft in the RAFs inventory when WWII began, was designed by Frank Barnwell, and when first flown in 1936 was unique with its all metal monoplane design incorporating a retractable undercarriage, wing flaps, metal props, and supercharged engines. A typical bomb load for a Blenheim was 1,000 pounds. In the early stages of the war Blenheims were used on many daylight bombing missions. On the day that war was declared on Germany, a Blenheim piloted by Flying Officer Andrew McPherson was the first British aircraft to cross the German coast and the following morning 15 Blenheims from three squadrons set off on one of the first bombing missions The Blenheim units operated throughout the battle, often taking heavy casualties, although they were never accorded the publicity of the fighter squadrons. The Blenheim units raided German occupied airfields throughout July to December 1940, both during daylight hours and at night. Although most of these raids were unproductive, there were some successes; on 1 August five out of 12 Blenheims sent to attack Haamstede and Evere (Brussels) were able to bomb, destroying or heavily damaging three Bf 109s of II./JG 27 and apparently killing a Staffelkapitän identified as Hauptmann Albrecht von Ankum-Frank. Two other 109s were claimed by Blenheim gunners. Another successful raid on Haamstede was made by a single Blenheim on 7 August which destroyed one 109 of 4./JG 54, heavily damaged another and caused lighter damage to four more. There were also some missions which produced an almost 100% casualty rate amongst the Blenheims. One such operation was mounted on 13 August 1940 against a Luftwaffe airfield near Aalborg in north-western Denmark by 12 aircraft of 82 Squadron. One Blenheim returned early (the pilot was later charged and due to appear before a court martial, but was killed on another operation); the other 11, which reached Denmark, were shot down, five by flak and six by Bf 109s. Blenheim-equipped units had been formed to carry out long-range strategic reconnaissance missions over Germany and German-occupied territories, as well as bombing operations. In this role, the Blenheims once again proved to be too slow and vulnerable against Luftwaffe fighters and they took constant casualties While great heroism was displayed by the air crews, tremendous losses were sustained during these missions. The Blenhiem was easy pickings at altitude for German Bf-109 fighters who quickly learned to attack from below. To protect the vulnerable bellies of the Blenheims many missions were shifted to low altitude, but this increased the aircrafts exposure to anti-aircraft fire. In the German night-bombing raid on London on 18 June 1940, Blenheims accounted for five German bombers, thus proving that they were better-suited for night fighting. In July, No. 600 Squadron, by then based at RAF Manston, had some of its Mk IFs equipped with AI Mk III radar. With this radar equipment, a Blenheim from the Fighter Interception Unit (FIU) at RAF Ford achieved the first success on the night of 2–3 July 1940, accounting for a Dornier Do 17 bomber. More successes came, and before long the Blenheim proved itself invaluable as a night fighter. One Blenheim pilot, Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for an attack on Singora, Thailand, on 9 December 1941. Another bomber of No. 60 Squadron RAF was credited with shooting down Lt Col Tateo Katō's Nakajima Ki-43 fighter and badly damaging two others in a single engagement on 22 May 1942, over the Bay of Bengal. Katō's death was a severe blow to the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force.
Bristol F2B Click the name above to see prints featuring Bristol F2B aircraft. Manufacturer : Bristol Production Began : 1916 Retired : 1932 Number Built : 0	Bristol F2B The Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 First World war early two-seater pusher biplane and was used by the Royal Flying Corps as a fighter and also as a day or night bomber. The FE2 was one of the few aircraft which gave the allies the edge over the Fokker aircraft of 1914/1915. In May 1915 the F.E.2b entered service with No 6 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps and it was 20 squadron which was the first squadron to be totally equipped with Fe2 aircraft which was deployed in January 1916. The Fe2B remained in day use throughout 1916 and 1917 and in 1918 was used solely as a night bomber. The FE2b equipped 22 squadrons, 16 of which served in France with the other 6 serving the home defence. As the German fighters got better the FE2B was outclassed and was used only as a light night bomber or used on the home defense front against the Zeppelins. Crew: Two Speed: 80 knots (91.5 mph,) Endurance 3 hours Ceiling 11,000 ft Maximum take off weight 3,037 lbs Length: 32 ft 3 in Height: 12 ft 8 in Wingspan 495 ft² Engine Beardmore 6 cylinder inline piston engine giving 160 HP
Demon Click the name above to see prints featuring Demon aircraft.	Demon Full profile not yet available.
Fury Click the name above to see prints featuring Fury aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker	Fury Full profile not yet available.
Horsley Click the name above to see prints featuring Horsley aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1927 Retired : 1938 Number Built : 128	Horsley The Hawker Horsley was the last wooden aircraft to be constructed by Hawker. It was designed initially in 1923 but modified in 1925 to meet the need for torpedoes. In January 1927, No.11 Squadron were equipped with Horsleys and then No.100 Squadron. In 1928, No.33 and No.15 Squadron were also equipped with Horsleys. The first torpedo bomber versions were used by No.36 squadron from June 1928, being sent to Singapore shortly thereafter. No Horsleys were built after February 1934. The Horsleys remained in service in the day-bombing role until 1934, with 504 Squadron's Horsleys being replaced by Westland Wallaces in March 1934. No 36 Squadron at Singapore retained the Horsely in the Torpedo bomber role until July 1935.[16] The last Horsley, a Merlin-powered testbed flew its final flight at RAE Farborough on 7 March 1938. A total of 124 Horsleys were built, including six aircraft for the Hellenic Naval Air Service and the two Dantorps built for Denmark
Mosquito Click the name above to see prints featuring Mosquito aircraft. Manufacturer : De Havilland Production Began : 1940 Retired : 1955 Number Built : 7781	Mosquito Used as a night fighter, fighter bomber, bomber and Photo-reconnaissance, with a crew of two, Maximum speed was 425 mph, at 30,300 feet, 380mph at 17,000ft. and a ceiling of 36,000feet, maximum range 3,500 miles. the Mosquito was armed with four 20mm Hospano cannon in belly and four .303 inch browning machine guns in nose. Coastal strike aircraft had eight 3-inch Rockets under the wings, and one 57mm shell gun in belly. The Mossie at it was known made its first flight on 25th November 1940, and the mosquito made its first operational flight for the Royal Air Force as a reconnaissance unit based at Benson. In early 1942, a modified version (mark II) operated as a night fighter with 157 and 23 squadron's. In April 1943 the first De Haviland Mosquito saw service in the Far east and in 1944 The Mosquito was used at Coastal Command in its strike wings. Bomber Commands offensive against Germany saw many Mosquitos, used as photo Reconnaissance aircraft, Fighter Escorts, and Path Finders. The Mosquito stayed in service with the Royal Air Force until 1955. and a total of 7781 mosquito's were built.
Snipe Click the name above to see prints featuring Snipe aircraft.	Snipe Full profile not yet available.
Tornado Click the name above to see prints featuring Tornado aircraft.	Tornado Full profile not yet available.