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No.40 Sqn RAF

Name : No.40 Sqn RAF Founded : 26th February 1916 Disbanded : 1st February 1957 Country : UK Fate : Disbanded 1st February 1957 More Details : Hostem coelo expellere - To drive the enemy from the sky Known Code Letters : , BL, LE, OX,

40 Squadron Royal Air Force: 40 squadron was formed at Gosport on 26th February 1916 as a scout squadron equipped with the FE8. One flight went to France in early August and the rest of the squadron at the end of the month. However, the FE8 was soon obsolete and 40 squadron was unable to be effective in its task of fighting when faced with a faster aircraft. In March 1917 the squadron suffered heavy casualties when 9 aircraft were caught on patrol by Jasta 11 led by Manfred von Richthofen and all aircraft were brought down with four pilots killed. Before the end of March they were re-equipped with Nieuport Scouts and with these, 40 squadron began a successful career, flying offensive patrols and developing its own tactics for observation balloon attacks. During this period one of the 40 Squadron officers Lieutenant Edward Mannock (later Major Mannock VC) destroyed 6 enemy aircraft and went on to a highly successful fighting career in command of two other squadrons. Before the end of 1917, 40 Squadron replaced its scouts with the highly successful S.E.5.a and continued offensive operations against the German armed forces until the end of the First World War. It ended the war with a squadron tally of 130 enemy aircraft and 30 balloons destroyed. The squadron returned to the UK in February 1919 and was disbanded 4th July the same year. It was reformed on 1st April 1931 as a bomber squadron and served in the UK and the Middle East theatre. It was disbanded in Egypt during 1947 and reformed later that year as a transport squadron until 1950. In 1953 it was again reformed as a bomber squadron before being finally disbanded in 1956.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
J L Alexander	Sergeant	unknown	25th May 1940		Blenheim	P4920	Killed in Action
Baker	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	06th June 1940	Blenheim	P9417
A. E. Barlow	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	16th January 1941	Whitley	Z6462
Ernest Cecil Barlow	Wing Commander	unknown	15th May 1940		Blenheim	N6217	Killed in Action
J A D Beattie	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	23rd May 1940	Blenheim	P4909
N. Benfield	Sergeant	unknown	8th April 1941		Wellington	R1007	Killed in Action
Billyeald	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	23rd March 1941	Wellington	R1166
L. E. E. Bundock	Sergeant	unknown	8th April 1941		Wellington	R1007	Killed in Action
H. Caldicott	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	12th March 1941	Wellington	R1013
D. R. C. Cannell	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Wellington	T2912	Killed in Action
Edward Clarke	Sergeant	unknown	15th May 1940		Blenheim	N6217	Killed in Action
D. R. Clay	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	12th March 1941	Wellington	R1013
J. S. Crane	Sergeant	unknown	8th April 1941		Wellington	R1007	Killed in Action
Crook	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	23rd March 1941	Wellington	R1166
D. L. Dorris		unknown	unknown
John Ernest Edwards	Flying Officer	unknown	15th May 1940		Blenheim	P4913	Killed in Action
William George Edwards	Pilot Officer	unknown	23rd May 1940		Blenheim	P4909	Killed in Action
J. H. Frampton	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	16th January 1941	Whitley	Z6462
Willie Furby	Sergeant	unknown	6th June 1940		Blenheim	L9410	Killed in Action
T. Gamble	Sergeant	unknown	8th April 1941		Wellington	R1007	Killed in Action
John Edward Garcka	Sergeant	unknown	6th June 1940		Blenheim	L9410	Killed in Action
Gill	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	23rd March 1941	Wellington	R1166
D Goffe	Leading Aircraftsman	unknown	25th May 1940		Blenheim	P4920	Killed in Action
D. W. Gough	Sergeant	unknown	13th March 1941		Wellington	T2515	Killed in Action
A. Hammond	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	12th March 1941	Wellington	R1013
H. Heaton	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	12th March 1941	Wellington	R1013
F. M. Hotchkiss		unknown	unknown
Blake Bamford James	Pilot Officer	unknown	6th June 1940			L9410	Killed in Action
Stanley Johnson	Leading Aircraftsman	unknown	15th May 1940		Blenheim	P4913	Killed in Action
A. E. Jones	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Wellington	T2912	Killed in Action
H. Jones	Sergeant	unknown	13th March 1941		Wellington	T2515	Killed in Action
H. F. Lander	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Wellington	T2912	Killed in Action
J. H. Lee	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Wellington	T2912	Killed in Action
John Griffith Llewelyn	Wing Commander	unknown	23rd May 1940			P4909	Killed in Action
E. H. Lynch-Blosse	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown	12th March 1941	Wellington	R1013
Albert Ernest Millard	Leading Aircraftsman	unknown	15th May 1940		Blenheim	N6217	Killed in Action
W. J. Morgan	Sergeant	unknown	13th March 1941		Wellington	T2515	Killed in Action
K. Newton		unknown	unknown
S. H. Palmer	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	12th March 1941	Wellington	R1013
D. E. Peters		unknown	unknown
E. G. Robertson	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Wellington	T2912	Killed in Action
T. H. Rose	Sergeant	unknown	13th March 1941		Wellington	T2515	Killed in Action
J. Sharkey	Sergeant	unknown	8th April 1941		Wellington	R1007	Killed in Action
F. Sherratt	Sergeant	unknown	8th April 1941		Wellington	R1007	Killed in Action
F. Stones	Sergeant	unknown	13th March 1941		Wellington	T2515	Killed in Action
E. F. Todd	Sergeant	unknown	17th January 1941		Wellington	T2912	Killed in Action
S I Tonks	Sergeant	unknown	25th May 1940		Blenheim	P4920	Taken prisoner.
A. E. Varnsverry	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	23rd March 1941	Wellington	R1166
P F T Wakeford	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	06th June 1940	Blenheim	P9417
Wallace	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	06th June 1940	Blenheim	P9417
T. G. Webb	Sergeant	unknown	13th March 1941		Wellington	T2515
Charles Thomas White	Sergeant	unknown	15th May 1940		Blenheim	P4913	Killed in Action
Williams	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	23rd March 1941	Wellington	R1166
Youldon	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	23rd March 1941	Wellington	R1166

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.40 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
Alexander, J L Click the name above to see a profile of Alexander, J L    Died : 25 / 5 / 1940	Alexander, J L Killed on 25th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4920 YH-? of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Rety.
Baker, Click the name above to see a profile of Baker,	Baker, On 6th June 1940 he was injured when his Blenheim Mk.IV P9417 of No.40 Sqn forced landed in Allied territory after sustaining combat damage.
Barlow, Ernest Cecil Click the name above to see a profile of Barlow, Ernest Cecil    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	Barlow, Ernest Cecil Killed on 15th May 1940 after his Blenheim Mk.IV N6217 of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Mons. He is buried in Ecaussinnes D'Enghien Communal Cemetery. Son of Ernest and Kate Barlow; husband of Barbara F. M. Barlow, of Binfield, Berkshire.
Bartlam, C D W Click the name above to see a profile of Bartlam, C D W	Bartlam, C D W
Beardwood, G Click the name above to see a profile of Beardwood, G    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Beardwood, G
Beattie, J A D Click the name above to see a profile of Beattie, J A D	Beattie, J A D
Beattie, J A D Click the name above to see a profile of Beattie, J A D	Beattie, J A D Survived on 23rd May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4909 BL-? of No.40 Sqn was shot down by flak and crashed near Bethune.
Benfield, N. Click the name above to see a profile of Benfield, N.    Died : 8 / 4 / 1941	Benfield, N.
Billyeald, Click the name above to see a profile of Billyeald,	Billyeald,
Brison, H Click the name above to see a profile of Brison, H    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Brison, H
Brooker, J R Click the name above to see a profile of Brooker, J R	Brooker, J R
Bundock, L. E. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Bundock, L. E. E.    Died : 8 / 4 / 1941	Bundock, L. E. E.
Burns, R M Click the name above to see a profile of Burns, R M	Burns, R M
Burrell, P A M Click the name above to see a profile of Burrell, P A M    Died : 23 / 5 / 1940	Burrell, P A M
Caldicott, H. Click the name above to see a profile of Caldicott, H.	Caldicott, H.
Cannell, D. R. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Cannell, D. R. C.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Cannell, D. R. C. Sergeant D.R.C.Cannell of No.40 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Wellington vanished without trace shortly after sending a signal to confirm its task had been completed. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Checkley, F Click the name above to see a profile of Checkley, F    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Checkley, F
Chouler, M R Click the name above to see a profile of Chouler, M R	Chouler, M R
Clark, T F S Click the name above to see a profile of Clark, T F S    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Clark, T F S
Clarke, Edward Click the name above to see a profile of Clarke, Edward    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	Clarke, Edward Killed aged 20 on 15th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV N6217 of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Mons. He is buried in Ecaussinnes D'Enghien Communal Cemetery. Son of Alfred and Ellen Clarke, of Chelsfield, Kent.
Clay, D. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Clay, D. R.	Clay, D. R.
Crane, J. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Crane, J. S.    Died : 8 / 4 / 1941	Crane, J. S.
Crook, Click the name above to see a profile of Crook,	Crook,
Dorris, D. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Dorris, D. L.    Died : 12 / 6 / 1940	Dorris, D. L.
Easton, G H Click the name above to see a profile of Easton, G H	Easton, G H
Edwards, John Ernest Click the name above to see a profile of Edwards, John Ernest    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	Edwards, John Ernest Killed aged 26 on 15th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4913 of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Mons. He is buried in Ecaussinnes D'Enghien Communal Cemetery. Son of Ernest James Edwards and of Margaret Eleanor Edwards (nee Galloway), of Auckland City, New Zealand.
Edwards, W G Click the name above to see a profile of Edwards, W G	Edwards, W G
Edwards, William George Click the name above to see a profile of Edwards, William George    Died : 23 / 5 / 1940	Edwards, William George Killed on 23rd May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4909 BL-? of No.40 Sqn was shot down by flak and crashed near Bethune. Son of Joseph and Clara Edwards, of Beaufort, Monmouthshire. He is buried in Sailly Labourse Communal Cemetery.
Engstrom, V G W Click the name above to see a profile of Engstrom, V G W	Engstrom, V G W
Foreman, T A Click the name above to see a profile of Foreman, T A	Foreman, T A
Furby, Willie Click the name above to see a profile of Furby, Willie    Died : 6 / 6 / 1940	Furby, Willie Killed aged 23 on 6th June 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV L9410 was lost without trace. His name is on the Runnymede Memorial. Son of George and Amy Furby, of Masham, Yorkshire.
Gamble, T. Click the name above to see a profile of Gamble, T.    Died : 8 / 4 / 1941	Gamble, T.
Garcka, John Edward Click the name above to see a profile of Garcka, John Edward    Died : 6 / 6 / 1940	Garcka, John Edward Killed on 6th June 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV L9410 was lost without trace. His name is on the Runnymede Memorial.
Gill, Click the name above to see a profile of Gill,	Gill,
Goffe, D Click the name above to see a profile of Goffe, D    Died : 25 / 5 / 1940	Goffe, D Killed on 25th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4920 YH-? of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Rety.
Gough, D. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Gough, D. W.    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Gough, D. W.
Hadley, Les Click the name above to see a profile of Hadley, Les	Hadley, Les As a Navigator Les did a full Tour with 40 Squadron on Wellingtons. His second tour was completed on Mosquitos with 139 PFF, from where he later transferred back to heavy Bombers with 156 PFF, completing his war-time service.
Hammond, A. Click the name above to see a profile of Hammond, A.	Hammond, A.
Heaton, H. Click the name above to see a profile of Heaton, H.	Heaton, H.
Hotchkiss, F. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Hotchkiss, F. M.	Hotchkiss, F. M.
Hurford, J Click the name above to see a profile of Hurford, J	Hurford, J
Jacoby, R H Click the name above to see a profile of Jacoby, R H	Jacoby, R H
James, Blake Bamford Click the name above to see a profile of James, Blake Bamford    Died : 6 / 6 / 1940	James, Blake Bamford Killed aged 24 on 6th June 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV L9410 was lost without trace. His name is on the Runnymede Memorial. Son of Ivor Lough James, and of Constance G. James, of Bognor Regis, Sussex.
Johnson, Stanley Click the name above to see a profile of Johnson, Stanley    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	Johnson, Stanley Killed on 15th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4913 of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Mons. He is buried in Ecaussinnes D'Enghien Communal Cemetery. Son of Sophia Johnson, of Liverpool.
Jones, A. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, A. E.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Jones, A. E. Sergeant A.E.Jones of No.40 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Wellington vanished without trace shortly after sending a signal to confirm its task had been completed. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Jones, H. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, H.    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Jones, H.
Lander, H. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Lander, H. F.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Lander, H. F. Sergeant H.F.Lander of No.40 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Wellington vanished without trace shortly after sending a signal to confirm its task had been completed. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Lee, J. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Lee, J. H.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Lee, J. H.
Lewis, J F B Click the name above to see a profile of Lewis, J F B    Died : 14 / 4 / 1940	Lewis, J F B
Liddle, D Click the name above to see a profile of Liddle, D	Liddle, D
Llewelyn, John Griffith Click the name above to see a profile of Llewelyn, John Griffith    Died : 23 / 5 / 1940	Llewelyn, John Griffith Killed on 23rd May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4909 BL-? of No.40 Sqn was shot down by flak and crashed near Bethune. Son of John Connor Llewelyn and Edith Frances Llewelyn; husband of Barbara Evelyn Llewelyn, of Wargrave, Berkshire. He is buried in Beuvry Communal Cemetery.
Lynch-Blosse, E. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Lynch-Blosse, E. H.	Lynch-Blosse, E. H.
McGreary, C A Click the name above to see a profile of McGreary, C A	McGreary, C A
Millard, Albert Ernest Click the name above to see a profile of Millard, Albert Ernest    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	Millard, Albert Ernest Killed on 15th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV N6217 of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Mons. He is buried in Ecaussinnes D'Enghien Communal Cemetery.
Moffatt, R C Click the name above to see a profile of Moffatt, R C	Moffatt, R C
Moore, J Click the name above to see a profile of Moore, J	Moore, J
Morgan, W. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Morgan, W. J.    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Morgan, W. J.
Newton, K. Click the name above to see a profile of Newton, K.	Newton, K.
Paddon, B Click the name above to see a profile of Paddon, B	Paddon, B
Paddon, B Click the name above to see a profile of Paddon, B	Paddon, B
Palmer, S. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Palmer, S. H.	Palmer, S. H.
Parker, G Click the name above to see a profile of Parker, G	Parker, G
Parry, D A G Click the name above to see a profile of Parry, D A G    Died : 8 / 1999	Parry, D A G Born in 1915 in England, George Parry was interested in aviation from an early age, and the daring exploits of the WW1 aces inspired the youngster with the ambition to become a flyer. Parry joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and flew on weekends and in his spare time. When War was declared against Germany, Parry was activated and was sent to 10 F.T.S. and 13 O.T.U. for training. Parry was posted to 110 Squadron at Wattisham, which was equipped with the Mk IV Bristol Blenheim. Parry flew daylight missions attacking Axis airfields and shipping. When cloud cover permitted, deeper penetration was possible. These attacks were carried out against Channel ports, and waterways on the continent. As the Luftwaffe shifted to night bombing emphasis, 110 Squadron shifted its emphasis to enemy airfields and industrial targets. Parry completed his combat tour in October of 1940, and was reassigned to 13 O.T.U. in Bicester in April. In October of 1941 Parry was posted to 105 Squadron in Swanton Morley. This Squadron was equipped with Mosquitoes shortly after Parry arrived. The Squadron was utilized for the first daylight bombing raid on Berlin. Many mission were flown against power stations, locomotive repair works, and other important industrial targets. These missions were typically low altitude, high speed raids, where the Mosquito's fast speed could be used to advantage. In September of 1942 Parry was selected to lead a daring daylight low altitude raid on the Gestapo Headquarters in Oslo, Norway. This mission was requested by Norwegian resistance officials to boost morale. One of the four aircraft which participated in the raid was forced to make a crash landing, while the other three aircraft returned unharmed. Parry also made many flights to Stockholm carrying diplomatic mail. On these missions Parry flew a Mosquito with civilian markings while carrying a civilian passport. In 1943 Parry completed his combat tour with 105 Squadron, and was thereafter posted to Headquarters Bomber Command. After a short assignment with O.T.U. at Silverstone, Parry was transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Parry assisted No 2. Group Squadrons in their conversion to the Mosquito, and then ran the O.T.U. at Bicester which provided aircrew training for the 2nd Tactical Air Force. His final assignments with the RAF were at H.Q. 12 Group and RAF Church Fenton. Following the war in 1947, Parry left the RAF, but remained in the Reserves. In civilian life Parry took up the occupation of structural engineer. Following thirty-two years in civilian life, Parry retired in 1979. While in the RAF Reserve, Parry commanded the Norfolk Air Training Corps from 1949 to 1956. He also commanded No. 3620 Fighter Control Unit of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, and was involved with the Norfolk Emergency Commission as its Scientific Adviser. Parry's decorations include the D.S.O., M.B.E., D.F.C., and A.E. Sadly he died in August 1999.
Peacock, R Click the name above to see a profile of Peacock, R	Peacock, R
Peters, D. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Peters, D. E.	Peters, D. E.
Rice, D J Click the name above to see a profile of Rice, D J	Rice, D J
Robertson, A J Click the name above to see a profile of Robertson, A J    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Robertson, A J
Robertson, E. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Robertson, E. G.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Robertson, E. G. Sergeant E.G.Robertson of No.40 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Wellington vanished without trace shortly after sending a signal to confirm its task had been completed. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Rodgers, E Click the name above to see a profile of Rodgers, E	Rodgers, E
Rose, T. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Rose, T. H.    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Rose, T. H.
Ross, N R Nicky Click the name above to see a profile of Ross, N R Nicky    Died : 18 / 4 / 2008	Ross, N R Nicky No's 40, 103 and 617 Squadrons. "Born 1 st August, 1917 at Greenock. Joined RAFVR at Edinburgh 12/7/39. Trained at 11 EFTS, Perth gained wings at 2 FTS Brize Norton, completed training at 20 OTU Lossiemouth Dec 1940, Joined 40 Squadron, 22/1141 as Sgt Pilot on Wellingtons at Wyton and Allconbury. Completed 1st tour 3/7/41 and "screened" at 27 OTU Lichfield, participating in the three "Thousand Force" raids on Cologne, Essen and Bremen in 1942. Commenced 2nd tour with 103 Squadron, at Elsham Wolds as Warrant Officer Pilot on Lancasters, 27th March 1943 completing end June. Awarded DFC 517/43. Took crews and Lancaster to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio via Gander to do experimental work for USAAF ( dropping two Bren Gun Carrier type vehicles by parachute from various heights to target zone. Returned to England and commenced third tour as P/ 0 with 617 Squadron October 1943 at Coningsby and Woodhall. Spa until July 1944. As Flying Officer was awarded DSO (Immediate award). Released from Service asF/Ltin 1946." Nicky Ross passed away on 18th April 2008.
Rowan, P J H Click the name above to see a profile of Rowan, P J H    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Rowan, P J H
Salvage, V C Click the name above to see a profile of Salvage, V C	Salvage, V C
Sharkey, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Sharkey, J.    Died : 8 / 4 / 1941	Sharkey, J.
Sherratt, F. Click the name above to see a profile of Sherratt, F.    Died : 8 / 4 / 1941	Sherratt, F.
Spurr, V Click the name above to see a profile of Spurr, V    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Spurr, V
Steele, P H Click the name above to see a profile of Steele, P H	Steele, P H
Stones, F. Click the name above to see a profile of Stones, F.    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Stones, F.
Thomas, I L Click the name above to see a profile of Thomas, I L    Died : 10 / 5 / 1940	Thomas, I L
Todd, E. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Todd, E. F.    Died : 17 / 1 / 1941	Todd, E. F. Sergeant E.F.Todd of No.40 Squadron was killed on January 17th 1941. His Wellington vanished without trace shortly after sending a signal to confirm its task had been completed. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Tonks, S I Click the name above to see a profile of Tonks, S I	Tonks, S I Taken prisoner on 25th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4920 YH-? of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Rety.
Varnsverry, A. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Varnsverry, A. E.	Varnsverry, A. E.
Wakeford, P F T Click the name above to see a profile of Wakeford, P F T	Wakeford, P F T On 6th June 1940 he was injured when his Blenheim Mk.IV P9417 of No.40 Sqn forced landed in Allied territory after sustaining combat damage.
Wallace, Click the name above to see a profile of Wallace,	Wallace, On 6th June 1940 he was injured when his Blenheim Mk.IV P9417 of No.40 Sqn forced landed in Allied territory after sustaining combat damage.
Watson, E Click the name above to see a profile of Watson, E	Watson, E
Webb, T. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Webb, T. G.    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Webb, T. G.
Webster, J A Click the name above to see a profile of Webster, J A	Webster, J A
White, Charles Thomas Click the name above to see a profile of White, Charles Thomas    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	White, Charles Thomas Killed aged 23 on 15th May 1940 when his Blenheim Mk.IV P4913 of No.40 Sqn was shot down near Mons. He is buried in Ecaussinnes D'Enghien Communal Cemetery. Son of George White, and of Clarissa Mary Ann White, of Hammersmith, London.
Whittle, P R Click the name above to see a profile of Whittle, P R    Died : 23 / 5 / 1940	Whittle, P R
Williams, Click the name above to see a profile of Williams,	Williams,
Youldon, Click the name above to see a profile of Youldon,	Youldon,

Aircraft for : No.40 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.40 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
Battle Click the name above to see prints featuring Battle aircraft. Manufacturer : Fairey	Battle 14th May 1940 was a bad day for losses for the Fairey battle aircraft and its crews during the Battle for France. Sedan was situated on the east bank of the Meuse River. Its capture would give the Germans a base from which to capture the Meuse bridges and cross the river. On 14 May 1940 the Allied air forces, tried to destroy the bridges to slow down the German advance. During these sorties No 71 Wing RAF lost 10 Fairey Battles and 5 Blenheims No.75 Wing RAF lost 14–18 Battles and No 76 Wing RAF lost 11 Battles. Out of 71 bombers dispatched, 40–44 bombers were lost, meaning a loss rate of 56–62 percent Here is the list of Aircraft shot down and the names of their crews Battle K9189 , GB-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Pilot Officer F H Ridley killed, Sergeant G Atkinson killed, Aircraftsman 1 J S Thomson killed. Battle K9333 , WT-?, - Shot down near Ecly. Pilot Officer H L Oakley ok, Sergeant Martin ok, Aircraftsman 1 Presto ok. Battle K9342 , GB-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Pilot Officer F A G Lascelles ok, Sergeant Ordway ok, Aircraftsman 1 Weir ok. Battle K9343 , MQ-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Sergeant V H Moseley killed, Sergeant S D Hibberd killed, Corporal H F Little killed. Battle K9383 , MQ-?, - Damaged by enemy but returned to base. Abandoned during fall of France. Sergeant E E Hopkins ok, Sergeant J Callaghan ok, Aircraftsman 1 D Barber ok. Battle K9483 , JN-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Pilot Officer A F Posselt killed, Sergeant D J Bowen killed, Aircraftsman 2 N V Vano killed. Battle L4946 , JN-?, - Crashed near Douchery. Flying Officer J Ing killed, Sergeant J D Turner killed, Aircraftsman 1 W J Nolan killed. Battle L4950 , PH-V, - Crashed near Sedan. Flying Officer E R D Vaughan killed, Sergeant C Shelton-Jones killed, Aircraftsman 1 J D Wright taken prisoner. Battle L4952 , PH-X, - Shot down near Sedan. Flight Lieutenant G D Clancey taken prisoner, Sergeant K Alderson killed, Aircraftsman 1 R T Ainsworth killed. Battle L5188 , PH-C, - Lost near Sedan. Sergeant H R W Winkler taken prisoner, Sergeant M D Smalley taken prisoner, Aircraftsman 1 L R Clarke taken prisoner. Battle L5190? , PM-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Flying Officer T B Fitzgerald injured, Corporal Madkins ok. (Note Flying Officer Fitzgerald may not have been in this aircraft but instead P2191.) Battle L5230 , GB-?, - Lost without trace around Sedan. Flight Lieutenant H C Sammels killed, Sergeant F B Abbott killed, Leading Aircraftsman R D Hughes killed. Battle L5232 , HA-?, - Shot down at Sauville. Pilot Officer W A R Harris injured but returned to unit, Sergeant N B Herriot killed, Aircraftsman 1 W Robinson killed. Battle L5233 , RH-?, - Returned to base damaged and was subsequently abandoned during the fall of France. Battle L5235 , HA-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Pilot Officer A M Imrie taken prisoner, Leading Aircraftsman A J Taylor killed. Battle L5238 , GB-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Flight Lieutenant R N Wall killed, Sergeant A C Morgan killed, Leading Aircraftsman H Hatton killed. Battle L5250 , GB-?, - Force landed and abandoned at Suipped. Pilot Officer D C F Murray ok, Sergeant Hemingway ok, Aircraftsman 1 Hill ok. Battle L5422 , HA-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Flying Officer J F R Crane killed, Aircraftsman 1 T W Holloway taken prisoner. Battle L5438 , MQ-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Flight Sergeant W A Dunn killed, Sergeant A F Sedgewick killed, Aircraftsman 2 M B Millar killed. Battle L5516 , PM-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Pilot Officer V A Cunningham ok, Aircraftsman 1 J Johnson ok. Battle L5517 , WT-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Flight Lieutenant K R Rogers killed. Battle L5523 , GB-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Pilot Officer H E White killed, Sergeant G A Cartwright killed, Aircraftsman 1 J Potter killed. Battle L5581 , RH-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Sergeant W G Ross killed, Sergeant F E Beames killed, Leading Aircraftsman J H K Gegg killed. Battle L5585 Mk.1 , GB-?, - Shot down and crashed behind enemy lines Battle P2182 , JN-?, - Shot down near Douzy. Flight Sergeant J Boon killed, Sergeant J D F Williams killed, Aircraftsman 1 S Martin killed.14May1940Battle P2191 , PM-?, - Shot down by an Me109 near Sedan. Sergeant G Beardsley ok, Leading Aircraftsman G F Lewis ok. (Note Sergeant Beardsley may not have been in this aircraft, but in L5190.)14May1940Battle P2246 , WT-?, - Shot down and crash landed behind enemy lines. Squadron Leader J F Hobler injured but evaded capture, Sergeant R V T Kitto evaded capture, Corporal D J Barbrooke evaded capture.14May1940Battle P2267 , MQ-?, - Shot down near Sedan. Squadron Leader C E S Lockett taken prisoner, Sergeant F J Percival killed, Corporal R S Clark killed.14May1940Battle P2324 , HA-?, - Shot down by ground fire near Sedan. Flying Officer D A J Foster taken prisoner, Aircraftsman 1 T J Bryan taken prisoner.14May1940Battle P2333 , WT-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Sergeant A N Spear evaded capture, Sergeant J Brookes killed, Leading Aircraftsman R H Nugent killed.14May1940Battle P2360 , HA-?, - Lost without trace near Sedan. Pilot Officer R T L Buttery killed, Aircraftsman 2 W C Waterston killed.14May1940Battle P5229 , PH-O, - Shot down near Sedan. Sergeant A G Johnson killed, Sergeant E F White killed, Aircraftsman 1 F T Spencer taken prisoner. Battle P5232 , JN-?, - Crashed near Sedan. Flight Sergeant G T Barker killed, Sergeant J D F Williams killed, Leading Aircraftsman A K Summerson evaded capture.
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.
Lancaster Click the name above to see prints featuring Lancaster aircraft. Manufacturer : Avro Production Began : 1942 Retired : 1963 Number Built : 7377	Lancaster The Avro Lancaster arose from the avro Manchester and the first prototype Lancaster was a converted Manchester with four engines. The Lancaster was first flown in January 1941, and started operations in March 1942. By March 1945 The Royal Air Force had 56 squadrons of Lancasters with the first squadron equipped being No.44 Squadron. During World War Two the Avro Lancaster flew 156,000 sorties and dropped 618,378 tonnes of bombs between 1942 and 1945. Lancaster Bomberss took part in the devastating round-the-clock raids on Hamburg during Air Marshall Harris' Operation Gomorrah in July 1943. Just 35 Lancasters completed more than 100 successful operations each, and 3,249 were lost in action. The most successful survivor completed 139 operations, and the Lancaster was scrapped after the war in 1947. A few Lancasters were converted into tankers and the two tanker aircraft were joined by another converted Lancaster and were used in the Berlin Airlift, achieving 757 tanker sorties. A famous Lancaster bombing raid was the 1943 mission, codenamed Operation Chastise, to destroy the dams of the Ruhr Valley. The operation was carried out by 617 Squadron in modified Mk IIIs carrying special drum shaped bouncing bombs designed by Barnes Wallis. Also famous was a series of Lancaster attacks using Tallboy bombs against the German battleship Tirpitz, which first disabled and later sank the ship. The Lancaster bomber was the basis of the new Avro Lincoln bomber, initially known as the Lancaster IV and Lancaster V. (Becoming Lincoln B1 and B2 respectively.) Their Lancastrian airliner was also based on the Lancaster but was not very successful. Other developments were the Avro York and the successful Shackleton which continued in airborne early warning service up to 1992.
Nieuport Scout Click the name above to see prints featuring Nieuport Scout aircraft. Manufacturer : Nieuport	Nieuport Scout Full profile not yet available.
RE8 Click the name above to see prints featuring RE8 aircraft. Manufacturer : Royal Aircraft Factory Production Began : 1916 Number Built : 4000	RE8 The Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 was a British two-seat biplane reconnaissance and bomber aircraft of the Great War. The first of two prototype R.E.8s (Reconnaissance Experimental 8) flew on 17 June 1916. The first production aircraft reached th front line squadrons in November 1916. The R.E.8 was difficult to fly, and was regarded with great suspicion at first in the Royal Flying Corps. Although eventually it gave reasonably satisfactory service, it was never an outstanding combat aircraft. In spite of this, the R.E.8 served as the standard British reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft from mid-1917 to the end of the war, serving alongside the rather more popular Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8. Over 4,000 R.E.8s were eventually produced and they served in most theatres including Italy, Russia, Palestine and Mesopotamia, as well as the Western Front. In addition to the Royal Aircraft Factory, the R.E.8 was produced by six other companies including Austin Motors, Standard Motors, Siddeley-Deasy and Coventry Ordnance Works
SE5 Click the name above to see prints featuring SE5 aircraft. Production Began : 1917	SE5 The third S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year No's 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its 'demob' 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always remain one of aviation's great warplanes.
Wellington Click the name above to see prints featuring Wellington aircraft. Manufacturer : Vickers Production Began : 1938 Retired : 1953	Wellington The Vickers Wellington was a Bomber aircraft and also used for maritime reconnaissance. and had a normal crew of six except in the MKV and VI where a crew of three was used. Maximum speed was 235 mph (MK1c) 255 mph (MK III, X) and 299 mph (MK IIII), normal operating range of 1805 miles (except MK III which was 1470miles) The Wellington or Wimpy as it was known, was the major bomber of the Royal Air Force between 1939 and 1943. The Royal Air Force received its first Wellingtons in October 1938 to 99 squadron. and by the outbreak of World war two there were 6 squadrons equipped with the Vickers Wellington. Due to heavy losses on daylight raids, the Wellington became a night bomber and from 1940 was also used as a long range bomber in North Africa. and in 1942 also became a long range bomber for the royal Air Force in India. It was well used by Coastal Command as a U-Boat Hunter. The Wellington remained in service with the Royal Air Force until 1953. Probably due to its versatile use, The aircraft was also used for experimental work including the fitting of a pressure cabin for High altitude tests. The Vickers Wellington could sustain major damage and still fly, probably due to its construction of its geodesic structure and practical application of geodesic lines. Designed by Sir Barnes Wallis
York Click the name above to see prints featuring York aircraft. Manufacturer : Avro	York Full profile not yet available.