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No.605 Sqn RAF

Name : No.605 Sqn RAF Founded : 5th October 1926 Disbanded : 10th March 1957 Country : UK Fate : Disbanded 10th March 1957 More Details : County of Warwick (Auxiliary) Nunquam dormio - I never sleep Known Code Letters : , UP, HE, NR,

Formed on 5 October 1926 at RAF Castle Bromwich, 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron was originally a day bomber unit of the Auxiliary Air Force. recruiting in the Birmingham area. Initially equipped with DH.9As, it received Westland Wapitis in April 1930 and Hawker Harts in October 1934. The latter were replaced by Hawker Hinds in August 1936. On 1 January 1939 No. 605 squadron was redesignated as a fighter squadron and re-equipped with Gloster Gladiators., they moved to RAF Tangmere at the start of World War II with a mixture of 6 Hurricanes and 10 Gloster Gladiators. In 1940, the Squadron flew patrols over northern France and took part in the closing stages of the Battle of Britain. It then carried out escort duties and fighter sweeps until posted overseas. In November 1941, the Squadron flew off the carrier HMS Argus to Malta, where it was retained as part of the island's defences, prior to continuing its journey to the Far East. Arriving in Singapore too late to prevent its capture, it moved to Sumatra and then to Java, where they were caught up in the Japanese invasion. It operated any aircraft it could fly until it ceased to exist with its personnel either escaping in small groups or being captured. A new 605 Squadron was formed at RAF Ford on 7 June 1942. Initially equipped with Douglas Boston and Havocs in the intruder role, they were replaced with de Havilland Mosquitoes from February 1943. The Squadron continued to operate this type of aircraft until the end of the war and during this period they were tasked with destroying the German V1 Flying Bombs en route to England. The Squadron disbanded at Volkel Air Base on 31 August 1945; however, with the reactivation of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, 605 Squadron was reformed as a night fighter squadron at RAF Honiley on 10 May 1946. Becoming a day fighter Squadron in July 1948, it flew de Havilland Vampire F.1s and Vampire FB.5s before finally being disbanded, along with all the flying units of the RAuxAF, on 10 March 1957. The Squadron Standard was awarded on 15 October 1953, but it was presented by HRH Princess Margaret on 11 March 1954. It is now laid up in the Parish Church of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Castle Vale, which was built on the original site of RAF Castle Bromwich.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
G. W. B. Austin	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	22nd May 1940	Hurricane	N2349
W. M. Churchill	Squadron Leader	unknown	11th September 1940
T. P. M. Cooper-Slipper	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	15th September 1940	Hurricane	L2012
P. G. Crofts	Flight Officer	unknown	28th September 1940		Hurricane	V6699	Killed in Action
Christopher Currant	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	22nd May 1940	Hurricane	P3575
G. R. Edge		unknown	unknown
C. E. English	Pilot Officer	unknown	7th October 1940			P3677	Killed in Action
J. Fleming	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	08th September 1940	Hurricane	L2061
N. Forbes	Flight Officer	unknown	27th May 1940		Hurricane	L2119	Killed in Action
D. N. Forde		unknown	unknown
G. M. Forrester	Pilot Officer	unknown	9th September 1940		Hurricane	L2057 L2059	Killed in Action
W. J. Glowacki	Pilot Officer	unknown	24th September 1940		Hurricane	P3832	Killed in Action
J. C. F. Hayter	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	26th October 1940	Hurricane	P2916
R. Hope	Flight Officer	unknown	14th October 1940		Hurricane	P3107 P3828	Killed in Action
J. D. Humphreys	A/S/L	unknown	2nd August 1942		Havoc	BJ489	Humphreys was killed the night of 1st/2nd August 1942 during a night intruder to Beauvais. He was the pilot of the Havoc Mk.I serial BJ489 code JP-L from 605 Sqn. Crew were follows : The crew were all killed S/Ldr. J.D. Humphreys DFC W/O. D.L. McConnell Sgt. W.R. Wells Killed in Action
J. S. Humphreys	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	09th September 1940	Hurricane	P2765
Alec Ingle	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	27th October 1940 01st December 1940	Hurricane	V7609 V7599
R. E. Jones	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	15th September 1940 15th November 1940	Hurricane	L2122 P2560
P. G. Leeson	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown	23rd May 1940	Hurricane
S. J. Madle	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown
P. R. C. Mcintosh	Sergeant	unknown	12th October 1940			P3022	Killed in Action
Archie McKellar	Squadron Leader	unknown	1st November 1940			V6879
J. A. Milne	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	22nd October 1940	Hurricane	V6783
I. J. Muirhead	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	26th May 1940	Hurricane	V7305 N2346
Peter Parrott		unknown	unknown
C. W. Passy	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	15th August 1940 26th October 1940		P3827 P3737 V7055
G. V. Perry	Squadron Leader	unknown	27th May 1940		Hurricane	P3423	Killed in Action
R. Puda		unknown	unknown
R. D. Ritchie	Sergeant	unknown	9th August 1940		Hurricane	L2103	Killed in Action
K. Schadtler-Law	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	15th August 1940	Hurricane	P2717
A. M. W. Scott		unknown	unknown
Harbourne Stephen	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	unknown	28th July 1940	Spitfire
G. F. M. Wright	Flight Officer	unknown	21st May 1940		Hurricane	L2120	Killed in Action

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.605 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
Austin, G. W. B. Click the name above to see a profile of Austin, G. W. B.	Austin, G. W. B. Flight Officer G.W.B.Austin of No.605 Squadron was in Hurricane (N2349) when it was involved in combat with Me109s on May 22nd 1940. The aircraft caught fire during combat and Austin was wounded in the leg before baling out near Vermelles.
Budzinski, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Budzinski, J.	Budzinski, J.
Cambell, John Click the name above to see a profile of Cambell, John	Cambell, John John Cambell flew Spitfires with 234 Squadron, before joining 121 Eagle Squadron. After the transfer of the Eagles to the USAAF, John chose to remain with the RAF and was posted to 258 Squadron for the final defence of Singapore, and then to 605 Squadron defending Java. With four victories in the Far East to his credit, in March 1942 the squadron was over-run by the Japanese, and John became a POW in a harsh prison camp in Java for the next 3 and a half years.
Churchill, W. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Churchill, W. M.    Died : 27 / 8 / 1942	Churchill, W. M. Squadron Leader Walter Churchill lead No 605 Squadron until Flight Lieutenant A.McKellar took over command on the 11th of September 1940.
Cooper-Slipper, T. P. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Cooper-Slipper, T. P. M.	Cooper-Slipper, T. P. M. Pilot Officer T.P.M.Cooper-Slipper of No 605 Squadron on the 15th of September 1940 ran out of ammunition so he rammed a Do 17 of KG 3 he and subsequently lost control of his Hurricane I (L2012). Pilot Cooper-Slipper safely baled out over Marden, Kent.
Crofts, P. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Crofts, P. G.    Died : 28 / 9 / 1940	Crofts, P. G. Flight Officer P.G.Crofts of No 605 Squadron was shot down in his Hurricane I (V6699) over Sussex on the 28th of September 1940. Crofts was killed after he baled out but his parachute failed to open.
Currant, Christopher Click the name above to see a profile of Currant, Christopher    Died : 12 / 3 / 2006	Currant, Christopher Pilot Officer Christopher Currant was posted from No 151 Squadron to No 605 Squadron flying a Hurricane. He shot down 9 enemy aircraft during September and October 1940 and was awarded the D.F.C. He later became a Squadron Commander and saw a lot more action.
Edge, G. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Edge, G. R.	Edge, G. R. Squadron Leader Gerry Edge flew with No 253 Squadron in Hurricane's during the Battle of Britain. On the 26th of September 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (P2958) after combat over the Channel and was rescued.
English, C. E. Click the name above to see a profile of English, C. E.    Died : 7 / 10 / 1940	English, C. E. Pilot Officer C.E.English flew Hurricane's with No 85 Squadron and No 605 Squadron. He was shot down over Westerham on the 7th of October 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (P3677) but was killed when his parachute got caught on the tail plane.
Fleming, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Fleming, J.	Fleming, J. Pilot Officer J.Fleming of No 605 Squadron was wounded on the 8th of September 1940 after his Hurricane I (L2061) and was shot down near Tunbridge Wells. He baled out but suffered severe burns.
Forbes, N. Click the name above to see a profile of Forbes, N.	Forbes, N. Flight Officer N.Forbes of No.605 Squadron was made a prisoner of war on May 27th 1940. He was shot down in his Hurricane (L2119) whilst escorting Blenheims to St Omer.
Forde, D. N. Click the name above to see a profile of Forde, D. N.	Forde, D. N. Flight Officer D.N.Forde of No 145 Squadron was shot down over Dunkirk on May 27th 1940 in his Hurricane I (N2710). He was unhurt. He was awarded the D.F.C. on the 26th of February 1943.
Forrester, G. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Forrester, G. M.    Died : 9 / 9 / 1940	Forrester, G. M. Pilot Officer G.M.Forrester of No 605 Squadron was in his Hurricane I (L2059) when it was caught up in crossfire and he collided with a Heinkel He 111 of KG 53 near Farnborough on September 9th 1940. The Hurricane came down at Alton. Pilot Officer Forrester was buried at Odiham.
Foster, Bob Click the name above to see a profile of Foster, Bob	Foster, Bob 605 Sqn Battle of Britain, flying Hurricanes throughout the Battle of Britain with much success. 54(F) Sqn Spitfire 1942-1944 in Australia. Flew some missions in aircraft R4118, which saw a total of 49 combat missions, shooting down several enemy aircarft. It was in this aircraft that Bob Foster damaged two Ju88s and shared in the destruction of a third. He finished the war with 7 confirmed victories and 3 probables.
Furst, B. Click the name above to see a profile of Furst, B.	Furst, B.
Glowacki, W. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Glowacki, W. J.    Died : 24 / 9 / 1940	Glowacki, W. J. Pilot Officer W.J.Glowacki from Poland flew with No 605 Squadron. He was shot down on the 24th of September 1940 at whilst chasing a Dornier Do 17 towards France, he force landed his Hurricane I (P3832) in France. He was treated for his injuries and given an anti-tetanus injection. He died after an allergic reaction to the injection (although it was suggested he was shot by the Germans). Pilots of LG 2 buried him in Guines, Community Cemetery.
Hayter, J. C. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Hayter, J. C. F.	Hayter, J. C. F.
Hope, R. Click the name above to see a profile of Hope, R.    Died : 14 / 10 / 1940	Hope, R. Flight Officer R.Hope from No 605 Squadron baled out of his Hurricane (P3828) safely on the 28th of September 1940. He had been shot down over Ticehurst, Sussex. He died while he was on patrol in his Hurricane I (P3107) on October 14th 1940. It is uncertain how his death came about, it is thought his aircraft was either hit by anti aircraft fire or hit a balloon cable while chasing a He 111. He crashed near South Norwood.
Humphreys, J. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Humphreys, J. D.    Died : 2 / 8 / 1942	Humphreys, J. D. June 18th 1940 Shot down a HE111 at 23.99 over the Norfolk Coast 13th October 1940 J D Humphreys flying Blenheim K7135 was attacked by mistake by Hurricanes of 312 sqd. Although Damaged he managed to get back to his base at Ternhill, other crew members Gunner Sgt E H Bee and Radio operator Francis Fizel. (his last flight) Humphrey was killed the night of 1st/2nd August 1942 during a night intruder to Beauvais. He was the pilot of the Havoc Mk.I serial BJ489 code JP-L from 605 Sqn. Crew were follows : The crew were all killed S/Ldr. J.D. Humphreys DFC W/O. D.L. McConnell Sgt. W.R. Wells
Humphreys, J. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Humphreys, J. S.	Humphreys, J. S.
Ingle, Alec Click the name above to see a profile of Ingle, Alec    Died : 31 / 7 / 1999	Ingle, Alec Alec Ingle was commissioned in June 1940 and joined 615 Squadron at Drem flying Hurricanes before moving to Croydon during the Battle of Britain. He probably destroyed a Do17 in September; in October he shot down an Me109 and probably two more, and yet another victory in November, at which time he was appointed B Flight Commander. He later commanded 609 Squadron at Manston before leading 124 Wing in 1943 flying Typhoons. He was shot down in September 1943 after his Typhoon blew up in combat with an Fw190. Badly burned, he spent the remainder of the war as a POW in Stalag Luft III. Alec Ingle was awarded the AFC and DFC. Sadly Alec Ingle died on 31st July 1999.
Jones, K. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, K. H.	Jones, K. H.
Jones, R. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Jones, R. E.	Jones, R. E. Pilot Officer R.E.Jones of No 605 Squadron was injured on the 15th of September 1940. He had been scrambled at 11:15hrs to meet a formation of 30 Do 17's and some 70 Bf 109's. His Hurricane I (L2122) was hit and he baled out, his aircraft came to rest at Plaxtol, Kent.
Leeson, P. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Leeson, P. G.	Leeson, P. G. Flight Lieutenant P.G.Leeson of No.605 Squadron was on patrol in Hurricane (L2121) on May 23rd when he was shot dowen by AA fire and suffered bad wounds. He was taken prisoner and placed in a German hospital for 9 months.
Madle, S. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Madle, S. J.	Madle, S. J. Pilot Officer S.J.Madle flew with No 605 Squadron and No 615 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He damaged his Hurricane I (L2075) on August 18th 1940 when he landed at Kenley at around after combat. He ran into a bomb crater. He was injured on the 28th of August 1940 after force landing his Hurricane I (R4116). He had been over Sandwich and was hit by the return fire.
Mcintosh, P. R. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Mcintosh, P. R. C.    Died : 12 / 10 / 1940	Mcintosh, P. R. C. Sergeant P.R.C.McIntosh was posted to No 151 Squadron on July 7th 1940. McIntosh was posted away on September 13th 1940. McIntosh was on patrol in his Hurricane (P3022) with No 605 Squadron on October 12th 1940 in the Romney Marsh area when they engaged in combat, Mcintosh was shot down and killed, aged 20.
McKellar, Archie Click the name above to see a profile of McKellar, Archie    Died : 2 / 11 / 1940	McKellar, Archie Born 10th April 1912. Joined No.602 Sqn City of Glasgow flying Spitfires and Hurricanes. Has at least part claim to the first British air victory of the war, and is credited with shooting down the first aircraft to fall on British soil since 1918. In all, he scored 21 victories before being killed when his Hurricane plunged into a field in Kent. He was awarded the DSO and DFC with Bar, the citations for which follow : Citation for the DFC This officer has at all times displayed the keenest desire to engage the enemy. In his first large-scale encounter against enemy aircraft he displayed a great sense of leadership and tactics in launching his flight against ninety Heinkel m's. As a result, at least four enemy aircraft were destroyed, of which Flight Lieutenant McKellar destroyed three. He has displayed outstanding leadership and courage. Citation for the Bar to the DFC During a period of eight days in the defence of London, Flight Lieutenant McKellar has destroyed eight hostile aircraft, bringing his total to twelve. He displays an excellent fighting spirit, is a particularly brilliant tactician and has led his squadron with skill and resource. Citation for the DSO This officer has led his squadron with outstanding courage and determination. He has destroyed 20 enemy aircraft, and his magnificent fighting spirit has proved an excellent inspiration to his fellow pilots.
Milne, J. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Milne, J. A.	Milne, J. A. Pilot Officer J.A.Milne a Canadian of No 605 Squadron was wounded on October 22nd 1940 following combat. He crash landed his Hurricane I (V6783) near Dorking. He had suffered a broken hip.
Muirhead, I. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Muirhead, I. J.    Died : 15 / 10 / 1940	Muirhead, I. J. Pilot Officer I.J.Muirhead of No 605 Squadron baled out of his Hurricane I (V7305) safely on October 7th 1940 over Bexley, Kent following combat. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in October 1940. On the 15th of that month he was forced to bale out of his Hurricane I (N2546) but was too low and was killed. He had been in combat with Bf 109's over Maidstone.
Palliser, Charles Click the name above to see a profile of Palliser, Charles    Died : 24 / 9 / 2011	Palliser, Charles Born in West Hartlepool, Charles Palliser was educated at Brougham School and later attended a technical school. Joining the RAFVR at the outbreak of war in 1939, Charles Palliser was posted to No.3 ITW Hasting, moved to No.11 EFTS Perth on 5th December 1939 and in April 1940 went to No.6 FTS at RAF Little Rissington. Palliser converted to Hawker Hurricanes at No.6 OTU at RAF Sutton Bridge in July 1940 and joined No.17 Squadron at RAF Debden on 3rd August 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Palliser moved to RAF Tangmere with No.43 Squadron on 18th August 1940 and then to North Weald with 249 Squadron on 14th September 1940. On the 15th of September he claimed his first aerial victory. In April 1941 Palliser was commissioned and embarked with 249 Sqn on HMS Furious and on 10th May sailed for Gibraltar, and on arrival the squadron transferred to HMS Ark Royal. The squadron flew to Ta' Qali, Malta on 21stMay 1941 to take part in the Battle of Malta. During that battle he claimed a further five victories, and on 27th November Palliser flew Gladiator Faith on a met flight. In January 1942 he was posted to 605 Squadron as flight commander. Palliser was awarded the DFC, which was gazetted on 30th January 1942. He left the island in February 1942 as one of the islands longest serving pilots and joined No.25 Air School at Standerton as flight commander, arriving in South Africa to take up the appointment on the 28th March 1942. Palliser was posted to No.62 CFS, Bloemfontein on 17th July, to 2 EFTS Randfontein on 19th October and then to 4 EFTS Benoni on 2nd September 1943. He returned to the UK and in October 1947 Palliser retired from the RAF, at the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Parrott, Peter Click the name above to see a profile of Parrott, Peter    Died : 27 / 8 / 2003	Parrott, Peter Born 28th of June 1920, Peter Parrott joined the RAF in 1938, completing his fighter pilot training before joining No.607 Sqn in early 1940. On the 10th of May 1940, he destroyed two He111s and damaged a further two, sharing in another the next day. He was then posted to No.145 Sqn, damaging a Bf110 on May the 22nd and an He111 four days later, an action which saw his aircraft sufficiently damaged to force him to crash land in Kent. During the Battle of Britain, Peter Parrott destroyed a Me109, Ju87, Ju88 and damaged an He111, before being posted to No.605 Sqn in September. After baling out of his damaged Hurricane in December 1940 and remaining with 605 Sqn until summer 1941, he became an instructor. From July 1943 he joined a number of Squadrons in Italy, returning to Britain after the war to become a test pilot. He died 27th August 2003.
Passy, C. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Passy, C. W.	Passy, C. W. Flight Officer C.W.Passy of No.605 Squadron crash-landed his Hurricane (P3827) near Usworth following combat near Newcastle.
Peacock, D. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Peacock, D. C.    Died : 15 / 9 / 1942	Peacock, D. C. Killed September 15th 1942
Perry, G. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Perry, G. V.    Died : 27 / 5 / 1940	Perry, G. V. Squadron Leader G.V.Perry of No.605 Squadron was killed on May 27th 1940, when flying in Hurricane (P3423) he was shot down by fighters.
Pettit, H. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Pettit, H. W.    Died : 2 / 2 / 1941	Pettit, H. W. Killed February 2nd 1941**
Puda, R. Click the name above to see a profile of Puda, R.	Puda, R.
Raby, Ray Click the name above to see a profile of Raby, Ray	Raby, Ray F/Lt Ray Raby jojned the RAFVR in 1940. His flying training began in the USA, where he was retained as an instructor with both USAF and RAF wings. He qualified on his return for an Air Navigators Certificate. He was posted to 519 Squadron, Wick, on Spitfires prior to joining 542 Squadron, Benson PRU with Jerry Fray as Flight Commander. In 1943, he was posted to Benson and survived 58 operational sorties until he was demobbed in 1946. In 1947 he joined 605 (County of Warwick) Wsquadron, Raux AF, Honiley on Vampire and Meteor jet aircraft as flight commander until disbandment in 1957. His total hours flown are 3265.
Ralls, L. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Ralls, L. F.	Ralls, L. F.
Ritchie, R. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Ritchie, R. D.    Died : 9 / 8 / 1940	Ritchie, R. D. Sergeant R.D.Ritchie of No 605 Squadron in his Hurricane I (L2103) died when he was forced to ditch into the sea off Dunbar on August 9th 1940. He was later picked up by a boat but his neck was found to be broken. He was aged 24.
Rothwell, J. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Rothwell, J. H.    Died : 22 / 2 / 1941	Rothwell, J. H. Killed February 22nd 1941
Schadtler-Law, K. Click the name above to see a profile of Schadtler-Law, K.	Schadtler-Law, K. Pilot Officer K.Schadtler-Law of No 605 Squadron was injured when his Hurricane I (P2717) was hit by return fire during combat over Newcastle on August 15th 1940. The Hurricane was later repaired after he force-landed on Hartlepool Golf course.
Scott, A. M. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Scott, A. M. W.    Died : 2 / 1 / 1941	Scott, A. M. W. Killed January 2nd 1941
Scott, D. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Scott, D. R.    Died : 8 / 11 / 1941	Scott, D. R. Killed November 8th 1941
Sones, L. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Sones, L. C.	Sones, L. C.
Stephen, Harbourne Click the name above to see a profile of Stephen, Harbourne    Died : 20 / 8 / 2001	Stephen, Harbourne Flying Spitfires with 605 squadron he took part in the air battles over France and Dunkirk and throughout the thick of the Battle of Britain. He was one of the top scoring R.A.F. pilots at the end of 1940 with 22 and a half air victories. In 1942 he was posted to the far east where he took command of 166 wing, remaining in fighters until the end of the war. After the war he had a successful career in newspapers where he became managing Director of the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph. He died on 20th August 2001.
Thompson, P. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Thompson, P. D.	Thompson, P. D.
Watson, E. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Watson, E. J.    Died : 26 / 2 / 1942	Watson, E. J. Killed February 26th 1942**
Wright, G. F. M. Click the name above to see a profile of Wright, G. F. M.    Died : 22 / 5 / 1940	Wright, G. F. M. Flight Officer G.F.M.Wright of No.605 Squadron was on patrol in a Hurricane (L2120) on May 22nd when he was shot down by a He111 and killed. He was buried at Berneville in France, aged 36.
Wright, Ricky Click the name above to see a profile of Wright, Ricky    Died : 5 / 11 / 2007	Wright, Ricky 605 Sqn Battle of Britain, Officer Commanding 54(F) Sqn Vampire 1948-1949. Eric William Wright was born on September 21st 1919 at Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, and went to the Cambridge County School and the Technical College. Wright joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in June 1939 and was called up when he had completed his training as a pilot. As a sergeant pilot Wright flew Hurricanes over south-east England during the Battle of Britain; Wright joined No 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron in July 1940, a few days before it left its Scottish base for Croydon. He saw a great deal of action during the summer of 1940, and in the early days of September he shared in the destruction of a Messerschmitt Bf 110 fighter and a Dornier 17 bomber. On September 15, the climax of the Battle, and a day commemorated as Battle of Britain Day, Wright shot down a Dornier 17 over Maidstone and by the end of the year he had accounted for six enemy aircraft, probably destroyed three more and damaged a further six. At the end of November he was awarded an immediate DFM. Wright was made a flight commander of No.232 Squadron in 1941 and went to India. After the Japanese attacks on Malaya the squadron embarked on the aircraft carrier Indomitable, flying off to Java at the end of January 1942 en route to reinforce the beleaguered squadrons at Singapore. Within a week Wright's CO had been killed and Wright was promoted to squadron leader. He damaged a Japanese bomber off the west coast of Singapore, but 232 was soon forced to evacuate to Sumatra. Wright was made CO of a composite squadron made up of the remaining Hurricanes. They were hopelessly outnumbered, and losses mounted. With only a few aircraft left, on March 1st 1942 Wright was ordered to pass his remaining Hurricanes to a group selected to stay behind and take his remaining pilots to Tjilatjap, on the south coast, from where they were to board a boat for Australia. Two Ford V8s were commandeered, and the party drove through the jungle at night, only to find that the last boat had been sunk. In vain they searched along the coast for other craft. A few days later the island fell to the Japanese, and Wright and his pilots were captured and spent more than three years in Japanese prison camps. After the war Wright was repatriated back to the UK via Guam and the US finally returning to England onboard the liner Queen Mary. Wright resumed his career as a fighter pilot flying the early jets and was a member of the RAFs official aerobatic team, No.247 Squadron, flying Vampires. In April 1948 he flew one of the six single-engine Vampire F3s of No.54 Squadron which made the first Atlantic crossing by jet aircraft. On returning back the the UK, Wright was appointed to command No 54. After spending a year at the Central Fighter Establishment Wright was appointed wing leader at Linton-on-Ouse with command of three fighter squadrons. In late 1956 he converted to the Hunter and took the Tangmere Wing to Cyprus for the Suez operations. He was then given command of the RAFs first Bloodhound ground-to-air missile squadron. In 1960 he was promoted to group captain and spent three years at Headquarters Fighter Command, where he was heavily involved in the introduction into service of the supersonic Lightning fighter. Wright was appointed CBE in 1964. He also received a Kings Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air and the Air Efficiency Award. Air Commodore Ricky Wright CBE DFC DFM retired form the Royal Air Force in 1973. Sadly Air Commodore Ricky Wright passed away on the 5th of November 2007 aged 88.

Aircraft for : No.605 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.605 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
Boston Click the name above to see prints featuring Boston aircraft. Manufacturer : Douglas Aircraft Company Production Began : 1941 Retired : 1849 Number Built : 1942	Boston There are three marks, the I has two 1,050hp PW Wasps, the II has two 1,200hp PW Wasps and the III has two 1,600hp Wright Cyclones. The Boston I was used by the RAF as a trainer and the II was used as a night fighter and called the Havoc I. The French order called for substantial modifications, resulting in the DB-7 (for Douglas Bomber 7) variant. It had a narrower, deeper fuselage, 1,000 hp (746 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SC3-G radials, French-built guns, and metric instruments. Midway through the delivery phase, engines were switched to 1,100 hp (820 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G. The French designation was DB-7 B-3 (the B-3 signifying "three-seat bomber"). The DB-7s were shipped in sections to Casablanca for assembly and service in France and French North Africa. When the Germans attacked France and the Low Countries on 10 May 1940, the 64 available DB-7s were deployed against the advancing Germans. Before the armistice they were evacuated to North Africa to avoid capture by German forces. Here, they fell under control of the Vichy government and briefly engaged the Allies during Operation Torch. After French forces in North Africa had sided with the Allies, DB-7s were used as trainers and were replaced in front line units by Martin B-26 Marauders. In early 1945, a few DB-7s were moved back to France, where they saw action against the remaining isolated German pockets on the western coast. The remainder of the order which was to have been delivered to France was instead taken up by the UK via the British Purchasing Commission. In the course of the war, 24 squadrons operated the Boston. The type saw its first active operations with the RAF in early 1941, when 181 Boston IIs began to be deployed in night fighter and intruder roles. On 4 July 1942 United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) bomber crews, flying RAF Boston aircraft, took part in operations in Europe for the first time attacking enemy airfields in the Netherlands. They replaced the Bristol Blenheims of No. 2 Group RAF for daylight operations against occupied Europe until replaced in turn by de Havilland Mosquitos. Some Havocs were converted to Turbinlite aircraft which replaced the nose position with a powerful searchlight. The Turbinlite aircraft would be brought onto an enemy fighter by ground radar control. The onboard radar operator would then direct the pilot until he could illuminate the enemy. At that point a Hawker Hurricane fighter accompanying the Turbinlite aircraft would make the attack. The Turbinlite squadrons were disbanded in early 1943. The III is now used in large numbers on fighter escorted raids on France and the Low Countries and is also used extensively in the Middle East. They have done very good work, and with the Ventura have replaced the Blenheim in this country. The Mk.III is also used as a night fighter and is known as the Havoc II. The A-20G became the largest production run of the Havoc series, numbering some 2,850 total aircraft. The A-20G followed on the heels of the A-20C production model and was a dedicated ground attack platform as opposed to the light bomber designation carried by preceding models. The initial production A-20G block (259 total A-20G-1's) featured the distinctive solid nose assembly mounting 4 x 20mm cannons (deleting the bombardier's nose position and bringing the crew total down to three personnel). The follow-up production block (Block 5) reverted back to a more conventional array of 6 x 12.7mm machine guns as the cannons were prone to jamming and offered up a slow rate of fire. The cannon-armed versions were mostly operated under the Soviet banner via Lend-Lease and understandably proved quite devastating in the ground attack role. Additional armament for either form of this aircraft included 2 x 12.7mm machine guns in a flexible dorsal position and a single 7.62mm machine gun in the ventral position (flexible mount). Bomb load totalled 2,000lbs of internally-held ordnance and/or 374-gallon drop tank. Engines for the aircraft were Wright R-2600-23 Cyclone supercharged radials of 1,600 horsepower each. Top speed was 317 miles per hour with a combat range of 950 miles and a modest ceiling of 23,700 feet.
Gladiator Click the name above to see prints featuring Gladiator aircraft. Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1935 Retired : 1945 Number Built : 746	Gladiator GLOSTER GLADIATOR: A continuation form the Gloster Gauntlet aircraft the Gloster Gladiator (SS37) becoming designated the F.7/30 was named Gladiator on the 1st July 1935. The first 70 Gladiators had Under wing machine guns (Vickers or Lewis) before the browning became standard The first aircraft arrived at Tangmere airfield on in February 1937 to no. 72 squadron. at the outbreak of world war two a total of 218 Gladiators had been received by the Royal air force with a total of 76 on active service. They served also in the Middle eats and in 1940 when Italy joined the war was nearly the only front line fighter in the middle east. Between 1939 and 1941. the Gloster Gladiator flew in many war zones. flying in France, Greece, Norway, Crete Egypt Malta and Aden. The Aircraft claimed nearly 250 air victories. It stayed in front line duties until 1942, then becoming fighter trainer, and other sundry roles. It continued in these roles until the end of world war two. The Naval equivalent the Sea Gladiator a short service in the Middle east and European waters. A Total of 746 aircraft were built of these 98 were Sea Gladiators.. Performance. speed: 250mph at 17,500 feet, 257 mph at 14,600 Range 430 miles. Armament: Two fixed .3-03 browning machine guns
Hurricane Click the name above to see prints featuring Hurricane aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker Production Began : 1936 Number Built : 14533	Hurricane Royal Air Force Fighter, the Hawker Hurricane had a top speed of 320mph, at 18,200 feet and 340mph at 17,500, ceiling of 34,200 and a range of 935 miles. The Hurricane was armed with eight fixed wing mounted .303 browning machine guns in the Mark I and twelve .303 browning's in the MKIIB in the Hurricane MKIIC it had four 20mm cannon. All time classic fighter the Hurricane was designed in 1933-1934, the first prototype flew in June 1936 and a contract for 600 for the Royal Air Force was placed. The first production model flew ion the 12th October 1937 and 111 squadron of the Royal Air Force received the first Hurricanes in January 1938. By the outbreak of World war two the Royal Air Force had 18 operational squadrons of Hurricanes. During the Battle of Britain a total of 1715 Hurricanes took part, (which was more than the rest of the aircraft of the Royal air force put together) and almost 75% of the Victories during the Battle of Britain went to hurricane pilots. The Hawker Hurricane was used in all theatres during World war two, and in many roles. in total 14,533 Hurricanes were built.
Meteor Click the name above to see prints featuring Meteor aircraft. Manufacturer : Gloster Production Began : 1944 Number Built : 3947	Meteor The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies' first operational jet. Designed by George Carter, and built by the Gloster Aircraft Company, Armstrong-Whitworth, the Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations on 27 July 1944 with 616 Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The Gloster Meteor was not an aerodynamically advanced aircraft but the Gloster design team succeeded in producing an effective jet fighter that served the RAF and other air forces for decades. Meteors saw action with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the Korean War and other air forces used the Meteor. The Royal Danish Air Force, The Belgian Air Force and Isreali Air Force kept the Meteor in service until the early 1970's. A Total of 3947 meteors were built and two Meteors, WL419 and WA638, remain in service with the Martin-Baker company as ejection seat testbeds.
Spitfire Click the name above to see prints featuring Spitfire aircraft. Manufacturer : Supermarine Production Began : 1936 Retired : 1948 Number Built : 20351	Spitfire Royal Air Force fighter aircraft, maximum speed for mark I Supermarine Spitfire, 362mph up to The Seafire 47 with a top speed of 452mph. maximum ceiling for Mk I 34,000feet up to 44,500 for the mark XIV. Maximum range for MK I 575 miles . up to 1475 miles for the Seafire 47. Armament for the various Marks of Spitfire. for MK I, and II . eight fixed .303 browning Machine guns, for MKs V-IX and XVI two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 browning machine guns. and on later Marks, six to eight Rockets under the wings or a maximum bomb load of 1,000 lbs. Designed by R J Mitchell, The proto type Spitfire first flew on the 5th March 1936. and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938, with 19 squadron based and RAF Duxford. by the outbreak of World war two, there were twelve squadrons with a total of 187 spitfires, with another 83 in store. Between 1939 and 1945, a large variety of modifications and developments produced a variety of MK,s from I to XVI. The mark II came into service in late 1940, and in March 1941, the Mk,V came into service. To counter the Improvements in fighters of the Luftwaffe especially the FW190, the MK,XII was introduced with its Griffin engine. The Fleet Air Arm used the Mk,I and II and were named Seafires. By the end of production in 1948 a total of 20,351 spitfires had been made and 2408 Seafires. The most produced variant was the Spitfire Mark V, with a total of 6479 spitfires produced. The Royal Air Force kept Spitfires in front line use until April 1954.
Vampire Click the name above to see prints featuring Vampire aircraft.	Vampire Full profile not yet available.