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No.87 Sqn RAF

Name : No.87 Sqn RAF Founded : 1st September 1917 Disbanded : 3rd January 1961 Country : UK Fate : Disbanded 3rd January 1961 More Details : United Provinces Maximus me metuit - The most powerful fear me Known Code Letters : , LK, PD,

No. 87 Squadron was formed from a major part of D Squadron of the Central Flying School at Upavon on 1st September 1917. In April 1918, 87 Squadron was equipped with Dolphins when it was sent to France to fly in fighter and ground attack operations. This the squadron did to the end of the Great War, returning back to the UK in February 1919, and was disbanding on 24th June 1919. 87 Squadron was reformed on 15th March 1937 at Tangmere and was equipped with Hawker Furies until being re-equipped with the Gloster Gladiator in June when the squadron was based at Debden. In July 1938, 87 Squadron was again re-equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and with the outbreak of World War Two the squadron was moved to France as part of the Air Force supporting the British Expeditionary Force. 87 Squadron supplied air support to the troops on the Northern Front until their airfields were overrun by the German forces. The squadron was then moved to Yorkshire, moving again to south-west England in July for defence roles both day and night. The squadron was mainly used in a night fighter role during the Battle of Britain and remained mainly in that role until the end of 1942, while also beginning intruder missions in March 1941. The squadron was then moved to Gibraltar In November 1942 as part of the build up for the invasion of North Africa, remaining there until September 1943 when the squadron again moved to Sicily. In January 1944, the squadrons main role was to patrol over the Balkans form their base in Italy. In August 1944, the squadron returned to night duties performing fighter-bomber missions and in this role 87 squadron remained until the end of the war. On 30th December 1946, the squadron was disbanded. No.87 reformed on 1st January 1952 at Wahn as a night-fighter squadron in Germany, initially operating the Meteor jet fighter but by the end of 1957 the Meteor was replaced with the Javelin until the squadron was finally disbanded in January 1961. Pilots of 87 Sqn c.1941. Second from the right is P/O G. L. Roscoe. Many thanks to Flight Lieutenant Alex Thom DFC who supplied this photo.

Known Service Details :
Pilot or Aircrew	Rank	Start of Service	End of Service	Known Dates	Aircraft	Airframes	Notes
Geoffrey Allard		unknown	unknown
J. A. Campbell	Flight Officer	unknown	12th May 1940		Hurricane	L1970	Killed in Action
John Reynolds Cock	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	11th August 1940	Hurricane	V7233
P. W. Comely	Pilot Officer	unknown	15th August 1940		Hurricane	P2872	Killed in Action
W. E. Coope	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown	14th November 1939	Hurricane	L1813
J. Cowley	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	15th August 1940	Hurricane	P2872 P3465
Dennis David	Pilot Officer	unknown	October 1940		Hurricane
J. S. Dewar	Squadron Leader	November 1939	12th July 1940
H.J.R. Dunn	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown	09th May 1940	Hurricane	N2362
T. J. Edwards	Flight Officer	unknown	15th May 1940		Hurricane	P2538	Killed in Action
Ian Gleed	Flight Lieutenant	17th May 1940	unknown		Spitfire
R. L. Glyde	Flight Officer	unknown	13th August 1940	14th November 1939	Hurricane	P3387 L1628	Killed in Action
F. V. Howell	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	12th May 1940 13th May 1940	Hurricane	L1632 L1930
P. L. Jarvis	Pilot Officer	unknown	14th May 1940		Hurricane	L1616	Killed in Action
E. P. Joyce	Flight Officer	unknown	unknown	14th May 1940	Hurricane	L1646
Frank Joyce		unknown	May 1940		Hurricane
Terence Gunion Lovell-Gregg	Squadron Leader	unknown	15th August 1940			P3215	Killed in Action
C. C. D. Mackworth	Pilot Officer	unknown	14th May 1940		Hurricane	L1834	Killed in Action
R. S. Mills	Squadron Leader	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
Gareth L. Nowell	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	16th May 1940 23rd May 1940		L1614 P3550
R. M. S. Rayner	Pilot Officer	unknown	unknown		Hurricane
G. C. Saunders	Pilot Officer	unknown	19th May 1940	14th May 1940	Hurricane	L1612	Killed in Action
K. W. Tait		unknown	unknown
A. N. Trice	Sergeant	unknown	16th May 1940			L2000	Killed in Action
R. Voase Jeff	Flight Lieutenant	unknown	11th August 1940		Hurricane	V7231	Killed in Action
H. Walton	Sergeant	unknown	unknown	30th September 1940	Hurricane	V7307

Pilots and Aircrew for : No.87 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
Allard, Geoffrey Click the name above to see a profile of Allard, Geoffrey    Died : 13 / 3 / 1941	Allard, Geoffrey Born 1912, "Sammy" Allard joined the RAF in 1929, training to be a pilot in the late 1930s, before joining No.87 Sqn, but transferred to No.85 Sqn soon after. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of France, Allard racked up 8 victories, and added another 8 during the Battle of Britain, before 85 squadron became a night-fighting unit. Sammy Allard was piloting a Havoc aircraft on 13th March 1941 when a small panel displodged and jammed the rudder, causing the plane to crash, and killing all on board, including New Zealand Ace William Hodgson. Allard was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, which does not appear in the London Gazette, to our knowledge, a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal, gazetted on 13th September 1940, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 8th October 1940. Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross : Between 30th August and ist September, 1940, this officer destroyed seven enemy aircraft; previously he had destroyed ten and shared in the destruction of others. He has displayed outstanding skill and courage in combat against the enemy.
Badger, I. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Badger, I. J.	Badger, I. J.
Beamont, Roland Bee Click the name above to see a profile of Beamont, Roland Bee    Died : 19 / 11 / 2001	Beamont, Roland Bee One of World War IIs great characters, Bee flew Hurricanes with 87 Squadron, later leading a Tempest Wing. He had 8 victories plus a further 32 VIs destroyed. After the war he became a highly respected Chief Test Pilot.Wing Commander Roland Beamont, one of the RAFs top buzz bomb interceptors, was born in Enfield England on August 10, 1920. Educated at Eastborne College, Beamont accepted a short service commission with the Royal Air Force in 1938. He commenced flying in 1939 at the the No. 13 Reserve Flying School at White Waltham. His initial duty was with the Group Fighter Pool at St. Athan where he learned to fly the Hurricane. Beamont was soon posted with the No. 87 Squadron which was part of the Advanced Air Striking Force in France. Seeing action in both France and Belgium prior to the Allied withdrawl, Beamont rejoined 87 Squadron in England during the Battle of Britain. In the spring of 1941 Beamont was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after destroying five enemy aircraft. As Commanding Officer of 609 Squadron, Beamont pioneered both day and night ground attack missions utilizing the Typhoon. Beamont was credited with destroying 25 trains in a three month period. He was then made responsible for organizing and commanding the first Tempest Wing at Newchurch. Three days after D-Day Bearnont shot down an Me-109, marking the first aerial combat victory for the Hawker Tempest. In the summer of 1944 Beamont destroyed 32 buzz bombs prior to leading his wing to a Dutch Airfield at Volkel on the Continent. In October of 1944 Beamont was shot down during a ground attack mission over Germany, and he remained a prisoner of war until wars end. Following repatriation Beamont became an experimental test pilot with the Gloster Aircraft Company, which had developed the RAFs first jet aircraft. Turning down a permanent commission with the RAF, Beamont then joined English Electric Company in Wharton as the Chief Test Pilot for the B3/45 (Canberra) jet bomber program. He managed all prototype testing on the Canberra, and in the process set two Atlantic speed records. Later Beamont was involved with the supersonic P1/Lightning program, and became the first British pilot to fly at twice the speed of sound. From 1965 until 1970 he was a founding member of Britains highly succesful Saudi Arabian export program. For several years prior to his retirement in 1979, Beamont was Director of Operations for British Aerospace and Panavia where he was in charge of flight testing for the Tornado. Since his retirement Beamont has authored nine books, and published numerous magazine articles. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Scociety and an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots in America. He died 19th November 2001. Bee Beamont in the cockpit.
Campbell, J. A. Click the name above to see a profile of Campbell, J. A.    Died : 12 / 5 / 1940	Campbell, J. A. Flight Officer J.A.Campbell was shot down in his Hurricane (L1970) whilst on patrol by a Me109 near Maastrict. He was aged 27 and buried near Maastricht.
Carver, J. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Carver, J. C.    Died : 6 / 6 / 1942	Carver, J. C. Missing June 6th 1942**
Cock, John Reynolds Click the name above to see a profile of Cock, John Reynolds    Died : 20 / 8 / 1988	Cock, John Reynolds P/O John R.Cock flew with No 87 Squadron and was the first Australian to shoot down an enemy aircraft in WWII. In early 1939 Cock was posted to 87 Squadron at Debden On 14th April 1940 Cock attacked a He111 off Le Touquet but it escaped. On 10th May he claimed a Ju88 destroyed and a Do17 and a Me110 damaged, on the 12th April a He111 destroyed, a Me109 on the 14th, possibly a Ju88 on the 16th April, a Ju87 destroyed and another damaged on the 18th and a Hs126 shared on the 19th. The squadron was withdrawn to Debden on the 22nd, moving to Church Fenton a few days later to refit. On 5th July 1940 87 Squadron moved to Exeter. Soon after midnight on the 26th Cock shot down a He111 which crashed at Smeathorpe, near Honiton. On 11th August Cock shot down a Ju88 and a Me109 and probably shot down a Me110 and another Ju88. In this combat Cock's Hurricane, V7233, was hit by a Me109 and he baled out off Portland Bill He swam ashore slightly injured.at Chesil Beach and was admitted to hospital. Cock re-joined 87squadron on 11th September 1940. On the 26th he claimed a Ju88 destroyed and a Me109 damaged, on the 30th a Ju88 destroyed and probably a Me109 and on 10th October he claimed another probable Me109. After his engine cut out on patrol on 24th October Cock was unable to avoid colliding with P/O DT Jay. Cock managed to make a forced-landing but Jay was killed while attempting to bale out. Awarded the DFC Cock went on a instructors course at the end of 1940. In September 1941 he was instructing at 9 FTS Hullavington. On 15th July 1942 Cock was posted to 453 Squadron, recently reformed at Drem, as a Flight Commander. Cock left the squadron on 30th August for a course as a pilot gunnery instructor. After a short attachment to 222 Squadron at Ayr in November he returned to Australia, attached to the Spitfire Wing at Darwin In April 1944 he returned to the UK and did a tour with 3 Squadron in France, flying Tempests, after which he went back to England. He was shot down in his Hurricane I (V7233) off Portland Bill and safely baled out on the 11th of August 1940. He swam ashore slightly injured.
Comely, P. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Comely, P. W.    Died : 15 / 8 / 1940	Comely, P. W. Pilot Officer Peter W.Comley of No 87 Squadron was in his Hurricane I (P2872) when he was shot down and killed, just off Portland 15th of August 1940.
Coope, W. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Coope, W. E.    Died : 4 / 6 / 1941	Coope, W. E. Squadron Leader Coope was forced to land in his Hurricane I (L1813) on November 14th 1939 following combat over Koksidje, Belgium. He was imprisoned but escaped the country on the 27th of November 1939.
Cowley, J. Click the name above to see a profile of Cowley, J.	Cowley, J. Sergeant J.Cowley of No 87 Squadron force landed his Hurricane I (P3465) near Bridgeport after combat off Portland on the 15th of August 1940. His Hurricane was a written off and he was slightly injured.
Culverwell, J. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Culverwell, J. H.    Died : 25 / 7 / 1940	Culverwell, J. H. Killed July 25th 1940
Darwin, C. W. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Darwin, C. W. W.    Died : 7 / 8 / 1942	Darwin, C. W. W. Killed August 7th 1942
David, Dennis Click the name above to see a profile of David, Dennis    Died : 25 / 8 / 2000	David, Dennis Pilot Officer Dennis David was with No 87 Squadron during the Battle for France flying Hurricane's. He stayed with them until October 1940 and then joined No 213 Squadron. W.D.David achieved the rank of Group Captain. In early 1943, he flew Beaufighters with No.89 Sqn, including Beaufighter Mk.1F V8447 N, his personal aircraft.
De Spirlet, F. X. E. Click the name above to see a profile of De Spirlet, F. X. E.    Died : 26 / 6 / 1942	De Spirlet, F. X. E. Killed June 26th 1942
Dewar, J. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Dewar, J. S.    Died : 12 / 9 / 1940	Dewar, J. S. Squadron Leader John S.'Johnie'Dewer commanded No 87 Squadron from November 1939 until the 12th of July 1940. Dewar then Commanded No 213 Squadron until August 1940. He was then promoted to Wing Commander and Station Commander at Exeter. Dewer was awarded the D.S.O. and the D.F.C. Wing Commander J.S.Dewer was killed on the 12th of September 1940 while on patrol in his Hurricane I (V7306). He was lost over the coast while flying to Tangmere, probably shot down. His body was washed ashore on the 30th of September 1940.
Dunn, H.J.R. Click the name above to see a profile of Dunn, H.J.R.	Dunn, H.J.R. Pilot Officer H.J.R Dunn was flying in Hurricane (N2362) during combat with a Do17, the Hurricane overturned on landing and pilot Dunn suffered wounds to the head.
Edwards, T. J. Click the name above to see a profile of Edwards, T. J.    Died : 15 / 5 / 1940	Edwards, T. J. Flight Officer T.J.Edwards of No.87 Squadron was killed whilst flying in Hurricane (P2538), it was shot down in combat with Me110 south of Lille on May 15th 1940.
Gleed, Ian Click the name above to see a profile of Gleed, Ian    Died : 16 / 4 / 1943	Gleed, Ian Flight Lieutenant Ian Richard (Widge) Gleed was commissioned in March 1936 and then posted to No 46 Squadron at Kenly. No 46 Squadron was then flying Gloster Gauntlet bi-planes. Gleed was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and on May 17th joined No 87 Squadron in France. In the next few days he scored 5 kills plus a share in another and 1 probable. No 87 Squadron returned to England on the 20th of May 1940 to re-form and re-equip. In September Gleed was awarded the D.F.C. On the 16th of April 1943 Gleed was killed in a fighter sweep in the Cap Bon area. He was shot down in his Spitfire by the enemy. His nickname came from his short stature. 'Widge' is an R.A.F. abbreviation of Wizard-Midget
Glyde, R. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Glyde, R. L.    Died : 13 / 8 / 1940	Glyde, R. L. Flight Officer R.L.Glyde an Australian who flew with No 87 Squadron was shot down in Belgium in November 1939 but later escaped. He was shot down and killed on August 13th 1940 in his Hurricane I (P3387) near Selsey Bill.
Howell, F. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Howell, F. V.	Howell, F. V. Sergeant F.V.Howell of No.87 Squadron was shot down in Hurricane (L1632) on May 12th 1940 after combat near Maastricht. Howell was shot down again on May 13th 1940 in Hurricane (L1930).
Jarvis, P. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Jarvis, P. L.    Died : 14 / 5 / 1940	Jarvis, P. L. Pilot Officer P.L.Jarvis of No.87 Squadron was shot down in Hurricane (L1616) following combat with He111s west of Maastricht on May 14th 1940, he was killed.
Jay, D. T. Click the name above to see a profile of Jay, D. T.    Died : 24 / 10 / 1940	Jay, D. T. Killed October 24th 1940
Jeff, R. V. Click the name above to see a profile of Jeff, R. V.    Died : 11 / 8 / 1940	Jeff, R. V. Missing August 11th 1940 **
Joyce, E. P. Click the name above to see a profile of Joyce, E. P.	Joyce, E. P. Flight Officer E.P.Joyce of No.87 Squadron was shot down on May 14th 1940 in Hurricane (L1646) following combat with Me110 near Brussels. The Hurricane crashed and Joyce was wounded, he was taken to hospital where his leg was amputated.
Joyce, Frank Click the name above to see a profile of Joyce, Frank	Joyce, Frank Originally flying Hurricanes with 87 Squadron, he was shot down in May 1940 during the Battle of France, was badly injured bailing out and lost his leg. After having a false leg fitted, he returned to active service duties with 286 Squadron, flying Defiants on coastal patrols.
Laycock, H. K. Click the name above to see a profile of Laycock, H. K.    Died : 26 / 8 / 1943	Laycock, H. K. Killed August 26th 1943
Lovell-Gregg, Terence Gunion Click the name above to see a profile of Lovell-Gregg, Terence Gunion    Died : 15 / 8 / 1940	Lovell-Gregg, Terence Gunion Squadron Leader Terence Gunion 'Shovel' Lovell-Gregg a New Zealander was the leader of No 87 Squadron. He was shot down by Bf 109's in a Hurricane (P3215) on August 15th 1940 at over Portland . He crashed at Abbotsbury and was killed. He had not been with the Squadron for much time, but he fitted in and was sorely missed.
Mackworth, C. C. D. Click the name above to see a profile of Mackworth, C. C. D.    Died : 14 / 5 / 1940	Mackworth, C. C. D. Pilot Officer C.C.D.Mackworth of No.87 Squadron was shot down Hurricane (L1834) after combat with Me110s, he was killed when he baled out and his parachute caught fire. He was 21 and buried at Bruyelle in Belgium.
Malengreau, R. F. G. Click the name above to see a profile of Malengreau, R. F. G.	Malengreau, R. F. G.
Mclure, A. C. R. Click the name above to see a profile of Mclure, A. C. R.    Died : 20 / 7 / 1942	Mclure, A. C. R. Killed July 20th 1942
Mills, R. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Mills, R. S.	Mills, R. S. Squadron Leader R.S.Mills D.F.C. took his position as Squadron Leader of No 87 Squadron on August 18th from Squadron Leader T.G.Lovell-Gregg who had been killed three days prior.
Mitchell, H. T. Click the name above to see a profile of Mitchell, H. T.	Mitchell, H. T.
Nowell, Gareth L. Click the name above to see a profile of Nowell, Gareth L.	Nowell, Gareth L. Sergeant Gareth L.Nowell of No.87 Squadron was flying in Hurricane (L1614) on May 16th 1940 when he crash-landed following combat with a Do17. He was uninjured. Nowell was flying in Hurricane (P3550) on May 23rd when he was shot down over northern France by Me109s, he baled out safely and evaded capture before returning to the UK.
Rayner, R. M. S. Click the name above to see a profile of Rayner, R. M. S.	Rayner, R. M. S. Pilot Officer R.M.S. Rayner flew Hurricane's with No 87 Squadron in France and during the Battle of Britain. He scored kills in France and during the Battle of Britain.
Roscoe, G. L. Click the name above to see a profile of Roscoe, G. L.    Died : 24 / 2 / 1942	Roscoe, G. L. Killed February 24th 1942
Saunders, G. C. Click the name above to see a profile of Saunders, G. C.    Died : 19 / 5 / 1940	Saunders, G. C. Pilot Officer G.C.Saunders of No.87 Squadron was shot down in Hurricane (L1612) by a Me110 near Mainrault on May 14th 1940. Saunders was wounded and later died of these wounds on May 19th 1940.
Tait, K. W. Click the name above to see a profile of Tait, K. W.    Died : 6 / 7 / 1941	Tait, K. W. Flight Lieutenant K.W.Tait of No.257 Squadron was killed on August 4th 1941. His Hurricane (Z3164) was involved in combat east of Norfolk before he baled out. He was 22.
Thom, Alex Click the name above to see a profile of Thom, Alex	Thom, Alex Born in Perth, Scotland, Alex Thom joined the RAFVR on June 24th 1939 and flew at the weekends at 11 EARFTS Perth. At the outbreak of World War Two, Thom was called up for full time service with the Royal Air Force and was posted to 3 ITW at Hastings on October 2nd 1939, moving to 15 EFTS at Redhill on April 29th 1940 and on June 15th moved again to 15 FTS, initially at Brize Norton and later to Chipping Norton. Alex Thom went to 6 OTU on September 29th at Sutton Bridge where he converted to Hawker Hurricanes and joined 79 squadron stationed at Pembury only for a short period when he was transferred to 87 Squadron on October 6th 1940, moving with the squadron on the 31st of October to their new base at Exeter. He achieved the rank of Pilot Officer on the 3rd of December 1941. During his time at Exeter he was also based on the Scilly Isles and on one occasion after shooting down an enemy bomber the crew bailed out over the sea. Alex Thom circled the downed German crew who were in a life raft until a motor launch came and picked them up. Thom would later meet the crew and was given a flying helmet by the German pilot, an item he still has today. Alex Thom was appointed B Flight commander on 10th July 1942 and was awarded the DFC on the 14th August 1942. At this time he was credited with two enemy aircraft destroyed and a probable He111. On the 19th of August 1942 while supporting the ground forces at Dieppe, his Hurricane (LK - M) was hit by ground fire and lost oil pressure. He managed to limp back to England where he made a forced landing at East Den. Thom managed to get back to his airfield as a passenger in a Master flown by Flt Sgt Lowe and immediately took off again in Hurricane (LK - A) back to Dieppe where he proceeded to strafe enemy positions. On the 1st of October 1942 he became F/O. In November 1942, 87 Squadron was transferred to North Africa. They were transported by ship to Gibraltar where the squadron flew sorties, and then onto North Africa. Thom was posted away from the squadron to be a flying control officer at Bone. He returned to 87 Squadron which was then based at Tongley and took command on June 27th 1943. He was again posted away from the squadron on September 27th returning to the UK with the Rank of Flight Lt. Thom became an instructor with 55 OTU at Annan on November 17th moving to Kirton in Linsay on March 12th 1944 to join 53 OTU. He was appointed Flight Commander Fighter Affiliation Flight at 84 (Bomber) OTU at Husbands Bosworth on May 19th 1944 and remained there until October 10th when he went to RAF Peterhead as Adjutant. His final posting was to HQ13 Group, Inverness on May 8th 1945 as a Staff Officer and retired from the RAF on December 4th 1945 as a Flight Lt. Alexander Thom DFC signing some of our art prints in 2010. Cranston Fine Arts offer our warmest thanks to Alexander Thom for taking the time to meet with us and add his signature to some of our artwork. Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross : This officer has been engaged on operational flying for a long period, both by day and by night. Throughout he has displayed great keenness and devotion to duty. He has destroyed two enemy aircraft both of which he shot down after pursuing them out to sea for more than 50 miles. On one occasion, he engaged a Heinkel 111 in extremely hazardous flying weather and probably destroyed it. Recently, Pilot Officer Thom has completed several successful intruder operations. He has invariably displayed initiative and courage.
Thorogood, Laurence Click the name above to see a profile of Thorogood, Laurence    Died : 12 / 2005	Thorogood, Laurence Joining 87 Squadron on June 14th 1940, Laurence Thorogood was thrown straight into the Battle of Britain, destroying a Ju88 on 25th August. Commissioned in 1941 he then was posted to India and remained in the Far East until the end of the war. He served with No 9 Sqn Indian Air Force (Hurricane IIc) and 67 Sqn RAF (Spitfire VIII) in the campaign down the Arakan Coast. Staying in the RAF after the war, he served in Singapore and Sumatra with 155 Sqn before converting to Vampires on 130 Sqn, after two years instructing on Oxfords at Middle Wallop, we was Adjutant with 615 Sqn, Biggin Hill before moving to Germany in 1951 to fly Vampires with 118 and 94 Sqns. He served on the Thor missile system before finishing his career as a civilian in Whitehall. Sadly Laurence Thorogood passed away in December 2005. We would like to thank Dr John Thorogood for supplying the photo of his father.
Trice, A. N. Click the name above to see a profile of Trice, A. N.    Died : 16 / 5 / 1940	Trice, A. N. Sergeant A.N.Trice of No.87 Squadron was killed when he was flying in Hurricane (L2000) on May 16th 1940, he was shot down by a Me109 west of Mons.
Van Lierde, W. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Van Lierde, W. E.	Van Lierde, W. E.
Voase Jeff, R. Click the name above to see a profile of Voase Jeff, R.    Died : 11 / 8 / 1940	Voase Jeff, R. Flight Lieutenant R.Voase-Jeff of No 87 Squadron was lost in combat in his Hurricane I (V7231) over Portland Bill on August 11th 1940. He was awarded the D.F.C. and later the Bar to the D.F.C.
Wakeling, S. R. E. Click the name above to see a profile of Wakeling, S. R. E.    Died : 25 / 8 / 1940	Wakeling, S. R. E. Killed August 25th 1940
Walton, H. Click the name above to see a profile of Walton, H.	Walton, H. Sergeant H.Walton of No 87 Squadron was injured on September 30th 1940. He baled out of his Hurricane I (V7307).
Ward, D. H. Click the name above to see a profile of Ward, D. H.    Died : 17 / 6 / 1942	Ward, D. H. Killed June 17th 1942
Watson, R. F. Click the name above to see a profile of Watson, R. F.	Watson, R. F.

Aircraft for : No.87 Sqn RAF
A list of all aircraft associated with No.87 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.
Aircraft	Info
Dolphin Click the name above to see prints featuring Dolphin aircraft. Manufacturer : Sopwith Production Began : 1917 Retired : 1923 Number Built : 2072	Dolphin Despite had a number of early problems, the Dolphin eventually proved successful and generally popular with pilots. The aircraft was fast, maneuverable, and easy to fly, though a sharp stall was noted. When functioning properly, the Hispano-Suiza afforded the Dolphin excellent performance at high altitude. Accordingly, the Dolphin was often deployed against German reconnaissance aircraft such as the Rumpler C.VII, which routinely operated at altitudes above 20,000 ft. No. 87 Squadron explored the use of equipment to supply pilots with oxygen at high altitude, but the experiment was abandoned after trials showed that the oxygen tanks exploded when struck by gunfire The highest-scoring Dolphin unit was No. 87 Squadron, which shot down 89 enemy aircraft in the type. Pilots of No. 79 Squadron shot down 64 enemy aircraft in the eight and one half months that the aircraft was at the front The top two Dolphin aces served in No. 79 Squadron. Captain Francis W. Gillet, an American, scored 20 victories in the type Lieutenant Ronald Bannerman, a New Zealander, scored 17 victories. The third-ranking Dolphin ace was Captain Arthur Vigers of No. 87 Squadron, who attained all 14 of his victories while flying the same aircraft .] Another notable ace, Major Albert Desbrisay Carter of No. 19 Squadron, obtained approximately 13 of his 29 confirmed victories in the Dolphin. Captain Henry Biziou scored eight victories in the type. Four Royal Air Force squadrons operated the Dolphin as their primary equipment, while other squadrons used it in small numbers. No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron, a Canadian Air Force unit, formed with Dolphins at RAF Upper Heyford.[23] The unit became operational shortly after the Armistice
Fury Click the name above to see prints featuring Fury aircraft. Manufacturer : Hawker	Fury Full profile not yet available.
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.
Javelin Click the name above to see prints featuring Javelin aircraft.	Javelin Full profile not yet available.
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.