Cranwellians who served

Kingcome, Charles Brian Fabris (9-36B)

Kingcome entered the RAF Royal Air Force College Cranwell, Cranwell in 1936. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Kingcome was based at Hornchurch Airfield serving with No. 65 Squadron RAF. He took part in the battle of France and the battle of Dunkirk; scoring no victories. He was then posted to No. 92 Squadron, RAF Tangmere in May 1940, where he assumed temporary command over No. 92 Squadron after the loss of their

Squadron leader Roger Bushell over the skies of Calais on 23 May 1940. During his time at No. 92 Squadron, Kingcome became acquainted with Geoffrey Wellum. Wellum, who flew as wingman to Flight Lieutenant Brian Kingcome, 92 Squadron’s acting CO (the Squadron lost 2 new COs within days of their arrival and Brian Kingcome led the Squadron temporarily in the absence of a squadron commander) later recorded his experiences in the book First Light. Kingcome was acting CO of No. 92 Squadron until Sqn Ldr Johnny Kent a Canadian, arrived. In early 1941, after Kent was transferred, Kingcome received full command . During this time he and his pilots achieved the highest success rate of any squadron in the entire Battle of Britain. After serving with 92 Squadron, Kingcome was briefly posted as flight commander at No 61 Operational Training Unit in late 1941. In February 1942, he returned to operations as CO of No. 72 Squadron RAF. Almost immediately he was ordered to provide escort cover for the ill-fated Fleet Air Arm Swordfish attack on the German capital ship Gneisenau, the cruiser ship Prinz Eugen and the capital ship Scharnhorst as they sailed through the Channel in an attempt to reach Kiel, Germany during operation Channel Dash. He then became Wing Leader at Kenley in June 1942, and late in the year posted to the Fighter Leader's School at RAF Charmy Down. In May 1943 he was posted to North Africa to command No. 244 Wing RAF and in September he was promoted to Group Captain at the age of 25. With 244 Wing, Kingcome found himself leading five Spitfire squadrons: No. 92 Squadron RAF, No. 145 Squadron RAF, No. 601 Squadron RAF, No. 417 Squadron RCAF and No. 1 Squadron SAAF during the Italian Campaign. In October, he attended the RAF Staff College at Haifa. On completion, Kingcome was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer in No. 205 Group, which comprised all of the RAF heavy bomber squadrons in the theatre. In spite of his staff position, Kingcome flew several missions as a waist-gunner in a B-24 Liberator over northern Yugoslavia. He remained in Italy after the war as CO of No. 324 Wing, again on fighters. In mid 1946 he returned to the UK and the Staff College for two years. Flight Lieutenant Brian Kingcome (left), commanding officer of No. 92 Squadron Royal Air Force and his wingman, Flying Officer Geoffrey Wellum, next to a Supermarine Spitfire at RAF Biggin Hill, Kent, 1941. Kingcome flew Spitfires in combat continually until the end of 1944, his tally finishing at 8 and 3 shared destroyed, plus a score of probables and damaged. One of the prewar Cranwell elite, Kingcome was to become one of the Second World War's great fighter leaders, alongside Douglas Bader, Robert Stanford Tuck and Johnnie Johnson.

Lecky, John Gage ( 4-39)

Lecky was born in Yokohama, Japan where his father was Language Officer at the British Embassy. He was educated at Highfield Preparatory School, Liphook and Wrekin College, Shropshire. Lecky entered the College in April 1939 as a Flight Cadet. The normal course was shortened because of the war and he was commissioned in March 1940.

His first posting was to an army co-operation squadron and he then joined 610 Squadron at Biggin Hill in August. Lecky moved to 41 Squadron at Hornchurch on 2nd October 1940. Nine days later (11/10/40) he was shot down in combat with Me109's and although he baled out he was killed. His Spitfire, P9447, crashed at Preston Hall, Maidstone.

Lecky was 19. He is buried in All Saints' churchyard, Tilford, Surrey.

Lee, Richard Hugh Antony (9-35C)

Richard Hugh Antony Lee was born in London in 1917 and educated at Charterhouse School. He entered the RAF College, Cranwell in September 1935 as a Flight Cadet and graduated in July 1937. On 1st June 1938 he joined 85 Squadron, then reforming at Debden. Lee went to France with the squadron at the outbreak of war. He destroyed a He111 over Boulogne on 21st November 1939, 85's first victory. Lee was awarded the DFC (gazetted 8th March 1940). On 10th May 1940 he claimed a Hs126 destroyed, shared a Ju86 and damaged a Ju88. On the 11th, after shooting down two enemy aircraft, he was himself shot down by flak and captured. Lee escaped and made his way back to his squadron. On 22nd May 85 withdrew to Debden. Flying with 56 Squadron over Dunkirk on the 27th, Lee was shot down into the sea and was picked up after an hour in the water. He was awarded the DSO (gazetted 31st May 1940). Back with 85 Squadron in August 1940, Lee was last seen in pursuit of an enemy formation thirty miles off the east coast on the 18th. Lee was not heard of again and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 6. He was 23 years old. At the time of his death Lee was an Acting Flight Lieutenant. He is believed to have destroyed at least nine enemy aircraft.

Leigh, Rupert Henry Archibald (1-30A)

Squadron Leader (later Air Commodore) Rupert Henry Archibald Leigh (1912-1991). Leigh commanded 66 Squadron from April to October 1940; before the war, he was friends with Douglas Bader; "he was given the task of conducting Bader's test flight having been given clearance by the Central Medical Establishment. Conducting the test in a Harvard, equipped with toe brakes which Bader would be unable to operate with his artificial legs, Leigh operated these for him knowing that on operations Bader would be flying Spitfires or Hurricanes which were fitted with hand operated brakes."  As a pre-war regular, Leigh was a skilled tactician who evinced a preference for head-on attacks from slightly below enemy formations -- where defensive fire would be weakest. He finished the war with 1.5 victories.

Lister, Robert Charles Franklin (9-32A)

Lister was born on 23rd August 1913 and attended Cheltenham College from 1927 to 1932. He entered Cranwell in September 1932 won the Groves Memorial Prize in 1934 and, after graduating, he joined 13 (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Netheravon on 28th July 1934. Lister was posted to 20 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron at Peshawar on 28th February 1935. In 1937 he was supporting the Army, operating in the mountains of Waziristan against tribesmen led by the Fakir of Ipi. Lister was awarded the DFC (gazetted 16th August 1938) for gallant and distinguished service in operations in Waziristan from 16th September to 15th December 1937 He received a Mention in Despatches (gazetted 18th February 1938). Back in the UK, Lister was posted to CFS Upavon for an instructors course, after which he went to 10 FTS Tern Hill. On 2nd January 1939 he was made Adjutant of 614 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at Cardiff. In late 1939 Lister crashed during take-off with engine failure and fractured his spine. He was in plaster for nine months and was given a temporary job at the Air Ministry. Lister was cleared for flying duties in August 1940 and asked for a posting to Fighter Command. He was posted to 7 OTU Hawarden, converted to Spitfires and then took temporary command of 41 Squadron at Hornchurch on 8th September. He was shot down on the 14th whilst flying at the rear of a squadron formation in Spitfire R6605, by a Me109 out of the evening sun that no-one had spotted. Lister baled out when the aircraft caught fire, slightly wounded in the arm. On the 22nd he was attached to 92 Squadron at Biggin Hill as a supernumerary. Shortly after Lister's arrival the CO was burned and Lister took command. On 24th September 92 was scrambled to be part of a 'Big Wing' of three squadrons. Time was wasted and it met a formation of nine Ju88's with a 100+ Me109 escort, head-on and slightly below. After a general break Lister, in X4427, found himself alone and being circled by some nine Me109's. He was eventually hit by a cannon shell in the bottom of the cockpit and wounded in both legs. He went into a spin, managed to get back to Biggin Hill but had only one flap working, causing him to go out of control into a skidding diving turn which fortunately took the Spitfire into a valley below the level of the airfield. Lister regained control, made a landing without flaps and stopped ten yards short of a wood at the far end. After long hospital treatment Lister was declared medically unfit for flying duties in June 1941 and posted to the Operations Room at Biggin Hill as Controller. In April 1942 he became SASO at HQ 219 Group at Alexandria and in October 1943 became CO 209 Group at Haifa. From September 1944 until July 1945 Lister was on the staff at Air HQ Eastern Mediterranean, after which he commanded RAF Amman, Jordan until March 1946, when he was posted back to the UK. Lister later commanded RAF Wattisham and was subsequently SOA at HQ 64 Group. He was Station Commander at RAF Newton when he retired on 31st October 1954 as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain.

He died in March 1998.

Lumsden, Dugald Thomas Moore (1-39B)

Lumsden was born on 27th June 1920 and educated at Deytheur Grammar School. He entere Cranwell in January 1939. The course was shortened because of the war and, after being commissioned in December 1939, Lumsden joined the recently-reformed 236 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 4th January 1940.

After operating with Fighter Command in July 1940, the squadron moved to St. Eval in early August and rejoined Coastal Command. On 9th November1940 Heinkel He111H-4 1T + FH 6951 of 1./KGr. 126 was attacked by Lumsden, flying with Sgt CM Gibbons and Sgt EE Miles. It jettisoned its torpedo but then crashed into the sea off Brest.Flgr. O Skusa was killed, Fw. P Hermsen missing, Fw. W von Livonius and Oblt. H. Lorenz both rescued by Seenotdienst. The body of Skusa was later washed ashore in Brittany. In July 1941 Lumsden was posted to 2 (Coastal) OTU at Catfoss, as an instructor. Whilst there he converted to Beaufighters and in late May 1942 returned to operations, joining 248 Squadron at Dyce. On 11th July 1942 Lumsden was shot down by Me109’s off Trondheim and captured. At some time he was held in Stalag Luft III. Liberated in May 1945, Lumsden joined 254 Squadron in September, flying Beaufighters. He stayed on in the RAF, was made and MBE (gazetted 1st June 1953) and retired on 16th May 1964 as a Wing Commander.

MacDonell, Aeneas Ranald Donald (9-32B)

Born in Baku, Southern Russia, where his father, Ranald MacDonell, was British vice-consul, he was educated at Hurstpierpoint College in Sussex, where he captained the Rugby XV and Shooting Eight. He qualified as a fighter pilot at from the College and was Flight Commander at No 13 Flying Training School, Drem, East Lothian when war broke out. Aged 25 and with the rank of

Squadron Leader, he led No 64 Squadron of Spitfire fighters from Kenley in Surrey. He was never far from the thick of the action and within one month he had downed eight enemy aircraft in dog-fights with three other possible kills, a feat that won him the Distinguished Flying Cross.  His luck ran out in March 1941 when he was shot down over the Channel and had to ditch in the sea where he was picked up by a German E-boat. He was a PoW for the rest of the war and became adjutant in charge of the Allied prisoners at Stalag Luft III. From there he helped organise repeated freedom bids, including the famed ''Wooden Horse'' escape, when prisoners used a vaulting horse as a cover for the tunnel they were digging under the perimeter fence, an episode which became the basis for a book and film.

It was while a PoW that he inherited the clan chiefdom, and after the war held appointments in the War Office and was Chief Flying Instructor at RAF Cranwell. After a year at Cambridge reading Russian, he was promoted to Air Commodore and sent as the Air Attache to the British Embassy in Moscow, where his knowledge of the language and the country made him an ideal choice for his Cold War ''spy'' activities. He was made a companion of the Order of the Bath in 1964 after four years at the still-fledgling Ministry of Defence, which exercised his diplomatic skills. On retirement from the MoD, he moved into the construction industry, finally retiring in 1981 to Fortrose, where he was known simply as Donald and a popular figure in the village.

MacDonell CB, DFC, 22nd Chief of Glengarry

Born November 15, 1913, died June 7, 1999

MacDougall, Ian Neil (4-38A)

141 Sqn Later in Malta

Marrs, Eric Simcox  (4-39B)

Marrs was born in Dover on 9th July 1921 and educated at Dauntseys School. He entered the RAF College Cranwell in April 1939. He was awarded a Permanent Commission on 7th March 1940 and joined 152 Squadron ten days later.

On 13th August Marrs claimed a Me110 destroyed, on the 16th a probable He111, on the 18th a Ju87 destroyed, on the 22nd a shared Do17, on the 25th a Me110, on 17th September a shared Ju88, on the 25th two He111's and a Me110 damaged, on the 27th a Ju88 destroyed, on 7th October a Me110 destroyed and another damaged, on 14th November a Ju88 shared and on the 28th a Me109 destroyed. Marrs shared a Do17 north of Warmwell on 4th January 1941. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 7th January 1941) and became a Flight Commander in April. He shared a He111 over the Scilly Isles on 18th July. The squadron provided close escort for Hampdens detailed to bomb the Scharnhorst and Gneisnau at Brest on 24th July 1941. Heavy flak was encountered over the target and Marrs was shot down in Spitfire IIA P7881 and killed. He is buried in Kerfautras Cemetery, Brest, France.

McKenzie John Woffenden (1-38)

McKenzie of Johannesburg, South Africa was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Scotland. He entered Cranwell on 1st January 1938 as a Flight Cadet. He graduated on 30th September 1939 and the next day joined 263 Squadron, then reforming at Filton with Gladiators. On 21st April 1940 the squadron flew to Prestwick and embarked on HMS Glorious for Norway. It flew off on the 25th and landed on Lake Lesjeskogen. McKenzie flew a defensive patrol along Romsdal Valley on the 26th, the squadron was withdrawn to Veblungsnes on the 27th and on the 28th was evacuated from Aandalsnes and then re-embarked for return to the UK. McKenzie was posted to 111 Squadron at Wick on 10th May 1940. During a combat off Margate on 11th August he is believed to have been shot down by Me109's. His Hurricane, P3922, crashed into the sea and he was reported Missing. He was 20 and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 9.

Measures, William Edward Geoffrey (9-35B)

74 & 238 Sqns

Miley, Miles John (9-36C)

Miley was the elder son of Group Captain AJ Miley OBE, Air Attache in Buenos Aires in September 1940. He was born in 1918 and educated at Sherborne School. He entered RAF College, Cranwell in September 1936 as a Flight Cadet. On graduation in July 1938 he joined 25 Squadron at Hawkinge. Miley was still with the squadron in early July 1940. He was attached to the Air Fighting Development Unit at Northolt on 15th August. In the early evening of 15th September 1940 Miley was flying as a passenger in Beaufighter R2067 from North Weald, with F/O HMS Lambert as pilot and LAC JP Wyatt as crew. The aircraft crashed near Kenley aerodrome at 6.20 pm and all three men on board were killed. It has never been established whether the crash was an accident or the result of enemy action. On that day Feldwebel Neuhoff of JG53 claimed a Blenheim destroyed but none was reported lost on the 15th. It is possible that he may have mistaken the Beaufighter for a Blenheim, if indeed he did shoot it down. Miley was 22. He is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, North Weald, Essex.

Montagu, George Wroughton (1-30C)

More, James Winter Carmichael (9-28A)

James Winter Carmichael More was born in 1910 and educated at Haileybury College. He entered RAF College, Cranwell in September 1928 as a Flight Cadet. On graduation in July 1930 he joined 54 Squadron at Hornchurch, moving on 12th

February 1932 to 403 (Fleet Fighter) Flight on HMS Hermes in the Far East. After return to the UK More joined the staff at RAF College, Cranwell on 22nd October 1934. In mid-April 1935 he was posted to 43 Squadron at Tangmere and appointed 'B' Flight Commander in January 1936. He returned to the FAA in December 1936, joining 800 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron, based at Southampton and on HMS Courageous. In this aircraft carrier before the war there was a plaque on the flight deck to commemorate More landing on in a Fury, a feat which amazed the Navy. On 24th October 1938 More went to SHQ RAF Cottesmore. He was given command of 73 Squadron in France, arriving at Rouvres on 13th April 1940. He destroyed a Me109 and probably a Me110 on the 21st, destroyed a He111 and shared another on 10th May, destroyed a He111 on the 13th, a Ju87 on the 14th, shared a He111 on the 15th, destroyed a Ju87 on the 17th and on the 21st he destroyed six enemy aircraft, one each on six sorties. More was awarded the DFC (gazetted 30th July 1940). He was promoted to Acting Wing Commander on 8th August and posted away to HQ 9 Group on 4th September. More was a Sector Commander in 1941 and in July was badly injured when he crashed in a Beaufighter. He was made an OBE (gazetted 1st January 1942). In late 1941 More was posted to the Far East. He was a Group Captain SASO in January 1943. On the 22nd of the month he went to Maungdaw airfield to brief crews for an attack on Prome and other targets. On impulse, he decided to fly with 615 Squadron on the sortie, taking the aircraft of a Flight Sergeant. In the attack More's Hurricane was hit by ground fire and crashed on the opposite side of the river tram Prome itself. He was seen to be standing by his aircraft and was later reported captured by the Japanese. After making a nuisance of himself to his captors, More was sent by sea to Japan in 1944. His ship, the Rakuyo Maru, was torpedoed and sunk by the US submarine Sealion on 12th September 1944.

Died whilst  a POW

O’Brian, Peter Geoffrey St George (1-36A)

Peel, John Ralph, Alexander (9-30A)

Retired 1948

Pemberton, David Alwyne (1-31C)

Pemberton was born in Stratford-on-Avon in 1912 and educated at Stowe School.

He entered the RAF College, Cranwell in January 1931 as a Flight Cadet. On graduation in December 1932 he joined 99 Squadron at Upper Heyford.

In March 1934 Pemberton was posted to HQ Palestine and Transjordan in Jerusalem. He returned to the UK in September 1936 and was supernumerary at No. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge until posted to the staff of 601 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force on 22nd July 1937. Pemberton was appointed a Flying Examining Officer at 26 (Training) Group on 16th September 1938.In 1940 he was serving with HQ 67 Wing in France and on 23rd May he took command of No. 1 Squadron. The squadron was withdrawn to Tangmere on 17th June 1940. On 16th August Pemberton claimed a He111 destroyed. His Hurricane, P2751, was set alight by return fire in this engagement but he returned safely to Northolt. On the 18th Pemberton destroyed a Me109. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 1st October 1940).At dawn on 3rd November 1940 Pemberton was flying back from Collyweston to Wittering in Hurricane I P2751. He was killed when he slow-rolled and flew into the ground. Pemberton was 28. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Eadburgh at Broadway, Worcestershire.

Powell  Robin Peter Reginald (9-34B)

Powell was born on 30th September 1916 and educated at Charterhouse School. He entered the College in 1st September 1934  and he graduated on 31st July 1936. Powell joined 111 Squadron at Northolt on 1st August 1936 and  went to 213 Squadron at its formation at Northolt on 8th March 1937.

Powell later rejoined 111 and was 'A' Flight Commander at the outbreak of war. On 13th January 1940 he shared in destroying a He111 near Farne Island and on 10th April he shared another at Scapa Flow.

During the May blitzkrieg 111 Squadron flew patrols over France from Northolt, its pre-war station.

Powell destroyed an enemy aircraft on 10th May, two more on the 11th, probably destroyed a Me110 on the 18th and he shared a He111 and probably destroyed a Me109 on the 19th. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 31st May 1940). Over Dunkirk on 31st May Powell's oxygen failed at 19,000 feet and he fell to 5,000 feet before regaining consciousness. On this day he probably destroyed a Me109. On 2nd June he destroyed a Me109 and two more on the 7th. Powell damaged a Me109 on 25th July. He was posted away to 7 OTU Hawarden on 7th August 1940 as an instructor. He formed and took command of 121 Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 14th May 1941, the second of three Eagle squadrons. He probably destroyed a Me109 on 18th August. Promoted to Acting Wing Commander on 17th January 1942, Powell was appointed leader of the Hornchurch Wing. On 28th March he probably destroyed a Fw190, on 24th April damaged another, on 17th May destroyed a Fw190 and on 2nd June probably destroyed another. On a sweep over the French coast in June he was wounded in the neck and head, fracturing the base of his skull. He did not return to the Wing and was awarded a Bar to the DFC (gazetted 24th July 1942). Powell later served in Tunisia. Back in the UK, he claimed two V1 flying bombs destroyed on 5th July 1944. On 10th October Powell was injured in an accident, when his car collided with an Army lorry. His passenger was killed. On recovery he commanded 121 Typhoon Wing from April to August 1945. He stayed in the RAF postwar, retiring on 6th November 1963 as a Group Captain. Powell died on 28th January 1970.

Powell-Sheddon, George (35-36C)

Powell-Shedden was born at Cowes on April 1 1916 and educated at Wellington College, where he became a sergeant in the Officers' Training Corps. He entered the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, but then switched to the RAF College, Cranwell

where he was commissioned in 1936. The next year he was posted to No 47, a Vickers Vincent squadron based at Khartoum. In 1939 he was transferred to No 33, a fighter squadron equipped with Gloster Gladiator biplanes for policing Palestine. During the Battle of Britain he served as a flight commander in Group Captain Douglas Bader's 242 Squadron joining in June 1940  and the next summer fought against even greater odds in the defence of Malta. Though somewhat bulky for a Hurricane cockpit, and handicapped by a pronounced stutter, Powell-Shedden was recommended to Bader as "a very good type". "Stutters! Stutters!" Bader exploded "that's no damn good to me. What's going to happen over the radio in a fight?" Told that Powell-Shedden was a Cranwell man, though, Bader changed his mind. "Just the chap" he agreed "send him along".

As the battle raged across southern England from July to September Bader wheeled his controversial Duxford Big Wing of five fighter squadrons in defence of London. Powell-Shedden shot down at least four enemy aircraft. As fighting subsided at the end of the Battle's greatest day (September 15) there was consternation at Duxford as the wing counted its victories and losses: Powell-Shedden was missing. It transpired that he had shot down a Dornier bomber and was chasing another when a Me109 came out of cloud behind him and set his Hurricane on fire. While baling out he hit the tail and dislocated a shoulder. After the Battle of Britain Powell-Shedden was sent to No 258, another Hurricane squadron, as a flight commander; the next April he received his first command - that of 615, County of Surrey, an Auxiliary Air Force Hurricane squadron. In July 1941 he was posted to the embattled island of Malta, where he formed the Malta Night Fighter Unit, a handful of Hurricanes working with searchlight and anti-aircraft gun crews. After adding two more kills to his score Powell-Shedden was awarded the DSO; the citation noted his "sterling work in the night defence of Malta", his "great and energetic organising ability" and his "courage and initiative in the air". In January 1944, after further courses and staff appointments, he resumed operational flying with No 96, a Mosquito squadron, and then took command of No 29, a Mosquito squadron specialising in low-level night intruder missions before and after D-Day. He was given a Bar to his DSO for his leadership during many perilous missions with 100 Bomber Support Group. He was then appointed to command a succession of Mosquito intruder stations as a group captain. In 1952 he received command of RAF Jever in Germany and from 1954 to 1957 served on the operational staff at Naples, before concluding his service career at the Air Ministry.Powell-Shedden retired in 1961.

Roberts,  David Neal (9-24B)

Roberts joined the College in 1924 and after graduating  he joined 39 squadron at Grantham in July 1926 flying DH9's and Westland Wapitis, he was sent to CFS, Wittering in September 1928 and then became an instructor at 2 FTS, Digby on December 19th. He was posted to 504 squadron at Hucknall in August 1930 as a flying instructor, then in October 1931 he was posted to Kings College London University for a course on Russian language, followed by a special language leave for one year in Estonia. He passed out as a Russian interpreter. After a refresher course in early 1933 he joined 41 squadron at Northolt in March, as 'A' Flight Commander. Then in early 1935 he was sent to RAF Amman as Station Adjutant, then on July 24th was sent to 4 FTS, Abu Sueir, as a Flying Instructor and Flight Commander. Whilst on leave from Egypt in 1938 he was posted to Air Staff at HQ Fighter Command. Then in June 1940 he was given the job of forming & commanding the Fighter Station and sector at Middle Wallop. During the Battle of Britain he flew with 609 squadron & 238 squadrons. In November 1941 he was posted to become C/O of a fighter wing for special operations in North Africa.Then when the war with Japan started he was sent to Dutch East Indies.He was evacuated to India in early 1942, where he commanded the fighter defence for Calcutta and Eastern India. Later becoming C/O RAF Assam. In 1943 he was posted to Moscow as Air Attache and Head of the UK Air Mission. He returned to the UK in 1945 and became SASO at HQ Transport Command, then later same year joined 45 Group, Dorval in Canada. He retired from the RAF in 1958 and Air Commodore David Neal Roberts CBE OBE AFC passed away in 2000.

Robinson, Maurice Wilbraham Sandford (1-29A)

Rothwell, John Hedley (4-39A)

John Hedley Rothwell, from Brighton, was educated at Tonbridge School and entered RAF College, Cranwell in April 1939, as a Flight Cadet. After the outbreak of war, the course was shortened and Rothwell passed out in March 1940 with a Permanent Commission. On 28th August he joined 601 Squadron at Debden but was attached to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge on 3rd September. After converting to Hurricanes Rothwell was posted to 32 Squadron on the 21st. He moved to 605 Squadron at Croydon on 12th October. Rothwell was killed on 22nd February 1941 when his Hurricane II Z2347 crashed near Littlehampton, possibly due to oxygen failure. He is buried in Poynings Cemetery, Sussex.

Sawyer, Henry Cecil (1-33C)

Sawyer was educated at Dover College and entered RAF College, Cranwell in January 1933 as a Flight Cadet. After graduation in December 1934, he joined 142 Squadron at Andover. He was posted to the staff of the Electrical and Wireless School at Cranwell on 30th May 1936 and moved to the staff of RAF College there on 16th July 1938. In early 1940 Sawyer was on the staff of 9 BGS. He was posted from there to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge, arriving on 27th May 1940 for a refresher course. After converting to Spitfires he went to 7 OTU, Hawarden on 15th June, the day the unit was formed, as OC 'B' Flight. Sawyer was posted to 65 Squadron at Hornchurch on 2nd July 1940 and took command on the 8th. He was killed on 2nd August when he crashed on take-off from Hornchurch on a night patrol in Spitfire R6799, which burned out. Sawyer was 25 ND was cremated at the City of London Crematorium, East Ham.

Shepley, Douglas Clayton (38- 39)

Born in July 1918 in Carlton-in-Lindrick, Nottinghamshire.  He moved to Woodthorpe Hall, Holmesfield, Derbyshire when he was eight years old.  He joined his father's business before following his older brother George into the RAF in 1938.  He entered the RAF College Cranwell as a

Flight Cadet and received his commission in late 1939.  He was posted to 152 Squadron at RAF Acklington, Northumberland.  The squadron received their first Spitfire Mark 1s in December of that year and were operational by early 1940.  152 Squadron flew south to RAF Warmwell in Dorset with the task of protecting the naval base at Portland.  Douglas was married om 29th June 1940 at St John's Church in Sidcup, Kent to Frances, a young nurse.

During the Battle of Britain he claimed two confirmed victories,. both Bf109s, on the 8th and the 11th of August.  On the 12th, Douglas Shepley and Flt Lt Latham Withall were both reported missing after a sortie off the isle of Wight.  Douglas was flying Spitifre K9999 and Latham Spitfire P9456.  Both pilots were reported lost at sea. He was 2 and  is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 10 After Douglas's death, his mother Emily and his widow Frances started raising moneu to buy a Spitfire for the RAF.  They both worked energetically towards their target and with the help of citizens of North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, they organised a variety of fund raising events such as dances, concerts, jumble sales and house to collections as well as collections in public houses, theatres and cinemas.  Contributions came in from the Sheffield A.R.P who gathered donations from all their local posts.  After 15 weeks of hard work they had achieved their Target of £5,700. Spitfire W3649 was selected for the family, and the name 'SHEPLEY' was placed on the panel below the cockpit.  Spitfire W3649 was a Mark Vb and was issued to 602 Squadron on the 16th August 1941, just over a year after the death of Douglas.  The aircraft also served with 303 (Polish) Squadron before ending up with 485 (New Zealand) Squadron, and became the personal aircraft of Group Captain Victor Beamish DSO, DFC carry the code FV-B.  Beamish was reported missing in the aircraft on 28 March 1942 over the Channel.

Pilots of the Battle of Britain by John G Bentley with Mark T Jones by Ravette Publishing 2010 part of Their Finest Hour Ltd

Smith, Christopher Dermot Salmond (9-34C)

Smith of Overy Staithe, Norfolk was born in September 1916 at Bruton, Somerset and educated at Bradfield College. He entered RAF College Cranwell in September 1934 as a Flight Cadet. After graduating in July 1936 he was posted to the School of Air Navigation, Manston for a course. He joined 220 (GR) Squadron at Bircham Newton on 29th November 1936. Smith went to A&AEE Martlesham Heath on 1st June 1938. He was involved with the development of airborne radar and for his service in that field he was awarded the DFC (gazetted 7th May 1940) He joined 25 Squadron at North Weald on 20th September 1940 as a Flight Commander. In November 1941 Smith took command of 79 Squadron at Fairwood Common, Wales. He was killed on 22nd December 1941 when his Hurricane IIB Z5255 collided with a He115 that he intercepted off Southern Ireland. Smith was 25 and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 28. His only brother, S/Ldr. FM Smith, was killed aged 25 serving with 94 Squadron on 1st June 1940 when his Gladiator II N2291 crashed at Khormaksar during low level aerobatics. He is buried in Maala Cemetery, Aden (now Yemen).

Stephens, Maurice Michael (9-38C)

Born in Ranchi, India on 20 October 1919, the son of a British Army Officer, Stephens was educated at the Xaverian Colleges at Clapham and Mayfield, Sussex. After school he initially joined the Port of London Authority, before going to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 1938. At Cranwell he excelled in boxing and rowing and was awarded his wings in 1940 Stephens' first posting was to No. 3 Squadron RAF, with whom he fought during the Battle of France. He became the Flight Commander of B Flight during this battle, while still holding the rank of Pilot Officer. On his return from France he was awarded the DFC and Bar, which were gazetted at the same time (and in fact on the same page of the London Gazette)

Distinguished Flying Cross

This officer has destroyed four enemy aircraft in May, 1940, and led his flight with courage and skill. Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross This officer has continued to lead his flight against formations of enemy aircraft of much superior numbers with such good leadership that he rarely lost any members of his formation. In addition Pilot Officer Stephens brought down four more enemy aircraft recently, bringing his total to eight.

After the fall of France, B Flt was posted to Scotland and reformed as No. 232 Squadron RAF, of which Stephens was Commanding Officer. No 232 Sqn formed part of No. 13 Group RAF during the Battle of Britain. He was promoted Flying Officer on 20 August 1940 in the middle of the Battle.

He next served North Africa where he joined No 274 Squadron and was sent to Turkey for eight months, during which he flew operational patrols along the Bulgarian border. He twice intercepted Italian S-84 reconnaissance aircraft intruding across the border, and shot two down in a Turkish Hurricane, while wearing civilian clothes. In November 1941 he returned to the Western Desert to command No. 80 Squadron. He was shot down and wounded in both feet in December 1941, receiving a DSO in January 1942

In December, 1941, this officer led a bombing and machine-gun attack on enemy mechanical transport in the Acroma area. Following the attack, Squadron Leader Stephens observed the fighter escort in combat with a force of enemy fighters, but, whilst attempting to participate in the engagement, his aircraft was severely damaged by an enemy fighter pilot whose cannon fire exploded the starboard petrol tank which, with the oil tank, burst into flames. The same burst of fire wounded Squadron Leader Stephens in both feet and blew out the starboard side of the aircraft's cockpit. Squadron Leader Stephens then prepared to abandon aircraft but, when half-way out of the cockpit, he observed an enemy aircraft fly past him. He immediately regained his seat and shot down the enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Stephens finally, left his crippled aircraft by parachute and landed safely on the ground where he beat out the flames from his

burning clothing. Although he had landed within 300 yards of the enemy's lines, Squadron Leader Stephens succeeded in regaining our own territory within three-quarters of an hour. Throughout, this officer displayed great courage and devotion to duty. Previously, Squadron Leader Stephens led his squadron on operations which were of the greatest value during the battle for Tobruk. His leadership and example proved an inspiration. He then joined No. 229 Squadron flying Spitfires on Malta in October 1942. He was shot down on 12 October and picked up by an air-sea rescue motor launch. In November we became Wing Commander, Flying of Hal Far airfield. He returned to the UK in 1943 and served in various staff positions, before becoming CFI at 3 OTU in January 1944.

Stephens' final score in the war was 15 (and 3 shared) destroyed, 2 Unconfirmed destroyed, 1 probable and 5 damaged.

Stevenson, Peter Charles Fasken (9-38C)

Stevenson was born at The Priest's House, Wellingore, Lincolnshire. His father Donald was at that time a Group Captain, holding a MC and DSO from service in the RFC in WW1, in 1939 he would be appointed ADC to King George V. Peter was educated at Clifton College and entered RAF College Cranwell in September 1938 as a Flight Cadet. After the outbreak of war the course was shortened and Stevenson graduated in December 1939. He joined 74 Squadron at Rochford on 15th February 1940.

Over Dunkirk on 22nd May Stevenson shared a Ju88 and on the 27th probably destroyed a Me109. On this day he was hit by return fire from a Do17 and made a forced-landing on the beach at Dunkirk in Spitfire L1084. He removed the blind-flying panel, reflector gunsight and radio before setting fire to the aircraft and going off to seek transport. He managed to get back to Hornchurch on the 31st. Finding the squadron gone, he then joined them at their new base at Leconfield. On 8th July Stevenson probably destroyed a Me109, on the 10th he probably destroyed a Me109 and damaged another and two Me110’s, on the 12th he shared a He111, on the 19th probably destroyed a Me109, on the 28th he probably destroyed a Me109 and damaged two others. On this day he was attacked by Oberleutnant Leppla whilst pursuing Major Molders of JG51 over the Channel and he landed at Mansion with the engine of his Spitfire seized. He was unhurt. Molders was wounded but managed to get back to France where he crash landed at Wissant. On 11th August Stevenson was shot down into the Channel one mile off Dover following a solo attack on twelve Me109’s, one of which he probably destroyed. He baled out of Spitfire P9393 and was rescued from the sea by an MTB, after drifting eleven miles out. He attracted the MTB's attention by firing his revolver. Stevenson was awarded the DFC (gazetted 27th August 1940) and posted away on 20th September 1940 to 5 OTU Aston Down as an instructor. He was killed on 13th February 1943, as a Flight Lieutenant with 64 Squadron, shot down during a sweep over the Boulogne area in Spitfire IX BR142. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 121.

Temlett, Cyril Bernard ( 9-38)

Temlett entered  Cranwell in September 1938 as a Flight Cadet. The outbreak of war caused the course to be shortened and Temlett enlisted in the RAFVR on 7th September 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He graduated and was granted a Permanent Commission in December 1939. He joined 4 (Army Co-operation) Squadron in France and served with it in the fighting in May 1940, flying Lysanders. The squadron was withdrawn in June. Temlett was awarded the DFC (gazetted 6th August 1940). He volunteered for Fighter Command, converted to Hurricanes and joined 3 Squadron at Turnhouse on 27th September. He moved to 17 Squadron on 16th November 1940 In May 1941 Temlett was with 213 Squadron on board HMS Furious in the Mediterranean. The squadron flew off to Malta on the 21st and then flew on to Mersa Matruh. Temlett was with 'C' Flight, which was attached to 73 Squadron in the Western Desert. On 15th June he destroyed a Me109 and on the 26th damaged a Ju87.The squadron went to Nicosia in July and returned to the Western Desert in December 1941. On 3rd July 1942 five Hurricanes of 213 were scrambled over Alamein. They were jumped by four Me109’s of I/JG27. Temlett and two other British pilots were killed and a fourth wounded.The three Hurricane IIC's lost were BM981, BN128 and BN449.

Temlett is buried in El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

Tillett, James (9-37)

Tillett was the adopted son of Maud Reynolds of Courteenhall, Northamptonshire. He entered the College as a Cadet in September 1937. He was a student of St Lawrence's College, Ramsgate, and was a Flight Cadet Sergeant, his sports being athletics, cross country and hockey. He graduated from RAF Cranwell and was promoted to Pilot Officer with effect from 29 July 1939 and promoted to Flying Officer on 3 September 1940.

The squadron was scrambled on 6th November to intercept a German bomber force heading toward Portsmouth.  Tillet’s aircraft, Hurricane V6814, was probably one of two shot down that day by Major Helmut Wick in a Messerschmitt Bf109.  Eyewitnesses say that the Hurricane belly-landed in a field near Whitedell Farm, that Tillet was slumped over the controls and could not be got out of the aircraft before it caught fire.  He is buried in Ann’s Hill Cemetery in Gosport.  James Tillet was just 22 years old. enjoyed running and hockey and had attended St Lawrence’s College in Ramsgate.

A short time later, on 28th November, Major Wick was himself shot down and killed over the Isle of Wight.  He too was young – 25 - though an air-ace credited with 56 ‘kills’ and a holder of the Iron Cross.

On the 7th September he was posted to 238 Squadron at St. Eval. He was shot down and killed, possibly by Major Helmut Wick, on 6th November 1940, his Hurricane V6814 coming down at Park Gate, Fareham.

Tillett is buried in Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport

Tomlinson, Paul Anthony

Tomlinson (9-39) was born on 3rd November 1921 and was educated at Tonbridge School. He entered Cranwell in September 1939 as a Flight Cadet. He did a shortened course and graduated on 21st July 1940 with a Permanent Commission. He joined 29

Squadron at Digby from 5 OTU Aston Down on 20th August Two days later, during an RDF trial flight, his Blenheim was struck by lightning. Tomlinson and his gunner were unhurt and returned safely.

He retired from the RAF in 1954 as a Squadron Leader.

© Battle of Britain London Monument Archive

Townsend, Peter Woodridge (9-33)

Townsend joined entered Cranwell in 1933. He served in Training Command, and as a flying instructor at RAF Montrose. He was stationed at RAF Tangmere in 1937 and was a member of No. 43 Squadron RAF. The first enemy aircraft to crash on English soil during the Second World War fell victim to fighters from Acklington on 3 February 1940 when three Hurricanes of ‘B’ flight, No. 43 Squadron, shot down a Heinkel 111 of 4.G 26 near Whitby. The pilots were Flight Lieutenant Townsend, Flying Officer "Tiger" Folkes and Sergeant James Hallowes. Townsend was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in April 1940. Two more He 111s were claimed by Townsend, on 22 February and 8 April, and a sixth share on 22 April. Enemy aircraft had been shot down in 1939 by the RAF from over Scotland's Scapa Flow shipyards during the Luftwaffe's first raid on Britain. By May 1940, Townsend was one of the most capable squadron leaders of the Battle of Britain, serving throughout the battle as commanding officer of No. 85 Squadron RAF, flying Hawker Hurricanes. On 11 July 1940 Townsend, flying Hurricane VY-K (P2716) intercepted a Dornier Do 17 of KG 2 and severely damaged the bomber, forcing it to crash land at Arras. Return fire from the Dornier hit the Hurricane coolant system and Townsend was forced to ditch 20 miles from the English coast, being rescued by HM Trawler Cape Finisterre. On 31 August, during combat with Bf 110s over Tonbridge, Townsend was shot down and wounded in the left foot by a cannon shell which went through the glycol tank and exploded in the cockpit. He continued to lead the unit on the ground even after this wound resulted in his big toe being amputated, and he returned to operational flying on 21 September. A Bar to his DFC was awarded in early September 1940. Townsend oversaw the conversion of No. 85 Squadron to night operations at RAF Hunsdon during early 1941. Awarded a Distinguished Service Order in April 1941, he later became commanding officer of RAF Drew in April 1942 and commanded No. 611 Squadron RAF, a Spitfire unit. Townsend was later leader of No. 605 Squadron RAF, a night fighter unit, and attended the staff college from October 1942. In January 1943, he was appointed commanding officer of RAF West Malling. His wartime record was 9 aircraft claimed destroyed (and 2 shared), 2 'probables' and 4 damaged.

He was promoted group captain in 1948. In August 1950, he was made deputy Master of the Household and was moved to comptroller to the Queen Mother in 1952. He retired from the Royal Household in the next year, and was air attaché in Brussels 1953 to 1956. He died 19 June 1995.

Tyson,  Frank  Hastings (1-30C)

Tyson was born in Southport on 14th February 1912 and attended St. Philips School, from where he won a scholarship to King George V School. Tyson entered the College in January 1930 graduating in December 1931, Tyson joined 29 Squadron at North Weald. He was posted to 802 (Fleet Fighter) Squadron on 2nd March 1933 based at Hal Far, Malta and at sea on HMS Glorious. He was supernumerary at RAF Gosport on 22nd August 1935 and on 16th December he joined the staff at 7 FTS Peterborough. On 1st January 1937 Tyson was posted to 603 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at Turnhouse as flying instructor and Adjutant. He was posted away to HQ Fighter Command on 1st February 1939 for intelligence duties. On 30th October Tyson went to Leconfield to form and command 245 Squadron. He was seriously injured in a motor accident three days later. On recovery Tyson joined the Administrative Staff at HQ Coastal Command on 24th February 1940. On 22nd July he arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down from HQ Coastal Command. After converting to Hurricanes he joined 3 Squadron at Wick on 6th August as supernumerary Squadron Leader

He was given command of 312 Squadron at Duxford at its formation on 29th August. From 9th September he shared command with S/Ldr. Ambrus. The squadron became operational on 2nd October, being then based at Speke as part of Liverpool's defences. Tyson left the squadron in April 1941 when it became an all-Czech unit.

He was awarded the Czech Military Cross (gazetted 14th April 1942In September 1942 Tyson was Deputy Station Commander at Luqa, Malta. His subsequent service is currently undocumented until he retired from the RAF on 14th February 1962 as a Group Captain.

Tyson died on 30th December 1979.

Vigors, Timothy Ashmead (1-39B)

Tim was born in Hatfield, Hertfordshire on 22nd March 1921, entering the RAF College at Cranwell just before his 18th birthday, after completing his education at Eton. At the outbreak of war Vigors had not completed the full course and was enlisted in the regular RAF on 7th September 1939 as an Airman under training Pilot (581778). He was granted a permanent commission on 23rd December 1939.  He joined 266 Squadron at Sutton Bridge on January 6 1940.

On 24h February he joined 222 Squadron at RAF Duxford  after converting to Blenheims. In March 1940 222 Squadron was re-equipped with Spitfires.

Vigors played his part heroically throughout the Battle of Britain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which appeared in the London Gazette on 1st October 1940. The citation read:

“This Officer has displayed great keenness in his desire to engage the enemy. He has destroyed nine enemy aircraft including one at night. His excellent leadership and determination have contributed materially to the many successes of his flight”.

In December 1940 Vigors was posted to the Far East flying Brewster F2A Buffalo fighters. By the age of 20 he held temporary command of Number 453 Squadron (Royal Australian Air Force) at RAF Sembawang.

Vigors retired from the RAF as a Wing Commander in 1946. He went on to start up a bloodstock agency before inheriting the Coolmore Stud in 1968, which he developed into the famous stud farm that is is today.

Warren, Charles (1-38C)

Born on the 15th November 1918 at Witham, Essex, Warren was educated at St Crispin School and the Royal Grammar School, Colchester. Joining the RAF in January 1935, he attended No 1 School of Technical Training RAF Halton (31st entry). Charles Warren was awarded a Flight Cadetship to RAF College Cranwell in January 1938; he was promoted to Flight Cadet Sergeant and gained a College Blue for fencing. The course was shortened due to war being declared and Warren was transferred to the RAFVR as an airman u/t Pilot

on September 7th 1939, on 5 shillings a day. He then graduated to a Permanent Commission on October 1st, being posted on the same day to 152 Squadron which was reforming an establishment at Acklington. The squadron became operational on the 6th January 1940, and commenced patrols/scrambles off the north east coast. On the 12th July, the squadron was placed under 10 Group and moved to Warmwell in Dorset under the command of W/Cdr Devitt. The Battle of Britain officially commenced on the 10th of July 1940 and P/O Warren, along with the other pilots of 152   Squadron, was soon in the thick of it.

During the Battle of Britain Flying Officer Warren took part in over 50 ‘scrambles’ and many patrols. He was promoted to Flying Officer on the 1st October 1940. At the end of his tour Warren was awarded the DFC on 19.9.43, the citation reading;

‘Following an arduous operational tour during the Battle of Britain he changed to Bomber Aircraft during which as Flight Commander displayed considerable skill and courage whilst on operational sorties to some of the most heavily defended objectives. He is a cool and courageous pilot, who by his personal example has sustained the high morale and fighting spirit of the flight’.

He died on 19th October 2005.

Watling, William Charles (9-39)

Watling was born in Middlesborough on 22nd February 1920 but his family later settled in Guernsey and he attended Elizabeth College there from 1936 to 1939. He excelled at Athletics. He entered  Cranwell in September 1939 as a flight cadet. The course was suspended on the outbreak of war and he was transferred to the RAFVR as an Airman u/t Pilot, but still at Cranwell. After completing his flying training he graduated with a Permanent Commission on 14th July 1940 and joined 92 Squadron at Pembrey on the 20 August 1940. He was then posted straight to 5 OTU Aston Down to convert to Spitfires and did not return to 92 till 2nd August.He claimed a share in the destruction of a Ju88 on 13/14th August. He was shot down in combat with enemy aircraft over East Guldeford near Rye on 9th September in Spitfire P9372 and baled out, badly burned on face and hands.  Returning to flying after recovering from his burns Watling probably destroyed a Me109 on 2nd November and damaged another on 1st December. He was killed on 7th February 1941, still with 92. Two Spitfires, including Watling in R6924, took off from Manston in the morning for a weather test. Visibility was extremely bad and his aircraft flew into high ground near Deal. Watling was 20 years old and is buried in St. Mary Cray Cemetery, Orpington, Kent.

Watson, Arthur  Roy (9-39)

Watson, from Nottingham, was educated at the High School there. He entered RAF College Cranwell in September 1939 as a Flight Cadet. The scheme was suspended after the outbreak of war and Watson enlisted in the RAFVR in October 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot at FTS Cranwell. After a shortened course he graduated in July 1940 with a Permanent Commission and joined 152 Squadron at Warmwell.On 15th September Watson claimed a He111 destroyed and on the 27th a Ju88 and a Me110. He may have been shot down in this engagement and wounded. He went on sick leave and did not fly operationally again till October 1940.Arthur Roy Watson, from Nottingham, was educated at the High School there. He entered RAF College Cranwell in September 1939 as a Flight Cadet. The scheme was suspended after the outbreak of war and Watson enlisted in the RAFVR in October 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot at FTS Cranwell.

After a shortened course he graduated in July 1940 with a Permanent Commission and joined 152 Squadron at Warmwell.

On 15th September Watson claimed a He111 destroyed and on the 27th a Ju88 and a Me110. He may have been shot down in this engagement and wounded. He went on sick leave and did not fly operationally again till October 1940.

He was shot down in combat with Me109's on 28th November 1940. He baled out but fell dead after his parachute failed to develop. His Spitfire, R6597, crashed near Wareham.

The diary of P/O Dennis Fox-Male contains a disturbing account of Watson's loss:

.....his number 2, Doc, was gliding out of formation with some glycol streaming from his tank.

Boy turned on his back and followed the 109 down. Soon we heard him say that he had shot the enemy plane down into the sea. The squadron re-grouped and soon we were ordered to return to Warmwell and land.

It was a shock to learn from one of the pilots that Doc had bailed out but his parachute had failed to open properly and he was killed when he hit the ground.

It was a custom in the squadron if you landed safely by parachute to give the Corporal in charge of the parachute packing section the princely sum (in those days) of ten shillings. Our corporal, although he looked rather gormless, had a good reputation and was extremely conscientious. We all admired and thanked him - as we had t

He was terribly upset at Doc Watson’s failure to open his parachute and of course there was an enquiry. I have read in a book and in Boy’s mess diary that he bungled the opening but from discussions in the squadron, after the investigation, I do not think that this was accurate.

We were always instructed to check our parachutes first thing every day. The vital thing was to undo the 'poppers' over the flap which covered and protected the pin in the back of the parachute. When the rip cord was pulled it jerked the pin out of its metal holder and the parachute unfolded. It was essential to make sure that the pin was straight and not bent.

I was told that Doc’s pin was found to be bent right back - as far as you can bend your index finger- and in trying to pull the bent pin out he had in the end ripped the whole patch out - too late for the parachute to open.The implication is that the parachute was sabotaged but of course as stated above it was the pilot's responsibility to check the ripcord mechanism. Watston was 19 years old. He is buried in Nottingham Southern Cemetery.