Royal Auxilliary Air Force Memorial
This Royal Auxiliary Air Force National Memorial was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO on the twenty fifth of September 2004 to mark the 80th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and is dedicated to the men and women who have served in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force formerly the Auxiliary Air Force Remembering especially those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.
Flight Sergeant Allen BILLAM 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Joined in June 1944- 1945
Pilot Officer Allen ‘Bill / Lord’ Billam 1944 - 45
Born 28th April 1923 in Crookes Sheffield and died on the 3rd October 2011
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/8.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Arthur BREARLEY. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1952 - 1954
London Gazette dated 4th August 1953.ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
As Flying Officers (five years and five years on the reserve) Arthur BREARLEY (205339). 15th Nov. 1952.
London Gazette dated 28th February 1950. ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE. Pilot Officer Arthur BREARLEY (205339) 2nd January 1950
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Flying Officer Charles Nevil OVERTON. 609 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.1939-1941 Born 25th September 1919 at Navenby, Lincolnshire. Joined the RAF 1938, left the RAF 1946 and died October 1998
Flight Lieutenant Charles 'Teeny' Overton 1939 - 41
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/as-overton.htm
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Senior Aircraftman Christopher DUNSMORE. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 2003-2007
https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=ED9EAE7E-1143-EC82-2ED5095A364928B5
Credit
http://www.family-announcements.co.uk/localworld/view/3203020/chris-dunsmore
for the following extract
Senior Aircraftsman Matthew Caulwell, Senior Aircraftsman Christopher Dunsmore and Senior Aircraftsman Peter McFerran in southern Iraq on Thursday 19 July 2007.
He joined the RAF in 2003 as a member of No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland. SAC Dunsmore (along with a second member of 504 Squadron and other Auxiliaries across the country) was called for full-time service. He was attached to No.1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment based at RAF Honington in August 2006. He committed a year of his life to the service of his country.
Based at Basra airport at the time of his death, SAC Dunsmore was tasked to protect military aircraft from the threat of attack from Militia who regularly tried to target the aircraft while at their most vulnerable - during take-off and landing.
During an early afternoon rest break when there were no aircraft movements, SAC Dunsmore had been due to return to patrol when the airport came under rocket attack.
Colin CABLES. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1944-1945 Pilot Officer Colin 'Doomie' Cables 1944 - 45
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
David Moor CROOK. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1938-1940
Pilot Officer David Crook DFC 1938 - 40 Missing with 8 OTU 18th December 1944 He joined 609 on the 30th June 1940
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=90049
Flight Lieutenant 90478, David Moore Crook. Royal Auxiliary Air Force died 18th December 1944 aged 30. whilst training in photographic reconnaissance with No. 8 Operational Training Unit at Dyce. His Spitfire was seen diving into the sea from high altitude. Son of William Clifford Crook and Winifred Moore Crook husband of Dorothy Margaret Crook, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Warrant Officer Dennis BUNKELL. 3620 (County Of Norfolk) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1947-1960 He left this world in 2005.
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/1.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
E 'Tommy' EVANS. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1953-1956
Officers commanding no. 609 Squadron RAF, December 1953 January 1956 S/Ldr. E.T. Evans
He may have been Squadron Leader 574485 Ernest Thomas Edward EVANS. GM of RAF Finningley. Formerly Flight Seregant of RAF Pembroke Dock died 25th November 1974 aged 51. Source AFM
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Edmund BELL. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1954-1957
Born 6th June 1910, Blackburn, Lancashire and died 27th May 2000
London Gazette dated 17th January 1950. He was the son of William Edmund and Harriet Bell, nee Rozee who in 1911 were all living at 22 Napier Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. In 1932 he married Edith Clough
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE {Reconstituted section).
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH. Appointment to commission.
As Flying Officers Edmund BELL 151368 dated 21st November 1949.
London Gazette dated 9th March 1954. ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE REGIMENT. AIRCRAFT CONTROL BRANCH. Appointment to commission.
As Flight Lieutenant (five years and five years on the reserve):—
Edmund BELL (151368). 12th Jan. 1954 (seniority 30th Oct. 1953).
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/12.html
http://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co8406501/raf-officers-great-coat-with-coat
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Eric TRAINER. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1998-2006
Corporal Eric Trainer died following a road traffic accident, and his funeral was held at Well Church, in Bedale, on 14th November. (2006)Eric had left the Squadron in September, after serving for six years as Corporal Clerk. His widow, Dee, had also served with 609 (WR) Squadron. A good contingent from the Squadron attended the service, and Brian Waite and Hugh Mulligan represented the Association.
Rest in Peace
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Frank Oswald DIMBLEBEE. DFC. 504(County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1940
Frank Dimblebee (937693/133260): posted in from 504 Sqn, 15/05/41. Out 03/12/41.
London Gazette dated 8th December 1942.
Commission from Flight Sergeant to Flying Officer 27th July 1942. Flight Sergeant 937693 Frank Oswald DIMBLEBEE (133260).
London Gazette dated 30th July 1943. (DFC award)
Acting Flight Lieutenant 133260 Frank Oswald DIMBLEBEE. Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 273 Squadron.
This pilot is engaged on air/sea rescue operations. He has displayed skill and daring throughout, often effecting rescues far from his base and well within sight of the enemy's coastline and fighter aircraft. On other occasions he has brought his aircraft down on to rough and dangerous seas to accomplish his purpose. Flight Lieutenant
Dimblebee has been instrumental in picking up 34 of his comrades. He has displayed great ability and keenness and has contributed materially to the efficiency of his flight which has been responsible
for rescuing 100 personnel. During an earlier period of his operational career, Flight Lieutenant Dimblebee destroyed an enemy aircraft
and a petrol bowser in the course of a low flying attack.
London Gazette dated 20th April 1948.
ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE. (Reconstituted section)
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH. Appointment to commission As Flying Officers. Frank Oswald DIMBLEBEE, DFC (133260), plus two others on this date 28th February 1948.
London Gazette 17th November 1953. ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE. (Reconstituted section.) GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
Appointment to commission (honorary). As Flying Officer: F. O. DIMBLEBEE, D.F.C. (133260). 28th Feb 1953 and others.
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Gary THOMPSON. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 2005-2008
He may be the following. Extract from
http://veterans.mod.uk/roll-of-honour.php?SerialNo=J2464
Senior Aircraftman C810797,Garry THOMPSON Royal Air Force stationed at Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment Cottesmore. Born 15th October 1956 died 13th April 2008 aged 51.
Credit Extract from GOV.UK
Senior Aircraftman Gary ‘Tommo’ Thompson
Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Gary Thompson, aged 51, was born on 15 October 1956. SAC Thompson joined the Royal Air Force in November 1973 as a Supplier and duly left the Service in October 1977 to pursue a civilian career. He subsequently joined No 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force on 19 March 2005. After successful completion of his Basic Gunner Course in May 2006 he was given the badge of a RAF Regiment Gunner. He went on to complete a Mortar Cadre Course with 3 Squadron RAF Regiment in February 2007 and was mobilised on 29 October 2007, where he was assigned to Support Weapons Flight. He was promoted to Senior Aircraftman on 1 March 2008. SAC Thompson deployed to Kandahar Air Field with 3 Squadron, RAF Regiment on 22 February 2008.In civilian life, SAC Thompson was Managing Director of Sherwood Ducting Ltd, in Nottingham.
Please note the link for this page does not work. To get full story you will have to do an internet search.
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Horace Stanley George DARLEY. DSO. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1940 Fought in the Battle of Britain flying a Supermarine Spitfire.
Squadron Leader Horace ‘George’ Darley DSO 1940 Born 3rd November 1913 to Lumsden Colin Darley and Emily Gertrude Dettmer. Died 29th December 1999 at Tunbridge Wells.
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/4.html
https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafleeming/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F6E0BC14-5056-A318-A8CBDE73B2B77BEE
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?75141-Sqn-Ldr-HS-Darley
https://emanuelschoolatwar.wordpress.com/tag/george-darley/
Credit photo to
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Darley.htm
http://www.cieldegloire.com/002_raf_darley_h_s.php
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Georges JASPIS. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1943-1944
Flying Officer Georges 'Poupa' Jaspis 1943 - 44 (Belgium)
Extract, credit The Golden Falcon.
On November 12, 2006, the commemoration of the Armistice and the birthday-homage of Georges JASPIS took place in Malèves-Ste-Marie (Municipality of Perwez). After the religious Office, George JASPIS was driven aboard an ancient vehicle (jeep) to the Municipal House where the various authorities honored him and handed him presents. Then, a glass of friendship was offered to all of the people present. This sympathetic demonstration was organized by the Grouping of Patriotic Associations of the entity of Perwez chaired by Mr J. - L. Lengelé and the Communal College.
Brief biography
Georges 'Poupa' Jaspis was born on November 11th, 1916 at Opprebais (Municipality of Perwez). Fascinated by the aviation, he commits to the Belgian Military Aviation on September 1st, 1938 (78th promotion). On May 15th, 1939 he obtains his military pilot's licence. Based at Gossoncourt he participates in the Campaign of May, 1940. On March 1st, 1942, he escapes from occupied Belgium (Comet network) and, via France, Spain and Portugal; he arrives in England at Poole, by plane, on April 22nd, 1942 and enlists in the RAF VR. After a short training, he is assigned to 609 Squadron where he carries out two tours of operations. After the war, he makes his career in Sabena and he stays in its service for 33 years.
He died 14th December 2007 aged 91. Funeral of George JASPIS, D.F.C. will take place in Saint Aubin church in Opprebais, on wednesday, 10:30 AM.
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Jack Foster OVERTON. DFC. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1942-1944
Born 1918 at Huddersfield, pilot Officer 29th November 1941, His
first operation was on the 5th February 1943 killed on operations 30th November 1944
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/16.html and
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/19.html
CWGC data.
Jack Forster OVERTON. DFC. Flight Lieutenant 47571 Royal Air Force died 30th November 1944 aged 26. Croix de Guerre (France). Son of Ernest and Gertrude Mabel Overton, of Lindley, Huddersfield; husband of Margaret Overton. He is at rest in Route De Solesmes Communal Cemetery, Canbrai, Nord France.
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
James Rollo THOMPSON. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.1936-1938 Born 8th April 1916 died 2008 aged 92
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/7.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Flight Lieutenant 90538 Adolf Jarvis BLAYNEY. AFC. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1938-1940
Adolf Jarvis Blayney was born in 1910 and educated at Stowe School. He joined the RAFVR on 25th January 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He died in 1997
London Gazette dated 20th January 1939. AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH. No. 609 (West Riding) (Fighter) Squadron.
Adolf Jarvis BLAYNEY is granted a commission as Acting Pilot Officer. 20th November 1938
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/11.html
http://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Blayney.htm
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Flight Lieutenant 90077 Michael ROOK. DFC 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1938-1948. Born 12th October 1915 and was killed in a fatal flying crash on the 13th March 1948 aged 33. He is at rest in Edwalton Parish Churchyard, Nottingham.
http://veterans.mod.uk/roll-of-honour.php?SerialNo=R109
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/9.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Paul Abbott BAILLON. 609 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1940
Pilot Officer, Pilot 86331 Paul Abbott Baillon 609 Squadron RAFVR tragically killed in a dogfight with the Luftwaffe over the English Channel on the 28th November 1940 aged 26. Son of Louis Charles and Mildred Isabel Baillon, of Church Brampton, Northamptonshire; husband of Margaret Angela Baillon (nee Woodhouse). At rest in Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France.
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/15.html
Spitfire shot down over Salisbury Plain by the Luftwaffe 70 years ago is dug up by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
Pilot Officer Paul Baillon was flying the Spitfire Mark 1 on October 27, 1940, when a German plane shot a hole in his oil tank
Unsure he could land safely, he bailed and the aircraft crashed in Wiltshire. Pilot Baillon survived but was killed a month later during a dogfight with the Luftwaffe over the Channel. He is buried at Bayeux in France. Excavators have now unearthed his stricken plane on the Salisbury Plain. His daughter Rosemary Baillon, who never met her father, watched the dig
https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/spitfire-unearthed-05092013
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Paul Trevor HUDSON. Senior Aircraftman 2540637 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1951-1953. Born 11th September 1940 died 13th May 2011.
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/6.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Squadron Leader 90120 Roger Joyce BUSHELL. 601 (City of London) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1932-1944. Born 30th August 1910 at Springs, Transvaal, South Africa. Died 29th March 1944.
He was the leader of the GREAT ESCAPE. He was prisoner 621 at Dulag Luft, Stalag Luft III
Squadron Leader, Pilot 90120 Roger Joyce BUSHELL. Mentioned in Despatches of 601 Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force executed 29th March 1944 aged 33. Son of Benjamin Daniel and Dorothy Wingate Bushell, of Mossel River, Cape Province, South Africa. B.A. (Cantab.); Barrister-at-Law, Lincolns Inn. He is laid to rest in Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery, Poland. Please note when he was executed his body was cremated.
How he met his death. Credit
http://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/roger_bushell.htm
The Gestapo had promised to execute Bushell if they crossed his path again, and they were true to their word. A few days later, Obersturmbannführer Dr. Leopold Spann, the Saarbrücken Gestapo chief, gave the order to type up death certificates for Bushell and Scheidhauer, in advance of their murder.
Before dawn on the 29th March 1944, Dr. Spann, Kriminalsekretär Emil Schulz, and Walter Breithaupt, their driver, collected Roger Bushell and Bernard Scheidhauer from the Kripo prison and drove them in the direction of Mannheim, where Breithaupt had been told that they were to be handed on to the relevant authorities. After they had travelled for approximately 25 miles and were passing through woodland, Dr. Spann ordered the driver to stop, whereupon he and Schulz got out to talk and smoke cigarettes, leaving Breithaupt alone with the two handcuffed men. He was soon summoned to join them, and was informed that they had received an urgent order from Berlin Head Office that the two "terrorfliers" were to be killed at once. Bushell and Scheidhauer were let out of the car and were told that they could relieve themselves in bushes a few short steps from the car, but were told that they would be shot if they tried to escape. Emil Schulz and Dr. Spann walked to within a metre behind each man, both of them holding a pistol. Facing away from their captors, the two men began to unbutton their trousers, whereupon Dr. Spann gave a signal and he and Schulz simultaneously shot both men in the back of the neck. The bullet that struck Roger Bushell did not kill him, but left him in spasms, requiring Schulz to administer a final shot to his left temple. The bodies were taken to Neue Bremm Concentration Camp where they were cremated.
He was 33 when he was shot by the Gestapo on Hitler's personal orders after being recaptured following the escape from Stalag Luft III in 1944.
The mass breakout from the prison camp was highlighted in Paul Brickhill's book The Great Escape and also in the film that featured Richard Attenborough. But in the film the character was renamed Roger Barlett and bore little resemblance to the actual man.
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/20.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Bushell
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=14091429&PIpi=54815303
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Flight Lieutenant 809117 Sydney Hawthorne “Darkie” HANSON.
AE MBE. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1937-1957.
809117 Sydney Hawthorne ‘Darkie’ Hanson MBE. F II E. Engine Fitter. Joined C Flight. Rejoined Post-War, becoming commissioned as Engineering Officer Flight Lieutenant. In 1953 he was stationed at RAF Luqua, Malta. Died 25th September 2000
London Gazette dated 1st January 1957
Flying Officer Sydney Hawthorne HANSON (2686508), Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/23.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Flight Sergeant William CHAPMAN. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 2002-2004
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/3.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
William TROTTER. 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 1998-2004
Born 13th November 1966 in Uganda, joined the RAF Regiment 1984 and died of his illness 31st May 2011
http://www.rauxaf.net/ms/17.html
This memorial plaque is at the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
