Battle of Britain Album #1: Royal Air Force

New Zealander Alan Deere (sixth from left) pictured with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding and other Royal Air Force (RAF) Battle of Britain fighter pilots outside the Air Ministry in London, 14 September 1942. The photograph was taken to commemorate the second anniversary of RAF Fighter Command’s most successful day of the campaign. Left to right: Sqn Ldr AC Bartley (British); Wg Cdr DFB Sheen (Australian); Wg Cdr IR Gleed (British); Wg Cdr M Aitken (British); Wg Cdr AG Malan (South African); Sqn Ldr AC Deere (New Zealander); Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding; Flt Off EC Henderson (in front, to Dowding's left); Flt Lt RH Hilary (British); Wg Cdr JA Kent (Canadian); Wg Cdr CBF Kingcome (British); Sqn Ldr DH Watkins (British); and WO RH Gretton (British).

 

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Commander in Chief of Royal Air Force Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Imperial War Museum photo D 1417.

 

10 Group Commander, Sir Quintin Brand, 1941.

 

11 Group Commander, Keith Park. Imperial War Museum photo CM 3513.

 

12 Group Commander, Trafford Leigh-Mallory. Imperial War Museum photo CH 11943.

 

13 Group Commander, Richard Saul. RAF photo.

 

John Mansbridge's portrait, Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park, 1940. Keith Rodney Park was a decorated First World War fighter pilot who carved out a prestigious career in the Royal Air Force (RAF). In 1940 he played a pivotal role in the defense of London and south-east England during the Battle of Britain.

 

Eric Henri Kennington's portrait of Pilot Officer M J Herrick, DFC, 1941. Michael James Herrick was one of five brothers to serve during the Second World War (three of whom died flying in the RAF). He flew with distinction during the Battle of Britain and in the Pacific before being killed on air operations over Denmark.

 

This portrait depicts Squadron Leader George Lovell Denholm, nicknamed ‘Uncle’, who flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. He led No. 603 Squadron which had been redeployed from its base in Edinburgh to RAF Hornchurch in August 1940 to take part in operations over southern England. Despite being shot down twice, Denholm returned to the skies and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his service. His citation in the London Gazette on 22 October 1940 reads: “Since the commencement of hostilities, Squadron Leader Denholm has led his squadron, flight or section in innumerable operational patrols against the enemy. His magnificent leadership has contributed largely to the success of the squadron, which has destroyed fifty-four enemy aircraft in about six weeks; four of these aircraft were destroyed by Squadron Leader Denholm himself.” Denholm is shown wearing a leather flying jacket and red and white striped cravat. His jacket falls open to reveal his newly-acquired DFC ribbon bar above his left breast pocket. Artist Thomas Cantrell Dugdale was born in Blackburn, Lancashire and studied in Manchester, London and Paris. During the Second World War, he served as a platoon leader for the Home Guard in Suffolk and was commissioned by the War Artists Advisory Committee to produce portraits of notable servicemen and women. Imperial War Museum photo Art.IWM ART LD 783.

 

Flying Officer R.G.A. Barclay DFC. Barclay was educated at Cambridge University, where he was a member of the University Air Squadron. He was granted a commission into the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1939. Barclay served in the Battle of Britain in 1940. Artist: Eric Henri Kennington, 1940. This officer has shown admirable coolness and courage in combat against the enemy. His keenness and determination have enabled him to destroy a number of their aircraft. Flying Officer Barclay was educated at Cambridge University where he was a member of the University Air Squadron. He was granted a commission in the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1939. Imperial War Museum photo Art.IWM ART LD 853.

 

A common sound at fighter airfields in England in 1940 was the ringing of the ‘scramble’ bell. This was rung when incoming Luftwaffe (German Air Force) raids were identified by ground-based radar stations. The pilots then ran to their aircraft and got airborne as quickly as possible to attack the approaching fighters and bombers.

 

Original wartime caption: His Majesty congratulates Flying Office D.S.G. Honor, upon whom was conferred the D.F.C. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1952.

 

 
RAF fighter pilots cheer King George VI at an awards ceremony at Hornchurch, Essex, 27 June 1940. Left to right: Flying Officer J L Allen; Flight Lieutenant R R Stanford Tuck; Flight Lieutenant A C Deere; Flight Lieutenant A G 'Sailor' Malan; Squadron Leader J A Leathart. Imperial War Museum photo CH 432.

 

Flight Lieutenant Eric Nicolson VC photographed in hospital where he was recuperating from wounds sustained in the action in which he won his medal, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1700.

 

Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson VC playing a 'Jew's harp' while recovering in hospital, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1695.

 

Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson VC playing a 'Jew's harp' while recovering in hospital, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CHH 1699.

 

Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson VC playing a 'Jew's harp' while recovering in hospital, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1696.

 

Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson VC playing a 'Jew's harp' while recovering in hospital, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1697.

 

Journalists inspect a belt of .303in ammunition at North Weald, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 163.

 

A fire fighting unit ready for action at Duxford, September/October 1940. One airman is wearing an asbestos suit for rescue work. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1471.