World War 2 In Review: Eagle Squadrons of the RAF

Personnel of No 121 (Eagle) Squadron look on as three Spitfire Vbs come in to land at RAF Rochford in Essex, after a fighter sweep over northern France during Aug 1942. Some of the accommodation used by the Squadron is visible in the background, as are several civilian houses. Also visible are two Royal Air Force vehicles. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9509)

The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed with volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of World War II (1940), prior to the United States' entry into the war in December 1941.

With the United States still neutral, many Americans simply crossed the border and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to learn to fly and fight. Many early recruits had originally gone to Europe to fight for Finland against the Soviet Union in the Winter War.

Charles Sweeny, a wealthy businessman living in London, persuaded the British Government to form an RAF squadron composed of Americans. (His uncle, also named Charles Sweeny, had been working along similar lines, recruiting American pilots to fight in France.) Sweeny's efforts were also coordinated in Canada by the World War I air ace Billy Bishop and the artist Clayton Knight, who formed the Clayton Knight Committee, which by the time the United States entered the war, had processed and approved 6,700 applications from Americans to join the RCAF or RAF. Sweeny and his rich society contacts bore the cost (over $100,000) of processing and sending the men to the United Kingdom for training.

Training

The basic requirements for joining the Eagle Squadron were a high school diploma, age 20 to 31 years, visual acuity of 20/40 correctable to 20/20, and 300 hours of certified flying time. These requirements, with the exception of the flight time, were not as strict as those required for service in the United States Army Air Corps, which was why some of the pilots joined the squadron. Most Eagle Squadron pilots did not have a college education or prior military experience.

Once in Britain and having passed basic flight training, the new pilots were sent for advanced operational training to an operational training unit (OTU) for two to four weeks to learn to fly Miles Master trainers, Hawker Hurricanes, and Supermarine Spitfires before being ostensibly commissioned as RAF officers and posted to front-line RAF fighter squadrons. The American pilots assigned to the Eagle Squadrons never renounced their US citizenship and although they wore the uniforms and held the rank titles of RAF officers, their dress and duty uniform tunics were modified with the Eagle Squadron patch, a white bald eagle flanked by the letters "ES" for Eagle Squadron.

Formation and Evolution

Three Eagle Squadrons were formed between September 1940 and July 1941. On 29 September 1942, they were turned over to the Eighth Air Force of the U.S. Army Air Forces and became the 4th Fighter Group. Of the thousands who volunteered, only 244 Americans served with the Eagle Squadrons. Sixteen Britons also served as squadron and flight commanders. The first Eagle Squadron, 71 Squadron, was formed in September 1940 as part of the RAF's buildup during the Battle of Britain and became operational for defensive duties on 5 February 1941. 71 Squadron commenced operations based at RAF Church Fenton in early 1941, before a move to RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey. In April, the squadron transferred to RAF Martlesham Heath in Suffolk for operations over Europe. During May, it suffered its first loss when Mike Kolendorski was killed during a fighter sweep over the Netherlands. The intensity of operations stepped up with a move into 11 Group, Fighter Command, being based at RAF North Weald by June 1941. On June 21, 1941, 22 year-old Nathaniel Maranz became the first American pilot to become a prisoner of war when he was shot down by a Bf 109 over the English Channel and picked up by a German patrol boat after swimming for an hour and a half. He was a prisoner in Stalag Luft III. The squadron's first confirmed victory came on 21 July 1941 when P/O William R. Dunn destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 109F over Lille. In August, 71 Squadron replaced its Hurricanes and Spitfire Mk IIs, before quickly re-equipping with the latest Spitfire Mk Vs. The unit soon established a high reputation and numerous air kill claims were made in RAF fighter sweeps over the continent during the summer and autumn of 1941. In December, the squadron was rested back at Martlesham Heath, before a move to Debden in May 1942.

The second Eagle Squadron, 121 Squadron, was formed at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey in May 1941, flying Hurricanes on coastal convoy escort duties. On 15 September 1941, it destroyed its first German aircraft. The Hurricanes were replaced with Spitfires and Spitfire Mk Vs arrived in November 1941. The following month, the squadron moved to RAF North Weald, replacing 71 Squadron. In 1942, its offensive activities over the English Channel included bomber escorts and fighter sweeps.

The third and final Eagle Squadron, 133 Squadron, was formed at RAF Coltishall in July 1941, flying the Hurricane Mk IIb. A move to RAF Duxford followed in August, and re-equipment with the Spitfire Mk V occurred early in 1942. In May, the squadron became part of the famed RAF Biggin Hill Wing. On 31 July 1942, during a bomber escort mission to Abbeville, 133 Squadron Spitfires fought 52-kill Luftwaffe 'ace' Oblt. Rudolf Pflanz of 11./JG 2 in combat; after shooting down one, Pflanz was shot down and killed in his Messerschmitt Bf 109G-1 over Berck-sur-Mer, France. 133 Squadron claimed three destroyed and one probable, while losing three aircraft. P/O "Jessie" Taylor accounted for two of the claims (a Bf 109F and an Focke-Wulf Fw 190) and P/O W. Baker was credited with a Fw 190 destroyed. On 26 September 1942, 11 of the unit's 12 brand new Spitfire Mk IXs were lost on a mission over Morlaix while escorting USAAF Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses in heavy cloud cover. Strong winds blew the unit further south than realized and, short of fuel, the squadron let down directly over Brest. Six pilots were shot down and taken prisoner, four were killed, one bailed out and evaded capture, while one crash landed in England. One of the British pilots taken prisoner, Flight Lieutenant Gordon Brettell, was later to be shot as one of the escapees in The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III in 1944.

The Dieppe Raid was the only time all three Eagle Squadrons saw action operating together. 71 Squadron moved from Debden to Gravesend in mid-August in anticipation of the Dieppe action, while 121 Squadron operated from Southend. 133 Squadron moved with 401 Squadron RCAF from RAF Biggin Hill to Lympne on the English south coast. 71 Squadron claimed a Ju 88 shot down, 121 Squadron an Fw 190, while 133 Squadron claimed four Fw 190s, a Ju 88 and a Dornier Do 217. Six 'Eagle' Spitfires were lost, with one pilot taken prisoner and one killed. Through to the end of September 1942, the squadrons claimed to have destroyed 73½ German aircraft while 77 American and 5 British members were killed. 71 Squadron claimed 41 kills, 121 Squadron 18 and 133 Squadron 14½.

When informed of the attack on Pearl Harbor, most of the Eagle Squadron pilots wanted to immediately join the fight against Imperial Japan. Representatives from 71 and 121 Squadrons went to the American embassy in London and offered their services to the United States. The pilots from 71 Squadron decided they wanted to go to Singapore to fight the Japanese and a proposal was put to RAF Fighter Command, but it was turned down.

On 29 September 1942, the three squadrons were transferred from the RAF to the Eighth Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces, with the American pilots becoming officers in the USAAF. The Eagle pilots had earned 12 Distinguished Flying Crosses and one Distinguished Service Order. Only four of the 34 original Eagle pilots were still present when the squadrons joined the USAAF. Typical were the fates of the eight original pilots in the third squadron: four died during training, one was disqualified, two died in combat, and one became a prisoner of war. About 100 Eagle pilots had been killed, were missing or were prisoners.

Negotiations regarding the transfer between the Eagle Squadrons, the USAAF and the RAF had to resolve a number of matters. The RAF wanted some compensation for losing three front-line squadrons. Determining what rank each pilot would assume in the USAAF also had to be negotiated, with most being given a rank equivalent to their RAF rank. For example, a flight lieutenant became a USAAF captain, while a wing commander became a lieutenant colonel. None of the Eagle Squadron pilots had previously served in the USAAF and did not have US pilot wings. As such, it was decided that they be awarded USAAF pilot wings upon their transfer. Due to their insistence, the Eagle Squadron pilots who transferred to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group were permitted to retain their RAF wings, reduced in size, on the opposite side of their uniform to their new USAAF pilots wings.

Major General Carl Spaatz, head of the USAAF in Europe, wanted to spread the experience of the Eagles amongst various new US fighter squadrons, but the pilots of the three Eagle Squadrons wanted to stay together. 71, 121, and 133 Squadrons were renamed by the USAAF as the 334th, 335th and 336th and transferred as complete units, retaining their Spitfires until P-47 Thunderbolts became available in January 1943. The 4th Fighter Group flew Spitfires until its conversion to P-47s was completed in April 1943. All three units had switched to the P-51 Mustang by the second half of March 1944. The 4th Fighter Wing, along with the 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Squadrons, exist today as F-15E Strike Eagle units at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina and are part of the Fifteenth Air Force.

Individual Pilots

The first three members of the Eagle Squadrons were:

Vernon Charles "Shorty" Keough, service number 81620

Andrew B. Mamedoff, service number 81621

Eugene Quimby "Red" Tobin, service number 81622

All three had served together in No. 609 Squadron RAF, at RAF Middle Wallop. They had joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) together (receiving consecutive service numbers), were posted to No. 609 Squadron RAF together, fought in the Battle of Britain together, and were transferred to 71 Squadron together in September 1940. The trio had also all been killed by the time of the transfer of the Eagle Squadrons to the USAAF in 1942 (from the database of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC):

Pilot Officer Keough was killed in February 1941, age 29

Flight Lieutenant Mamedoff was killed in October 1941, age 29, after he had been transferred, with a promotion to be a flight commander, to another Eagle Squadron, No. 133 Squadron

Flying Officer Tobin was killed in September 1941, age 24

Phillip Leckrone, service number 84653, was another Battle of Britain veteran. He was also killed before the USAAF took charge of the Eagle Squadrons. Pilot Officer Leckrone was killed in January 1941, age 28.

The lives of these four pilots have been described in The Few by Alex Kershaw.

It is reported that Pilot Officer Art Donahue DFC stayed with the Eagle Squadron only a short time before requesting a transfer back to his original RAF unit. He did not appreciate the unruly behavior of many of the American pilots. He was killed in action in 1942.

Captain Don Gentile was a pilot with 133 Squadron, claiming two air victories, and by March 1944 had become the 4th Fighter Group's top ace in World War II, with 22 aerial kills.

Colonel Chesley "Pete" Peterson had 130 sorties with the Eagle Squadrons and became the youngest squadron commander in the RAF. When the Eagle Squadrons were transferred to the 4th Fighter Group, Peterson became the group's executive officer, succeeding to command of the group in April 1943, and becoming at 23 the youngest (at the time) colonel in the USAAF.

Colonel Donald Blakeslee was a pilot in 121 and 133 Squadrons during 1942, making 120 sorties and claiming three aerial kills. He became deputy commander of the 4th Fighter Group under Chesley Peterson, then commanded the group from January to October 1944.

Honors

The Eagle Squadrons Memorial is located on Grosvenor Square opposite a statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

British composer Kenneth J. Alford wrote a march, "Eagle Squadron", in honor of the pilots of the squadron. It is also a "thank you" to the American pilots: small sections of the Star Spangled Banner can be heard in the low brass during the trio.

References

Caine, Philip D. American Pilots in the RAF: The WWII Eagle Squadrons. Brassey's, 1993.

Childers, James Saxon. War Eagles: The Story of the Eagle Squadron. Windmill Press, 1943.

Republished by Eagle Publishing in 1983. Same as the 1943 edition, except it has an epilogue of the members as of 1982.

Donahue, Arthur Gerald. Tally-Ho! Yankee in a Spitfire. McMillan & Company, 1942.

Dunn, William R. Fighter Pilot: The First American Ace of World War II. University of Kentucky Press, 1982.

Franks, Norman. The Greatest Air Battle: Dieppe, 19 August 1942. London: Grub Street, 1992.

Fydenchuk, W. Peter. Immigrants of War: Americans Serving With the RAF and RCAF During World War II. WPF Publications, 2005.

Goodson, James A. and Norman Franks. Over-Paid, Over-Sexed and Over-Here. Wingham Press Ltd., 1991.

Goodson, James A. Tumult in the Clouds. NAL Trade, 2004.

Haughland, Vern. Caged Eagles: Downed American Fighter Pilots, 1940–45. TAB Books, 1992.

Haughland, Vern. The Eagle Squadrons: Yanks in the RAF, 1940–1942. Ziff-Davis Flying Books, 1979.

Republished by TAB Books in 1992, ISBN 0-8306-2146-6, with all the photos different from the 1st edition.

Haughland, Vern. The Eagles' War: The Saga of the Eagle Squadron Pilots, 1940–1945. Jason Aronson, Inc., 1982.

Republished by TAB Books in 1992, with all the photos different from the 1st edition.

Holmes, Tony. American Eagles: American Volunteers in the R.A.F., 1937–1943. Classic Publications, 2001.

Kershaw, Alex. The Few. Da Capo Press, 2006.

Morris, John T. The Lives of an American Eagle. Mulberry River Press, 1999.

Nelson, Kenneth James, CD. Spitfire RCW: The Wartime Exploits of Wing Commander Royce Clifford Wilkinson OBE, DFM & Bar, C.de G.(France). Hignall Printing Ltd., 1994.

Sweeny, Charles and Colonel James A. Goodson. Sweeny: The autobiography of Charles Sweeny. Harrop Press Ltd., 1990.

Men of No 121 (Eagle) Squadron stand and wait for their call to action on the grass at Rochford airfield. Left to right they are: Flying Officer K M Osbourne, Squadron Leader W B Williams DFC (the Commanding Officer), an unidentified English officer of the ground staff, Pilot Officer Don A Young, Pilot Officer Frank R Boyles, an unidentified squadron member, Flight Lieutenant Seldon R Edner, Flight Sergeant Jim Sanders, an unidentified squadron member, Pilot Officer Jim Happel and another unidentified squadron member, possibly Flight Officer Hasey. In the foreground, Pilot Officer Cadman Padget plays with the squadron mascot, a dog named Roger. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9519)

Flight Sergeant Bill Kelly (left) and Flying Officer Osbourne [both members of No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron] sleep between ‘sweeps’ in the Dispersal Hut at Rochford airfield. Underneath the bed on which they sleep is the station mascot, a dog called Roger. The original caption states that “Like so many of the fighter squadron mascots, Roger belonged to a pilot since reported missing, and has been adopted by the others”. 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9518)

Flying Officer Barry Mahon (left) and Flight Lieutenant Seldon R Edner run to their aircraft as they are given the order to scramble. Both men are from California. The original caption states that enemy aircraft had appeared at 25,000 feet, seven miles south of the station, hence the need for action. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9521)

In the Pilots' Dispersal Hut at Rochford airfield, personnel of No 121 (Eagle) Squadron play Poker as they await the order to 'scramble'. Left to right they are: Pilot Officer Beatie (standing, from Georgia), Pilot Officer Heppel (New Jersey), Pilot Officer Kearney (New Mexico), Flight Sergeant Blandy (South Carolina), Flight Sergeant Carpenter (standing, from Pennsylvania), Flight Officer Hasey (Oklahoma), Flight Sergeant Sanders (Tennessee) and Flight Sergeant Vance (Virginia). In the rear right-hand corner of the photograph, the telephonist can be seen, along with several other personnel awaiting the call to action. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9514)

Flying Officer Osbourne plays a tune on his banjulele as entertainment for his Eagle Squadron colleagues on the terrace of the old English house in which they are billeted. Left to right, the 'audience' is: Pilot Officer Kearney (smoking a pipe), Pilot Officer Slater and Pilot Officer Padget (seated on the window sill). (Imperial War Museum photo D 9517)

In the Dispersal Hut at Rochford airfield, the telephonist logs a call from the Control Tower, confirming that 12 Spitfires are successfully airborne. In the background, a 'spare' pilot reads a book. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9513)

Flying Officer K M Osbourne shares his experience of a 'dog fight' with his Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader W B Williams DFC and other members of the Eagle Squadron, following a fighter sweep. Left to right, they are: Flight Sergeant Bill Kelly, Flight Sergeant Sanders, Pilot Officer Don A Young, Flying Officer K M Osbourne, Squadron Leader W B Williams DFC, Pilot Officer Cadman Padget, three unidentified personnel, Pilot Officer F R Boyles, Flight Lieutenant Seldon R Edner (just visible), Flight Lieutenant Jim Daly DFC, Pilot Officer Jim Happel, and Flying Officer Barry Mahon. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9522)

An intelligence officer collects information from an Eagle Squadron Spitfire crew after a flight. Left to right, they are: Flying Officer K M Osbourne, Flight Lieutenant Seldon R Edner, the intelligence officer, Squadron Leader W R Williams DFC (the Commanding Officer), Pilot Officer Don A Young and Pilot Officer F R Boyles. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9520)

Personnel of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF with a Spitfire (AV-P) at Southend. Handwritten caption on reverse: '121 2nd Eagle Squadron, RAF Southend. Photo by Sgt Phill Kelly, August 1942. Kenny John. Phill was killed in action, Holland 5 Feb, 1943. With 355 Sqdn, 4th Fighter Group, USAAF.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 14960)

Everett W Stewart and pilots of the 4th Fighter Group, formerly of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF with a Spitfire Mk V. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2293)

Spitfire F Mk.5b BM590 AV-R, 'Olga', of 121 (Eagle) Squadron in flight. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 7341)

Spitfire F Mk.5b BM590 AV-R of 121 (Eagle) Squadron in flight. A clear view of the undercarriage viewed from slightly below. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 7338)

Pilot Officer Kenneth Le Roy Holder of No. 121 Eagle Squadron, RAF sits on the shoulders of Pilot Officer Donald Wilson MacLeod in order to reach the Stars and Stripes, 27 November 1941. Passed for publication 27 Nov 1941. Printed caption on reverse: 'The Second Eagle Squadron. E.M.MCN. This Squadron as the second of the three American Eagle Squadrons to be formed in this country as units of the R.A.F. Fighter Command. Since it was formed some three months ago the Squadron has flown many hours on important convoy protection patrols off the British coast; it has also taken part in offensive operations over the Channel and Northern France. Convoy protection is a vital part of Fighter Command's work and the Second Eagle Squadron is regularly and efficiently playing an important part in this. Squadron Leader R.A.F. Powell, DFC, who is 25, born in Penang, Straits Settlements, is their British C.O. FOX. 27 November 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2319)

A Spitfire (serial number P8657) nicknamed "City of Leicester" of No 121 Squadron RAF. Passed for publication 27 Nov 1942. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 12510)

“FIRST PICTURES OF SECOND EAGLE SQUADRON. These are the first pictures to be taken of the second of the three American Eagle Squadrons to be formed in this country as unites of the RAF Fighter Command. Since it was formed three months ago the squadron has flown many hours on important convoy protection patrols off the British Coast. it has also taken part in many other offensive operations, the Squadron is equipped with cannon-firing Spitfires and is led by an Englishman.”

Squadron Leader W E G Taylor (right), CO of Eagle Squadron with Group Captain Charles Sweeny, Honorary CO and other Eagle Squadron pilots at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. All the Eagle Squadron pilots were trained prior to their recruitment but as their level of experience differed widely, they all underwent RAF standardized training. Taylor had seen service with the Fleet Air Arm. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1486)

Squadron Leader W E G Taylor (right), CO of Eagle Squadron at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. Taylor had seen service with the Fleet Air Arm. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1484)

Group Captain Charles Sweeny (right), Honorary Commanding Officer of the Eagle Squadron with the Commanding Officer of the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1482)

Stanley Kolendorski of Lakehurst, New Jersey, at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1488)

Air Gunnery instruction at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1492)

Original wartime caption: Air-gunnery instruction on the ground. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1490)

Air Gunnery instruction at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1491)

Dean Sattlerlee of Sacramento, California, at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1489)

Instruction at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. Seen here with a Miles Master advanced trainer. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1494)

Original wartime caption: Some of the American pilots interested in cockpit controls with a Miles Master advanced trainer. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1480)

Original wartime caption: American pilots demonstrating their ease of control on Miles Master advanced trainers. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1479)

A formation of Miles Master Mark Is of No. 5 Service Flying Training School, flown by volunteers for No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, flies past a press audience at RAF Sealand, Flintshire. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1477)

Original wartime caption: American pilots demonstrating their ease of control on Miles Master trainers. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1478)

Robert Sweeny of New York (left), formerly holder of the Amateur Golf Championship of Great Britain, photographed with an instructor at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1495)

Oliver Holton of Lakewood, Ohio and Charles Bateman of San Gabriel, California at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1496)

John Butler Ayre of Milwaukee, formerly with the US Army, at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1487)

Edwin Orbison of Sacramento, Fees Kennerly (formerly a commercial pilot) from Pasadena, Richard Moore from Dunca, Oklahoma and James McGinnis from Hollywood, California at the RAF Flying Training School where Eagle Squadron pilots underwent training. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1493)

Original wartime caption: Squadron Leader J.C. Nelson of Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., in the cockpit of his Spitfire. He was originally a member of the American Eagle Squadron, but on the transfer of the Eagle Squadron to the U.S.A.A.F. he remained with the R.A.F. and is now a squadron commander at an R.A.F. fighter station. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 9970)

P/O Andrew Mamedoff of Thompson, Connecticut, P/O Vernon Charles Keough of Brooklyn, New York and P/O Gene Tobin of Los Angeles. Mamedoff was formerly a stunt pilot in an air circus. Keough was a professional parachutist with 480 drops at the time this photograph was taken. Tobin was a commercial pilot who also did film work in Los Angeles. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1444)

An image showing men of the newly formed all-American Eagle Squadron of the RAF. These American pilots will be flying fighters in defense of Britain. (Left to right) P/O Andrew Mamedoff, of Thompson, Connecticut, P/O Vernon Charles Keough, of Brooklyn, New York, and P/O Gene Tobin of Los Angeles. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1439)

Original wartime caption: The following are the names, birth dates, occupations and home towns of the ten newly arrived American fliers for the Eagle Squadron of the R.A.F. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2860) They are from left to right:

NAME	BIRTH DATE	OCCUPATION	HOME TOWN
L.C. Wade	18.11.21	Clerk and Pilot	Broadloss, Texas
G.R. Bruce	12.8.14	Food Salesman
S.H. Crowe	3.3.20	Aircraft Worker	Bellaio, Ohio
S.N. Muhart	7.11.15	Glazier	Lorain, Ohio
Not an Eagle Squadron pilot
A.W. Strauel	3.3.17	Civil Engineer	Colorado
E.E. Streets	28.11.21	Flyer	Maryland
H.H. McCall	24.4.17	Salesman	Minneapolis
Not an Eagle Squadron pilot
E.E. Steel	14.10.13	Branch Manager Dayton Journal	Maryland
D.A. Tedford	6.11.13	Teacher and Pilot	Norwich, Conn.
Not an Eagle Squadron pilot
H.M. Coffin	22.9.12	Flying Student	Los Angeles.

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A pilot officer of the Eagle Squadron says goodbye to his pet before taking off. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2409)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A pilot officer of the Eagle Squadron. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2395)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. Groups of the Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2404)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A group of Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2400)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. Groups of the Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2405)

Original wartime caption: Mr. J.B. Snyder [in civilian clothes], U.S. Congressman and Chairman of Military Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, together with General Royce, U.S. Military Air Attaché visited a U.S. Eagle Squadron and congratulated the pilots on recent performances. Mr. J.B. Snyder and General Royce chatting to members of the Eagle Squadron. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 4058)

Hand-painted section cut from the back of a 1941 pattern 'Mae West' life preserver, in the shape of a shield, with the slogan 'NUTS TO NAZIS' diagonally bisecting part of an American flag on the left and a Union Jack on the right. Over the American flag is painted an eagle with a scroll bearing the text 'AMERICA' below it, while over the Union Jack is painted a crown with a scroll bearing the text 'ENGLAND' below it. At the top of the section, the text 'EAGLE SQUADRON' is painted in blue, superimposed centrally over the number '71' painted in red. Originally painted on the back of Robert 'Bob' Mannix's 1941 pattern 'Mae West' life preserver when serving as a fighter pilot with 71 (Eagle) Squadron in 1941-42. (Imperial War Museum photo EPH 11866)

Robert Louis Mannix (born 22 May 1916), from Moira, New York, learned to fly in Florida in the late 1930's and volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force in late 1940. Following the completion of flying training at the Polaris Flight Academy in California and further training with an Operational Training Unit in England, in June 1941 Mannix was posted to 71 Squadron, the first of the three American 'Eagle' squadrons that were formed by the Royal Air Force, at Martlesham Heath, where he flew Hawker Hurricanes and then Supermarine Spitfires. Mannix achieved at least two 'probable' victories (Bf 109, 2 July 1941; Bf 109, 4 September 1941) while flying with 71 Squadron. Following the United States' entry into the Second World War in December 1941, Mannix opted to remain in the RAF, and in July 1942 he was posted to 127 Squadron at Haifa, British Palestine, a Hurricane squadron which participated in the Western Desert campaign. In October 1942, now a Squadron Leader, Mannix was appointed Commanding Officer of 33 Squadron, a Hurricane squadron operating out of El Adem, Libya, which again, was involved in the Western Desert campaign and participated in the Battle of El Alamein. While piloting Hurricane Mk IIC (HM154), Mannix was shot down and killed near Benghazi, Libya, by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 on 18 November 1942. He was 27 years old and left behind a widow, Betsey.

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. An Eagle pilots talks to a sergeant of the ground staff before taking off. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2396)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A flight of the Eagles ready for a flight. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2410)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. The Eagles in the dispersal hut waiting to go on a practice flight. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2407)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A pilot officer of the Eagles climbing into his Hurricane for a practice flight. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2411)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. Two of the Eagles leaving their planes after a practice flight. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2408)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. Three American Eagle pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2399)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A pilot officer climbing into his cockpit before the take-off. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2398)

Original wartime caption: The American Eagle Squadron is now an operational squadron. A pilot officer ready for the takeoff. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2397)

Original wartime caption: Group Captain Charles Sweeny [right] Honorary Commanding Officer of the "Eagle" Squadron, with the C.O. of the training station. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1481)

Congressman visits Eagle Squadron. Original wartime caption: Mr. J.B. Snder with some of the Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 4062)

Congressman visits Eagle Squadron. Original wartime caption: Mr. J.B. Snyder with some of the Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 4060)

Eagle Squadron DFC. Original wartime caption: Pilot Officer C.W. McColpin is congratulated by fellow members of the Eagle Squadron. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3924)

Eagle Squadron DFCs. Original wartime caption: They are Acting Flight Lieutenant C.G. Peterson (23) of Utah and Flying Officer G.A. Daymond. Other personnel of the Eagle Squadron congratulate [left] F/O Daymond and F/Lt. Peterson. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3735)

Congressman visits Eagle Squadron. Original wartime caption: Mr. J.B. Snyder with some of the Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 4059)

Congressman visits Eagle Squadron. Original wartime caption: Mr. J.B. Snyder with some of the Eagle Squadron pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 4061)

Original wartime caption: Squadron Leader W.E.G. Taylor [right] C.O. of the squadron, in a talk on navigation with some of the American pilots. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1485)

Original wartime caption: The badge of the "Eagle" Fighter Squadron of the Royal Air Force is in light blue embroidery on a background of dark blue Melton cloth and comprises a spread .eagle holding in dexter claw a sprig of laurel and in sinister claw five arrows, the whole surmounted by the letters "E.S.". (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1385)

Eagle Squadron DFCs. Original wartime caption: They are Acting F/Lt. C.G. Peterson (23) of Utah, and F/O G.A. Daymond. The two DFCs - F/O Daymond in cockpit - at back F/Lt. Peterson. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3736)

Eagle Squadron DFCs. Original wartime caption: They are Acting F/Lt. C.G. Peterson (23) of Utah, and F/O G.A. Daymond. [Left] Flight Lieutenant Peterson, DFC., and [right] Flying Officer Daymond, DFC. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3737)

Original wartime caption: Checking personnel details with the Adjutant. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1443)

Original wartime caption: Left to right - Gregory Augustus Daymond, 19 year old "baby" of the Squadron; Byron Fees Kennerly, a commercial flyer from Pasadena, California Richard Arthur Moore, a "Crop-Dusk" from Dunca, Oklahoma. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1483)

Single-breasted open-collared service dress jacket of dark 'chocolate' shade olive drab, having four patch pockets, a matching cloth belt, and fitted with gilt officer quality crested buttons. To the left upper sleeve is sewn the patch of the Air Corps, officer's 'US' and winged propeller badges are attached to the lapels, and 2nd lieutenant's gilt metal rank bars pinned to the epaulets. Above the right breast pocket is sewn a padded cloth RAF pilots brevet, of smaller scale to the official RAF pattern, with on the opposite breast, a sterling silver US pilot's wing-badge. Both lower cuffs of the jacket are decorated with the single woven rings of officer's lace. (Imperial War Museum photo UNI 13853)

This jacket was worn by 2nd Lieutenant Leland Lindsay Macfarlane, a veteran of former service with the Royal Air Force who was later killed in action. Born 8 September 1919 in San Francisco, Macfarlane was a student at Multnomah College, Portland, in the late 1930's and obtained a private pilot's licence while studying journalism. In 1942 he enlisted into the Army Air Corps to begin pilot training but was given a medical discharge because of hypertension (high blood pressure). Later that in that same year he enlisted with the RCAF and began basic training at Palmdale, California, to be posted to England where he flew Spitfires with the RAF. At a date unknown at the time of writing, he transferred to the USAAF (possibly September, 1942) and from 20 January 1943, Macfarlane served with 334 Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group (Debden). While flying on a Group mission over Belgium on 21 May 1943, 334 Squadron 'bounced' several Me 109's going inland, west of Bruges. 335 Squadron provided overhead cover while 336 created a barrier to stop enemy planes heading for France. The attack broke into a dogfight over the North Sea and Ostend. Macfarlane's P-47D Thunderbolt, 42-7920 QP-N, was last seen following enemy aircraft inland after a fight over Ghent (13.50hrs). One other 334 Squadron pilot was killed in this action while another was shot down and became a POW*. 2nd Lieutenant Macfarlane is buried in Epinal American Cemetery, France. [*Notes taken from 'Escort to Berlin - The 4th Fighter Group in World War II.' By GL Fry and JL Ethell, 1980.] Macfarlane's uniform items and a copy of a photograph of him were gifted to the Imperial War Museum by his brother in law, Colonel L R Poundstone in 1999.

The Duchess of Kent gives Captain Gilbert Halsey of the 4th Fighter Group a plaque of the Eagle Squadron insignia during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Capt. Gilbert Halsey, of Chickasha, Oklahoma[sic], receiving the Squadron Insignia, formerly of the Eagle Squadron, from the Duchess of Kent. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (50).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2369)

Captain Thomas J. Andrews, Captain Gilbert Halsey and Major John G. Dufour of the 4th Fighter Group after receiving the Eagle Squadron Insignia during a royal visit, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: The three former Eagle Squadron men wh received plaques. Capt. Thomas J. Andrews, of Long Beach, Calif.; Capt. Gilbert Halsey, of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Major John G. Dufour of Alemada[Alameda], Calif. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (96).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2365)

The Duchess of Kent and General D Hunter at a plaque presentation ceremony for the 4th Fighter Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943.' [stamp] and '271390.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. HRH The Duchess of Kent visited a US Army Air Force Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron Insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the RAF prior to the entry of the USA into the war. Keystone Photo shows: The Duchess of Kent and Gen D Hunter of Savanna, Georgia, chatting together.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 9785)

The Duchess of Kent inspects personnel of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: The Duchess of Kent reviews the men and Officers at the Field, while beside her Col. B. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the Field. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (13).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2371)

The Duchess of Kent during a royal visit to the 4th Fighter Group at Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of this Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, looking over at Fighter Plane (59). SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2362)

The Duchess of Kent talks to General D. Hunter under to wing of a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Gen. D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, Col. E. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the Field, and the Duchess of Kent. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone.' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2373)

The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Ross G. Hoyt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: The Duchess of Kent; General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia; and Col. Ross G. Hoyt, of Detroit, Michigan. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (14).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2372)

The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Edward Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed as censored 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the field; the Duchess of Kent, and General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (21-.' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2364)

The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel B. Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '24-6-43.' 271401 Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, the Duchess of Kent, and Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the field; all looking into a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (52) On reverse: Keystone Press [Stamp]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2374)

The Duchess of Kent inspects a P-47 Thunderbolt of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: The Duchess of Kent looking at a motor of a fighter and Col. E. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla, Commanding Officer of the Field, is next to her. With back of head to camera is Gen. D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (46).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2368)

P-47 Thunderbolts of the 4th Fighter Group in the air over Debden air base. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. SG/US-POOL/B. Keystone. 78-79-80'. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 1429)

Formation of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 4th Fighter Group in the air over Debden air base. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. SG/US-POOL/B. Keystone. 78-79-80'. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 1432)

Formation of P-47 Thunderbolts of the 4th Fighter Group in the air over Debden air base. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. 271400 Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Formations of Thunderbolts in the air. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone 78-79-80 (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 1431)

Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honor, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignitaries. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honor, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 14)

Guest of honor, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignitaries review soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group on the parade ground at Debden, Essex. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honor, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 13)

Original wartime caption: Picture (issued 1943) shows the No. 71 Eagle Squadron crest. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 10412)

No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF patch, 1940.

Original wartime caption: H.R.H. THE DUCHESS OF KENT on 24th June 1943, presented plaques to three commanders of U.S. Army Eighth Air Force fighter command squadrons, members of which formerly served in the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons. Thos who accepted the plaques were - Major John G. DuFour of Alameda, California; Captain Thomas J. Andrews of Cosra Mesa, California and Captain Gilbert O. Halsey of Chickasha, Oklahoma. Her Royal Highness was formerly greeted by Brigadier General Frank O'D Hunter, commanding general of Eighth Fighter Command. Picture (issued 1943) shows the No. 121 Eagle Squadron crest. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 10410)

No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron RAF patch, 1940.

Original wartime caption: Picture (issued 1943) shows the No. 133 Eagle Squadron crest. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 10412)

No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron RAF patch, 1940.

RAF pilot's wings brevet, being a cushion embroidered pair of outstretched wings supporting a central laurel wreath encircling the RAF monogram with a King's crown above; the wings, monogram and crown in cream, and the wreath in bronze, all on a black fabric backing. On the reverse are messages written in black pen by Mannix to his wife Betsey. (Imperial War Museum photo INS 61309)

Originally belonged to Robert 'Bob' Mannix, an American fighter pilot who served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Likely sent by Mannix to his wife Betsey for her birthday in May 1941.

The Duchess of Kent, Colonel Edward Anderson and General Frankel D. Hunter inspect a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed as censored 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of this field; The Duchess of Kent; Gen. Frankel D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, looking over at Fighter Plane (59). SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone.' On reverse: (Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. FRE 2359) Note the censor’s marks to inform publishers to crop the aircraft’s open machine gun bay covers when the photo is published.

Flying Officer G A Daymond (left) and Flight Lieutenant C G Peterson of No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, at North Weald, Essex following their award of the DFC. In August 1942 Daymond became Commanding Officer of the Squadron, with whom he had shot down 7 enemy aircraft. Upon the amalgamation of the Eagle squadrons into the USAAF, Daymond received the rank of Major and added 2 to his score with the 334th Fighter Squadron before returning to the USA. Peterson also transferred, was promoted to full Colonel at the age of 23, and commanded the 4th Fighter Group until 1943. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3738)

American pilots of No 71 'Eagle' Squadron rush to their Hawker Hurricanes at Kirton-in-Lindsey, 17 March 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2401)

Pilot Officer C W "Red" McColpin of No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, standing by his Supermarine Spitfire Mark VB at North Weald, Essex. He later became a flight commander with No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron RAF and, by the time of his transfer to the USAAF in September 1942, had shot down 9 enemy aircraft. In 1944 he returned to the United Kingdom as commander of a fighter group of the 9th USAAF. After the war, he commanded the 31st Fighter Group USAAF.

Hawker Hurricanes Mk. I of No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2402)

American pilots of No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF gathered in front of one of their Hawker Hurricanes at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire, 17 March 1941. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2403)

Pilot Officer Wendell Pendleton of No 71 Squadron, RAF Eagle Squadron and the 4th Fighter Group. Written on slide casing: 'P/O Wendell Pendleton.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 12759)

US Eagle Squadron personnel shaking hands with RAF airmen. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 14123)

Supermarine Spitfire pilots in front of one of their planes. They are Empire and American pilots (Eagle Squadron). Supermarine Spitfires for Malta, 19 to 23 March 1942, on board HMS Eagle, in company with "Force H", taking Spitfires from Gibraltar to Malta for the defense of the island. The aircraft were flown off HMS Eagle after being taken half-way on board the carrier. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9581)

Supermarine Spitfire pilots. They come from all over the Empire, some are Americans of the Eagle Squadron. Supermarine Spitfires for Malta, 19 to 23 March 1942, on board HMS Eagle, in company with "Force H", taking Spitfires from Gibraltar to Malta for the defense of the island. The aircraft were flown off HMS Eagle after being taken half-way on board the carrier. (Imperial War Museum photo A 9588)

RAF badge bearing the inscription 'RAF/ 1942' and a flying eagle inside a laurel wreath. (Imperial War Museum photo INS 385)

The RAF 1942 badge was awarded to all American citizens who volunteered to serve with the Royal Air Force prior to the United States entering the Second World War in December 1941. This badge was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Forrest Patte 'Pat' Dowling (1916- 1955) for his service as an American volunteer pilot with No 71 'Eagle' Squadron. Pat completed 130 combat missions with the RAF before transferring to the United States Army Air Forces. In 1942, Pat and his WAAAF wife Diane, fathered the first Anglo-American baby or 'Eaglet', Michael Dowling. This was one of a number of mementos kept by Michael following his father's death, aged 38, from a heart attack in 1955.

Flying Officer Lee Gover of No. 133 Eagle Squadron, RAF in the cockpit of his Spitfire Mk. V nicknamed "Sondra-Lee", 1942. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'F/O Lee Gover RCAF, 133 Eagle Sqdn, 1942.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2302)

Captain Don Gentile of the 4th Fighter Group in front of the Eagle Squadron score board. Image stamped on reverse: 'Saidman Illustrated.' [stamp], 'Not to be Published 11 Apr 1944.' [stamp] and '315280.' [censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S.A.A.F. Ace pilot Capt. Gentile, D.F.C. & 3 Bars, Air Medal & 3 Bars has shot down 22 enemy planes.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 13856)

Original wartime caption: Commanding Officer of the "Eagle" Squadron, new R.A.F. Fighter Squadron with all-American pilots, is Squadron Leader W.E.G. Taylor of New York, U.S.A. Squadron Leader Taylor has been fighting as a volunteer for Britain since the outbreak of war, and was formerly in the U.S. Naval Air Corps. He was a civil Air Line pilot in the United States. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1383)

Emblem, No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF and the 4th Fighter Group. Handwritten on slide case:"wall insignia E Ritchie". (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 5334)

Allied airmen shot by the Germans. Original wartime caption: Flight Lieutenant Edward Gordon Brettell, DFC, R.A.F.V.R. No. 133 [Eagle] Squadron, one of the men shot. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3566)

The King and Queen inspect Dominion and U.S.A. airmen. Original wartime caption: Pilots of the U.S.A. Eagle Squadron inspected by the King. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 3797)

Their Majesties the King and Queen make special inspection of Dominion and American personnel who have rallied to the call of adventure in the air to fight alongside the RAF in the many theatres of war. Original wartime caption: The King and Queen with airmen of the American Eagle Squadron.

Original wartime caption: Flight Sergeant C.W. McCoplin [Eagle Squadron] D.F.C. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 5665)

The United States Army Air Force in Britain: Eagle Squadron: Squadron Leader W B Williams DFC (center), the only Englishman in the squadron with his two flight commanders, Flight Lieutenant Jim Daly DFC of Texas (left) and Flight Lieutenant S R Edner of California. (Imperial War Museum photo D 9516)

Captain Robert L Prieser of the 354th Fighter Group climbs out of his P-51 Mustang. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 13 Jan 1944.' [stamp] and '296916.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'THE P-51B- WORLD'S FASTEST FIGHTER PLANE. Associated Press Photo Shows: Capt. Robert L Prieser, aged 22, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of the original "Eagle Squadron" (Squadron 71) has been in the RCAF and RAF for over three years. He had been on 88 sorties with the British before his transfer flying every fighter used by the RAF in that time.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 402)

Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson a pilot of the 4th Fighter Group, in the cockpit of his Spitfire, March 1943. Passed as censored 30 Mar 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th[obscured] Group, Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his Flight Group. 23474. Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson in the cockpit of his Spitfire. S&G. D.M.' Censor no: 255725. On reverse: Sport & General, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 11169)

Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson and pilots of the 4th Fighter Group walk past a Spitfire, March 1943. Passed as censored 30 Mar 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th[obscured]Group, Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his Flight Group. 23479. Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson (5th from left) with his Flight Group going out to the Spitfires. S&G. D.M.' Censor no: 255720. On reverse: Sport & General, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 11170)

Pilots of the 4th Fighter Group, including Lieutenant Colonel Chesley G Peterson and Lieutenant W T O'Reagan in front of a Spitfire. Image stamped on reverse: 'Sport and General.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 March 1943.' [stamp] and '255732.' [censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C, U.S. Army Air Force 4th Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle squadron, seen at an air force station somewhere in England with his flight group. 23467 (Left to Right) L-R; Capt. R.D. Mc Minn, Lt. W.T. O'Reagan, Lt. S.M. Anderson, Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C, Major Oscar H. Coen, D.F.C, Lt. R.A. Boock and Lt. J.A. Clark in front of Lt. Col. Peterson's Spitfire. S&G. SR.' (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 13915)

Personnel talk to Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar Coen of the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group in the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt after a mission over Paris, 15 October 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Thunderbolt fighters are proving a terror to the German pilots (former members of the R.A.F.). Flying their high altitude fast diving fighters, that have accounted for many enemy planes. In the raid over Paris the fighters of this station accounted for 17 down, 5 probables and one damaged. 15/10/43.' Printed damaged caption on reverse: 'O.P.S. Lt. Col. Oscar Coen of Illinois is an Ace and one of the original Eagle Squadron. He has won both the British and American D.F.C. He is here seen seated in his plane with fellow pilots around him.' On reverse: Daily Sketch [Stamp]. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 2268)

A member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force plays a game at the Russell Square fete. The aim is for the WAAF to roll a penny and get it to land within the lines of a particular square, in order to win the numbers marked within the square. Amongst the civilians watching her as she plays is an American airman, wearing RAF wings. According to the original caption, "his double wings meant he had once flown for Britain": he would have been a member of an Eagle Squadron. (Imperial War Museum photo D 14683)

Squadron Leader J J Lynch, Commanding Officer of No. 249 Squadron RAF, sits in the cockpit of his Supermarine Spitfire Mark VC at Krendi, Malta, as an airman chalks "Malta's 1,000th" below his victory tally. Lynch, an American who joined the RAF in 1941, served with No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF in the United Kingdom before being posted to 249 Squadron in Malta in November 1942. He became a flight commander in early 1943 and was given the command of the Squadron in March. He enjoyed much success during operations over the sea route between Sicily and Tunisia, and, on the 28 April 1943, shot down a Junkers Ju 52 five miles north of Cap Cefalu which was assessed as being the 1,000th enemy aircraft shot down by Malta-based units since the start of the war. Lynch transferred to the USAAF in July 1943 having scored 10 and 7 shared victories with the RAF. (Imperial War Museum photo CM 5096)

Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, DSO, DFC, U.S. Army Air Force 4th Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England entering his Spitfire with his flight group. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 9)

Lieutenant-Colonel Oscar Coen and a ground crewman, both of the 4th Fighter Group, on the wing of a P-47 Thunderbolt at Debden air base, October 1943. Printed caption attached to print: American Thunderbolt Fighters are proving a terror to the Germans. The pilots (former members of the RAF) flying their high altitude fast diving fighters that have accounted for many enemy planes. In one raid over Paris the fighters of this Station accounted for 17 down, 5 probables and one damaged 15/10/43'. And 'Lt. Col. Oscar Coen of Illinois is an ace and one of the original Eagle Squadron. He has won the British and American DFC. He is seen here on the wing of his plane with a mechanic. (Imperial War Museum photo FRE 57)

A Hawker Hurricane Mark I of No 71 (Eagle) Squadron takes off from Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire, as 'XR-Z', another aircraft of the Squadron, taxies to its take-off point. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2406)

Hurricane Mark I, V7608, XR-J, of No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, lined up with other aircraft at Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 2412)

Original wartime caption: Group Captain Charles Sweeney is Honorary Commanding Officer of the R.A.F. "Eagle" Fighter Squadron which has all-American volunteer pilots. Born at San Francisco, California, he achieved fame fighting for France in the Foreign Legion in the war of 1914- 1918. Later he commanded the re-formed Lafayette Escadrille, a squadron of Volunteer American flyers which fought the Riffs in Morocco. (Imperial War Museum photo CH 1380)

Eagle Squadrons Memorial in Grosvenor Square, City of Westminster, Greater London, London, England. Created by Elisabeth Frink and dedicated in 1986.

Hawker Hurricane Mk XII 5390 was flown by the RCAF until it crashed into the sea in 1944. It was restored to appear as a Mk IIa XR-B, serial Z3174, of No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, and is displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Ohio.

Spitfire from 4th Fighter Group in 1941. This is EN783, a Spitfire Mk Vb flown by Steve Pisanos of the 334th FS, who previously flew this aircraft under British co lours with No 71 "Eagle" Squadron. (USAAF photo)

General Dwight D. Eisenhower awards the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain Don Gentile (left) and Colonel Donald Blakeslee on 11 April 1944. (USAAF photo)

There is a thunderous roar of Merlin engines as the American volunteers of 71 Squadron RAF power up their Spitfire Mk.Vbs ready to scramble into action, summer 1941. Under American law, in 1940 it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations, yet many hundreds of American citizens felt compelled to volunteer to fly with the RAF and RCAF in the fight against Nazi tyranny in Europe. In fact they even formed their own units – the Eagle Squadrons.

One of the most famous Eagle Squadron pilots was Jim Goodson who flew Spitfires in 1940 and later transferred to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group in September 1942 and also served with the 31st Fighter Group. Highly-regarded as both a Spitfire and P-51 Mustang pilot, he finished the war an Ace with 15 victories.

Robert’s pulsating piece serves as a lasting tribute to the brave young volunteers of the Eagle Squadrons who helped shape the course of the war in Europe. This famous edition is personally autographed by the artist and one of the great Eagle Squadron and 4th Fighter Group Aces of WWII, creating a memorable collector’s piece to be cherished for future generations.

Colonel JAMES GOODSON – 133 Sqn RAF & 4th Fighter Group / 15 victories

The painting ‘Eagle Squadron’ was one of John Shaw’s first aviation illustrations, originally utilized as a small air show poster in central California in 1993. In a rare opportunity to work with surviving veterans of the Eagle Squadrons in 1994, an unprecedented 21 pilots participated in autographing a small number of prints. Seven pilots from each Squadron (71, 121 and 131) are represented.

A Trio of Eagles:
The Eagle Squadron Pilots of the 371st Fighter Group

by Lt Col Terrence G. Popravak, Jr., USAF (Retired)

Published Sept. 29, 2025

This month marks the 85th anniversary of the first of the three Eagle Squadrons to go into service in World War II. The Eagle Squadrons were three Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter squadrons which were largely manned with American volunteer pilots, 244 of whom were accepted for service from the thousands that applied. They began service while the epic Battle of Britain was being fought, when on September 19, 1940 RAF No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron was formed. After training for air combat in Europe, No. 71 began combat operations on February 5, 1941.

These Eagle pilots should not be confused with the 11 Americans who flew in RAF Fighter Command squadrons during the Battle of Britain proper (July 10 to October 31, 1940), and who earned the right to wear the Battle of Britain clasp on their 1939 – 1945 campaign star medal. But the Eagle Squadron pilots had similar motivation and were already in motion to join the RAF and fight against the fascist powers dominating much of Europe when the Battle of Britain transpired.

The second squadron was RAF No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron formed in May 1941 which saw its first action in September that year. The third was RAF No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron formed in July, 1941. The squadrons primarily fought the Luftwaffe in the skies over England and western France, and some American pilots were detached to participate in defending the isle of Malta during the aerial siege the Axis powers mounted against that vital outpost in the Mediterranean.

The Eagle Squadrons all took part in the fiercely contested Dieppe Raid of August 19, 1942. Shortly afterward, on September 29, 1942 all three Eagle Squadrons were transferred over to the USAAF to form the 334th, 335th and 336th fighter squadrons of the 4th Fighter Group assigned to Eighth Air Force and the strategic air campaign against Hitler’s Germany.

Some of these Eagle pilots returned to the United States where they were reassigned to other new squadrons being formed in the great buildup of American airpower then underway. Three of them joined the 371st Fighter Group, today’s 142nd Wing, when the group was established at Richmond Army Air Base on July 15, 1943. In alphabetic order, they were William J. “Diamond Jim” Daley, Eric E. Doorly and Edwin D. “Jessie” Taylor. Each one deserves a dedicated article, but for now, a summary of their part of the air war in Europe while serving in the Eagle Squadrons.

William James Daley was assigned to No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron. He was the first of the trio to clash with the Luftwaffe, on March 8, 1942 when he damaged an enemy FW-190 fighter. On April 24, he shot down a Junkers W34 single-engine transport aircraft (another source says it was a Ju 52 Trimotor) and received half-credit for it with another pilot. Daley claimed an enemy aircraft on May 17, and on May 27 attacked and sank a 1,000-ton enemy minesweeper vessel and then shot down a Luftwaffe Me 109F fighter.

Daley garnered the nickname “Diamond Jim” perhaps in comparison to some aspect of American businessman/financier/philanthropist James B. “Diamond Jim” Brady. The pilot had the look of a dashing movie star and was quite the popular gent, and the name stuck.

“Diamond Jim” damaged another FW 190 on July 30 and when 121 Squadron was transferred to the USAAF and became the 335th Fighter Squadron on September 29, 1942, Major William J. Daley became its first commander. He turned the reins over to Maj. Donald J. M. Blakeslee two months later and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the RAF.

Eric Ellington Doorly was assigned to No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron. On the night of April 28/29, 1942, he was sent aloft in pursuit of a German Do 217 bomber over North Yorkshire, England. Radar guidance from the ground got him near enough to possibly damage it, though he was hit by return fire and bailed out over England. On August 17 his squadron supported the first US B-17 heavy bomber raid on the Continent from England in a raid on the railroad yards at Rouen, France.

Two days later, Doorly flew three sorties in the disastrous raid on Dieppe, France known as Operation Jubilee. The aircraft he flew that day was a Spitfire Mk Vb, serial number AB 910, Squadron code MD-S, which was flown four times that difficult day. On its third sortie with another pilot, Flight Sergeant “Dixie” Alexander shot down a Luftwaffe Do 217 twin-engine bomber five miles south of Dieppe. It was AB 910’s only aerial victory of the war. The Spitfire was part of the D-Day operation and ultimately survived the war. Over the years found its way to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in which it still flies and is well-preserved.

On September 6, a few weeks before his squadron was transferred to the USAAF to become the 336th Fighter Squadron, he flew a Spitfire Mk IX, serial number BS 276, as part of the fighter escort for USAAF B-17s attacking Abbeville, France. A staffel (squadron) of enemy FW 190 fighters opposed them and the first American B-17 loss over Europe occurred that day. Friendly fighters were busy, and Doorly shot down an FW-190 but then in turn was shot down by the enemy and parachuted into occupied France. With the help of the French Resistance, he evaded capture, made his way south through France, across the mountains of the Pyrenees to Spain, and reached England by December, 1942.

Edwin Dale Taylor was assigned first to No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron, then transferred to No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron. He damaged an enemy FW 190 on May 31, 1942. He gained his nickname “Jessie” after he and another pilot confessed to helping themselves to the liquor in the officer’s mess after hours. The British station commander there at Eglinton asked him “Where do you come from, Taylor?” To which Edwin responded, “Oklahoma.” The commander then exclaimed, “Who do you think you are, Jesse James?” And the nickname, modified with an “i” to “Jessie,” stuck. “Jessie” Taylor also had a dog that became the squadron mascot, a miniature dachshund he named “Herman the German.”

“Jessie” was a volunteer for service in Malta, but his commander refused to let him go. On July 31 came evidence as to why. As part of the escort for a successful Boston (Douglas A-20) light bomber attack on Abbeville, Taylor and his squadron-mates were bounced by around 30 FW 190s and Me 109s and a big dogfight ensued. Taylor was hit and seriously wounded at the start of the fight when a bullet pierced his foot and another creased his forehead, with blood temporarily blinding him. Wiping the blood from one eye, and with a boot filling with blood, “Jessie” fought back fearlessly, shot down two FW 190s, and probably shot down an Me 109. He flew his damaged Spitfire back to base with 107 holes in it, not counting the holes in himself. His wounds were such that he was hospitalized for a time.

Taylor should have been nominated for a British Distinguished Flying Cross, battling back as he did after being wounded in the dogfight but during his initial recuperation at an RAF hospital at Torquay he was out of sight and lost in the shuffle of a squadron change in command and a war going on. His only contact from his squadron busy fighting the war was a visit by Eric Doorly who brought him his personal belongings.

“Jessie” narrowly escaped death again on October 25, 1942 when a quartet of Luftwaffe FW 190s conducted a “Tip and Run” raid in which his hospital was bombed, despite being clearly marked by a large red cross on the roof. Twenty-one patients and staff were killed and another 40 injured.

Taylor and another ambulatory fighter pilot were out of the hospital when the bombs landed. They had just come out of a nearby movie theater featuring a movie about a Polish pilot with a scene of aircraft attacking a ground target when two “real” FW 190s strafed the street they were on – the men jumped through an open doorway to dodge the bullets and hit the deck, right into a trough of fish. They were shocked to find that the wing of the hospital they were quartered in was demolished. “Jessie” was soon sent back to the States to fully recover from his wounds.

By 1943, all three men returned to the US and were then reassigned to the 371st Fighter Group. Daley became the group’s Deputy Commander. Taylor was made the Commander of the 406th Fighter Squadron and Doorly was assigned to his squadron. We have a formal request for information submitted with the RAF Museum to obtain their officially credited Eagle Squadron aerial victories for our archival reference and are awaiting a response.

As we remember the American Eagle Squadron pilots who fought for freedom against the Axis in the days before America joined the Second World War, we look with pride upon their achievements and particularly those of the three Eagles assigned to the 371st Fighter Group, We remember that about 100 of their comrades became casualties of war, killed, missing or captured. Their stories add another layer of luster to the history of the US Air Force and the 142nd Wing. Lest we forget.

Edwin D. “Jessie” Taylor (1918-2003) was assigned to No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron. He later became the commander of the 406th Fighter Squadron of the 371st Fighter Group, USAAF. (American Air Museum in Britain)

Flight Lieutenant William J. “Diamond Jim” Daley (1919-1944) of No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron, RAF with his Spitfire Mk. V. Handwritten caption on reverse: '121 E.S. Fox Studio Photo U.K. Jim Daley, Pilot.' In 1942 he briefly commanded the 335th Fighter Squadron in the 4th Fighter Group in England, and in 1943 became the Deputy Commander of the 371st Fighter Group, USAAF. (American Air Museum in Britain)

Flying Officer Eric E. Doorly (1920-1994) was assigned to No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron. Unfortunately, so far we have only found this one image including him during his Eagle Squadron service, in the front row of a group photo. Original caption (Doorly name misspelled, he and Edwin Taylor highlighted in bold italics below) : “Pilots and Officers of No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron at Biggin Hill, June 1942.

Standing L-R: Lt. Leonard T. Ryerson, Lt. George H. Middleton, R. Beatty, E. Miller, D. Gudmundsen, D. Lambert, Dominic S. Gentile, J. Emerson (Intelligence Officer), F. Chapman (Medical Officer), J. Stavely-Dick (Adjutant), Grant E. Eichar and Carl H. Miley.

Sitting L-R: G. Harp, William Arends, G. Omens, E. Taylor, Coburn C. King, T. Thomas (Commanding Officer), Donald J. M. Blakeslee, George B. Sperry, E. Doorley, K. Kimbro and W. Baker.” (American Air Museum in Britain)