Battle of Britain Album #6: No. 19 Squadron RAF

Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia P9368 'QV-K' of No. 19 Squadron being rearmed between sorties at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1367A.

 

Armorer Fred Roberts re-arms Spitfire Mk Ia X4474 QV-I of No. 19 Squadron at Fowlmere, September 1940. The pilot, seated in his cockpit, is Sergeant Bernard Jennings. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1458.

 

Spitfire Mk Ia of No. 19 Squadron taxiing at Fowlmere, with ground staff steadying each wing tip, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1448.

 

Spitfire Mark IA, X4474 ‘QV-I’, of No. 19 Squadron RAF, taking off from Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire, with Sergeant B J Jennings at the controls. During the battle 19 Squadron was part of the Duxford Wing. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1451.

 

Spitfire Mk 1a X4474 QV-I of No. 19 Squadron in flight, and banking to port. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1453.

 

Supermarine Spitfire Mk Is of No. 19 Squadron RAF at Fowlmere near Duxford, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1452,

 

Flight Sergeant George "Grumpy" Unwin of No. 19 Squadron RAF climbs out of his Supermarine Spitfire Mk I at Fowlmere, near Duxford in Cambridgeshire after a sortie, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1355.

 

Squadron Leader Brian 'Sandy' Lane, CO of No. 19 Squadron and Flight Lieutenant Wilfrid Clouston with Czech pilot Flying Officer Frantisek 'Dolly' Dolezal, Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1324.

 

Pilots of No. 19 Squadron at Fowlmere, August 1940. From left: Flight Lieutenant Brian 'Sandy' Lane; Sergeant Jack Potter; Sergeant Bernard 'Jimmy' Jennings; Pilot Officer Raymond Aeberhardt; Flight Sergeants George 'Grumpy' Unwin and Harry Steere; Pilot Officer Frank 'Fanny' Brinsden; Flying Officer Jack 'Farmer' Lawson; Flying Officer Leonard Haines; Pilot Officer Arthur Vokes; Flight Lieutenant Wilf Clouston; Flying Officer Eric Thomas. Behind them is the operations hut mounted on a trailer. Note that some of the pilots are wearing Canadian khaki drill overall blouses. Also, Clouston has a Luftwaffe lifejacket. Imperial War Museum photo HU 27861.

 

Spitfire pilots of No. 19 Squadron relax between sorties outside their crew room at Manor Farm, Fowlmere, September 1940. Left to right: Pilot Officer Wallace 'Jock' Cunningham, Sub-Lieutenant Arthur 'Admiral' Blake of the Fleet Air Arm and Flying Officer Frank Brinsden, with pet spaniel.

 

Pilots of No. 19 Squadron standing in the back of a lorry at Fowlmere, September 1940. The pilots are, from left to right, P/O Arthur Vokes, Sgt David Cox, F/Sgt George Unwin, P/O Richard Jones, Sgt Bernard Jennings, P/O Dennis Parrott, unknown, unknown. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1397.

 

Pilots of No. 19 Squadron RAF stage a mock 'scramble' from the back of a truck at Fowlmere near Duxford, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1398.

 

Flight Sergeant Harry Steere DFM of No. 19 Squadron at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1323.

 

Flight Lieutenant Wilfrid Clouston (right) and Squadron Leader BJE 'Sandy' Lane of No. 19 Squadron in front of a Supermarine Spitfire at Fowlmere airfield near Cambridge, September 1940. Wilfrid Greville Clouston was one of the first New Zealand air aces of the Second World War. He survived the Battle of Britain only to spend the majority of the war in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.

 

Pilots of No. 19 and No. 616 Squadrons pose alongside a Spitfire at Fowlmere, 21 September 1940. Sitting on wing (left to right) are Squadron Leader Brian 'Sandy' Lane (CO 19 Sqn), Flight Sergeant George 'Grumpy' Unwin and Francis Brinsden (with 'Flash' the Alsatian and 'Rangy' the Spaniel). Front row (left to right) are Sergeant Bernard 'Jimmy' Jennings, Flight Lieutenant Colin MacFie (616 Sqn), Squadron Leader Howard Burton (CO 616 Squadron) and Pilot Officer Philip Leckrone (616 Sqn).

 

Pilots of No. 19 Squadron RAF eat lunch in the Officers' Mess at Fowlmere, the satellite airfield to Duxford in Cambridgeshire, September 1940.

 

A group of pilots of No. 19 Squadron discuss a recent sortie by Manor Farm at Fowlmere, September 1940. Left to right: Sergeant David E Lloyd, Flight Sergeant George 'Grumpy' Unwin, Flight Lieutenant Cyril Arthur Jones, Flying Officer Hugh 'Cocky' Dundas (of No. 616 Squadron RAF), Flight Sergeant Harold Steere, and Squadron Leader Brian 'Sandy' Lane, the Squadron's CO. Flight Sergeant Unwin's pet German Shepherd 'Flash' can be seen to the left.

 

Pilots of 19 Squadron and 616 Squadron relaxing in the crew room at Manor Farm, Fowlmere, September 1940. From left to right, the pilots are: Flight Lieutenant Colin MacFie (616 Sqn); Squadron Leader Howard Burton (616 Sqn); Squadron Leader Brian 'Sandy' Lane (19 Sqn); Flying Officer Hugh 'Cocky' Dundas (616 Sqn); unidentified; Flight Lieutenant Cyril Arthur Jones (616 Sqn); unidentified; unidentified. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1461.

 

Flying Officer Frank Brinsden of No. 19 Squadron, Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1463.

 

Flying Officer Frantisek 'Dolly' Dolezal, a Czech pilot with No. 19 Squadron, poses in front of his Spitfire at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1464.

 

Flight Lieutenant Richard Jones of No. 19 Squadron at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1393.

 

Flight Lieutenant P S Turner of No. 242 Squadron RAF, rests on the tail elevator of his Hawker Hurricane Mk I, after landing at Fowlmere, near Duxford in Cambridgeshire, September 1940.

 

Flight Lieutenant W Jack 'Farmer' Lawson, one of No. 19 Squadron's flight commanders at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1361.

 

Pilots of Nos. 19 and 616 Squadrons gather around a table to consult a map at Fowlmere, September 1940. Left to right: Flying Officer Frank Brinsden; Sergeant Charnock; Flying Officer Leonard Haines; Squadron Leader Brian Lane; Pilot Officer Leckrone (616 Sqn); Sergeant Cox; Flight Sergeant George Unwin; Pilot Officer Richard Jones; Sergeant Bernard Jennings; Flight Lieutenant Holden (616 Sqn). Imperial War Museum photo CH 1445.

 

Flight Sergeant George 'Grumpy' Unwin of No. 19 Squadron with 'Flash' the squadron mascot on the wing of his Spitfire at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1343.

 

Pilots of No. 19 Squadron report to the intelligence officer (back to the camera) at Fowlmere, September 1940. The pilots are (left to right): Squadron Leader Brian 'Sandy' Lane (CO), Flight Lieutenant Walter 'Farmer' Lawson and Sergeant David Lloyd. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1371.

 

Flying Officer Leonard Haines of No. 19 Squadron with pet dog sitting on the rear bumper of a car at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1356.

 

Pilot Officer Wallace 'Jock' Cunningham of No. 19 Squadron sits on the wing of his Spitfire at Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1374.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #5: No. 17 Squadron RAF

Hawker Hurricanes of No. 17 Squadron taxiing at Debden, July 1940. The foreground aircraft (YB-C) was flown by the CO, Squadron Leader Harold 'Birdy' Bird-Wilson, who was shot down on 24 September, flying P3878 YB-W.

 

Hawker Hurricanes of No. 17 Squadron on the ground at Debden, while another comes in to land, July 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 54414.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #4: No. 1 Squadron RAF

Pilot Officer A V "Taffy" Clowes of No. 1 Squadron RAF, climbing into his Hawker Hurricane Mark I, P3395 'JX-B, in a revetment at Wittering, Huntingdonshire. Note Clowes' personal 'wasp ' emblem under the engine exhausts. Imperial War Museum photo CH 17331.

 

Hawker Hurricanes of No 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force, based at Wittering, Cambridgeshire, followed by a similar formation of Supermarine Spitfires of No 266 Squadron, during a flying display for aircraft factory workers, October 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1561.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #3: Supermarine Spitfire

Ground staff re-arm a Spitfire at Biggin Hill, September 1940. HU 104499.

 

Scramble! Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots race toward their aircraft on 25 July 1940, after the ringing of the 'scramble bell' warned of an approaching enemy formation. Fighter Command's success in the Battle of Britain depended on the early warnings provided by coastal radar stations, and on their pilots' ability to reach the optimum altitude to attack the oncoming Luftwaffe (German air force) bombers. Imperial War Museum photo HU 49253.

 

Distant view of Spitfires over Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1399.

 

Flight Lieutenant Richard Jones smiles at the camera while seated in the cockpit of his Spitfire at Fowlmere, 21 September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1462.

 

Wing Commander George Darley, Station Commander at RAF Exeter, standing beside a Spitfire, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1643.

 

Wing Commander George Darley, Station Commander at RAF Exeter, standing beside a Spitfire, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1644.

 

Rearming the eight .303 Browning Mk IIs of the Spitfire Mk. I.

 

Early Supermarine Spitfire production. Despite combat and operational losses, the RAF was able to produce fighter aircraft in roughly equal numbers. 

 

An airman lays on the wing while re-arming a Spitfire at Biggin Hill, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 104501.

 

 

Battle of Britain Album #2: Hawker Hurricane

Hurricane formation above the lower cloud layers patrol in an aerial wonderland, on Nov. 27, 1940.

 

Hawker Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain.

 

'The Big Wing': Formations of Hurricanes climb through the clouds 'to intercept an enemy formation reported heading for London', September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1429.

 

A Hurricane pilot in his cockpit, North Weald, May 1940 Imperial War Museum photo CH 157.

A Hurricane pilot discusses his flight with the intelligence officer after 'returning from aerial combat', 17 October 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 104480.

 

 

Ground crew feed belts of .303-in ammunition into the wing of a Hurricane, probably Manston, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 192.

 

Rear view of a Hurricane being rearmed, probably Manston, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 191.

 

A Hurricane pilot in flying kit blowing up his 'Mae West' lifejacket, North Weald, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 164.

 

A Hurricane pilot in flying kit walking to his aircraft, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 165.

 

Hurricane pilots interviewed by journalists at North Weald, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 159.

 

A Hawker Hurricane refueling and reloading between missions in the summer of 1940. U.S. National Archives photo.

 

Pilots confer in front of a Hurricane at North Weald, May 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 160.

 

 

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.