His death described this morning by his friend Wing Commander Bob Foster DFC on BBC News. Interviewer: Did you ever have any very close moments? Bob Foster: Once when I say we were jumped by these 109's out of the sun and the chap next to me, chap called Charles English, er, went down in flames just infront of me and it was the luck of the draw I suppose that they shot at him, not at me. Life went by day by day and you were still alive, you were thankful to be alive. You knew the Germans were coming over all the time and if you didn't beat them, for one of a better word, there might well be an invasion. CWGC :: Certificate Anyone in Newcastle-upon-Tyne who can get a picture of his headstone?
Hurricane P3677 Shot down by Bf109's over Westerham 2.00pm. Crashed and burned out Park Farm, Brasted. Pilot Officer C E English killed. Aircraft a write off. Site investigated by Steve Vizard but little found. ATB's BoB.
Sgt R.H. English was a 3 Squadron pilot. Historyofwar.org says the squadron had converted to a night fighter role in April 1941, flying Hurricane Mk IIs from Martlesham Heath though they were based at Debden for ten days in May 1941 which included the day of Sgt English's death. The Squadron ORB summary (cutting attached) records that he was Aerodrome Control Pilot, and was killed by an enemy a/c ground-strafing the Chance Light he was operating during the squadron's night ops. Cheers, Pat
