Surviving BoB Pilots-Do you personally know any?

I met Wg Cdr John Freeborn at an Aircrew Association Dinner a few years back. He said that he'd flown more sorties with more kills than anyone else during the Battle of Britain. He then went on to lead a Spitfire Wing in Italy. Didn't have a good word to say about Douglas Bader!

Roxy

 

rosjohn,

Hello and welcome to the forum.

You will soon get the hang of finding your way around the site.

Use the FAQ button for answers to questions you may have or just ask away on a post.
Plenty of help available when required.

Regards
Tom

 

GEORGE WILLIAM SWANWICK


118533 Sgt Pilot British 54 Squadron


Born on November 10 1915, Swanwick was in 504 (Special Reserve) Squadron at Hucknall, Nottingham in the mid-thirties. He qualified as an air gunner in Westland Wallaces and later flew in Hinds.
In May 1936 504 became part of the AuxAF and in October 1938 converted to a fighter unit, with Gauntlets. The air gunners began to leave but some were persuaded to stay, to train as NCO pilots. Swanwick was one of these and was awarded his flying badge in August 1939 and promoted to Sergeant.
He was called to full-time service at the outbreak of war and after completing his training he was posted to 7 BGS in May 1940, as a staff pilot. Swanwick joined 54 Squadron at Catterick on September 7 and left in December 1940, to join 41 Squadron at Hornchurch.
Commissioned in October 1941, Swanwick was posted to 222 Squadron at North Weald in April 1942, as a Flight Commander. In July he joined 603 Squadron in Malta, as a Flight Commander. Swanwick went to 71 OTU at Port Sudan in September 1942, again as Flight Commander.
In July 1943 he joined 81 Squadron in Malta, as a supernumerary. Swanwick was invalided to the UK in August and after he was discharged from hospital in March 1944 he held various staff appointments until the end of the war.
Swanwick was granted a Permanent Commission in 1949 and retired on April 30 1970, as a Wing Commander.

'Men of the Battle of Britain' Wynn.

 

I'll try to upload my mother's photos and if anyone has any thoughts, presumably they will voice them!

 

I have now checked my late mother's "Birthday book" and it shows George William Swanwick on 10th November. Also his forces number is shown in her address book that dates from the war - 1088351 (or 7?). So it seems definite that this is the right George. My mother was in the WRNS and spent about a year on Gib.Rosalind

 

Evening all. Just joined the forum, hence the resurrection of a rather old thread. George Swanwick is my sorely missed grandfather, and he died on 4th January last year; I was just googling his name and found this. He had a long and happy life, and passed away after a short illness. Luckily we were able to take care of him and made sure he was surrounded by family when he left us. He never really spoke about the war, or what he did, but what he and all the others like him did, and sacrificed, was truly amazing. Btw, when he was invalided out, it was with TB - and that was when he met my grandmother These photos are fascinating - thank you so much for sharing them.

cheers,

Ben

 

Spidge, there was one more that you had missed off your list, Squadron Leader Henry 'Butch' Baker. Sadly he died on 3rd July this year.

BAKER Henry On July 3rd, aged 93, Sqn Ldr Harry Baker RAF (retd), one of The Few. Much loved and respected by family and friends. Funeral will take place at Grimsby Crematorium, on Friday 12th July at 1.40pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may be given for The Alzheimer's Society, c/o S C Bainbridge, 3 Princess Road, Malton, YO17 7JP. Tel: 01653 692926.

 

Spidge.

So much incorrect info flying about here. The highest scoring non German Battle of Britain fighter pilot was Czechoslovak.

Please see here for the full list of named pilots who fought and flew during the Battle of Britain.

http://fcafa.wordpress.com/2013/07/14/2013-capel-le-ferne-battle-of-britain-memorial-ceremony/

 

Kindly note that Battle of Britain survivor Eric Barnard, 600 Squadron, Blenheims died in November 2001.

 

Note for Ben Swanwick... I have sent you a PM. Could you please contact me with regard to your grandfather George and my History of 41 Squadron, which will be published later this year? Your grandfather is featured, of course, and I had brief correspondence with him before he passed away, but I was hoping we might be able to share some information. I also have a photograph of your grandfather with my great uncle at RAF Catterick in summer 1941.

Regards
Steve (brewATclientsDOTch)

 

RIP Tony Whitehouse.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/battle_of_britain_hero_to_be_remembered_at_raf_marham_service_today_1_3918919

 

I hold the collection of documents and photos of [SIZE=11pt]Flight Lieutenant Alan Bennison who was with 25 Squadron and one of the rare New Zealand Battle of Britain Clasp Holders. A special collection of official documents, photos and letters. I am trying to repatriate other items of his effects back to my collection to keep it together. He was requested by a number of international people for various of his effects of the decades, including photos and audio recordings. [/SIZE]