Fighter Pilot: The Life of Battle of Britain Ace Bob Doe

259 Pages·2015·5.1 MB·English

by  Doe

To unexpected heroes
First published in 2015
Amberley Publishing
The Hill, Stroud,
Gloucestershire, GL5 4EP
www.amberley-books.com
Copyright © Helen Doe 2015
The right of Helen Doe to be identified as the Author of this work has been
asserted in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
ISBN 9781445646114 (PRINT)
ISBN 9781445646121 (eBOOK) All rights reserved. No part of this book may
be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic,
mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system,
without the permission in writing from the Publishers.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Typesetting and Origination by
Amberley Publishing.
Printed in the UK.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
1: Early Years & Early Influences
2: Preparation for Battle
3: The Battle Begins & Leadership Lessons
4: In the Heat of the Battle & the Move to Middle Wallop
5: The Battle Continues with a New Squadron & a New Aircraft
6: A New Face & a New Reality
7: India & Squadron Leadership
8: The Battle over the Burmese Jungle
9: Post-War RAF & 25th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
Appendix I: Pilot Colleagues in 234 Squadron
Appendix II: List of Battle of Britain Escort at 25th Anniversary of the Battle
Appendix III: List of Aircraft Flown by Bob Doe from a List in His Logbook
Notes
Primary Sources
Select Bibliography
List of Illustrations
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book arose from several conversations with my father. As I grew up he was
still a serving RAF officer and in those days he rarely mentioned his wartime
experience, apart from the occasional reference. He was then, in general, not
very approving of those who rushed out memoirs or books that glorified war.
Many years later he was persuaded to write his memoirs, and when I later
became an academic historian we discussed another book using the many newly
released documents. It has taken me several years and has been a steep, but very
worthwhile, learning curve. During my research I came to an even greater
appreciation of the achievements of those who served during the war, and there
are many unsung heroes; ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
When I began I was asked by one serving officer whether I planned to
destroy any myths. It was a good question; myths do need testing, and in this
book they have been checked wherever possible and also put into context. As my
research journey continued it raised a host of questions about why, who, where
and when, so what is reflected in this book is also a part of my education about
aspects of the RAF in the Second World War. I also had a key question in my
mind regarding leadership. My father’s highest decoration, the DSO, was for
outstanding leadership. So who and what influenced his leadership? He was also
certain that there were those who had never had due credit. He was a great
admirer of the part played by Dowding and Park, in particular, but was equally
determined that men like Pat Hughes, and other lost colleagues, should be
remembered for their significant contribution. I have tried to make sure that they
are remembered here and I thank my brother, Robert, who inspired me at my
father’s funeral by ensuring that the congregation recalled those who did not
come back from war.
In my research I soon found that mentioning my father’s name brought a
smile to many people, and he is valued not just for his wartime actions but for
the man he was. But being his daughter also brought some potential limitations
as there was a risk of familial bias. Luckily I stumbled on Eddie Sparkes and his
memoirs. Eddie comes across as a fascinating, if unconventional character, and it
was clear he did not get on with his commanding officer, Bob; he did not get on
with any of his COs. But he did provide that opposite view, which was helpful.
Thanking all the people who have helped me in my research is not easy as
there have been so many who have been more than generous with time, material
and enthusiastic encouragement. My colleagues at the University of Exeter, and
in particular Dr Michael Duffy, were helpful supporters of my mission.
Archivists are wonderfully patient and helpful people and I am indebted to
Sebastian Cox at the RAF Historical Branch, Nick Mays of News International,
the team at Surrey Record Centre, archivist Peter Capon at the Museum of Army
Flying, the team at the RAF Museum and the staff at the National Archives. Sir
Emsley Carr’s grandchildren Sarah, Richard and William, shared memories and
photographs with me. Professor Murray Meikle of University of Cambridge
discussed maxillofacial injuries and coped with all my layman’s questions and
very kindly let me see drafts of his book. Jagan Pillarisetti sent me copies of 10
Squadron IAF operations record books. Professor Harry Bennett of Plymouth
also sent early drafts of his work on the French pilots and Dr Jeremy Crang
shared some unpublished research data with me. Professor Richard Overy
encouraged me despite his busy schedule and Stephen Bungay read the early
chapters and made some very helpful comments. Friends and family were roped
in at various stages. Tony and Jan Wright provided medical information, my
niece Julie Weston sent me information on her grandmother, and my sister,
Susan, and my brother, Robert, have been strong supporters. A thank you to
Sheryll Murray MP and Anna Soubry MP who supported my project and
unlocked doors. Various people helped in location research – Mary Pollack at
Kings Somborne and Lieutenant Colonel Chris Ion, Army Air Corps Regimental
Secretary, who put me up in Middle Wallop officers’ mess in late August and
spent much time showing me around the base. Kristen Alexander shared
information and gave great long-distance support from Australia. Sally Bryant
encouraged and made useful comments on early drafts. Wing Commander Erica
Ferguson and Keith Arnold of Bentley Priory were most kind. 234 Squadron
Association members, especially Derek Colbourne, Group Captain Nigel
Walpole and Group Captain Tim Thorn, have been more than helpful and
welcomed me to the group. Ray and Effie Stebbings and Lois and Hugh Pihlens
were wonderfully kind. Air Marshal Dick Garwood helped in many ways to
open doors for me. Group Captain John Jupp provided me with material and
some very useful comments on leadership. Sir Erik Bennett, Dickie Dicken, Tim
Elkington, Terry Kane, Keith Lawrence and Tony Pickering were generous with
their memories and time. Many more people were very generous with
photographs and I have credited them where possible.
I owe a special debt to Air Vice-Marshal John Feesey, who read several
versions of the drafts, patiently listened to my wittering, gently educated me,
saved me from errors on many occasions and proofread the final document.
I am well aware that I have dared to venture into a specialist territory which
has an army of knowledgeable and enthusiastic researchers. My errors are all my
own and are no reflection on those who assisted me so kindly.
My most important thank you is to my husband, Michael, who has been
infinitely patient, helpful and forbearing during the gestation of this book.
Helen Doe
ABBREVIATIONS
ACSEA Allied Command South East Asia
AOC Air Officer Commanding
AP/O Acting Pilot Officer
AuxAF Auxiliary Air Force
Bf 109 Messerschmitt Bf 109
Bf 110 Messerschmitt Bf 110
CAS Chief of Air Staff
CFI Chief Flying Instructor
CGI Chief Ground Instructor
C-in-C Commander-in-Chief
CID Criminal Investigation Department
COS Chiefs of Staff
DFC Distinguished Flying Cross
Do 17 Dornier 17
Do 18 Dornier 18
DSO Distinguished Service Order
E/A Enemy aircraft
ENSA Entertainments National Service Association
FAFL Forces Aériennes Françaises Libres
FLS Fighter Leaders School
He 111 Heinkel 111
He 113 Heinkel 113 Note this aircraft was a hoax.
IAF Indian Air Force
Ju 87 Junkers 87
Ju 88 Junkers 88
LMF Lack of Moral Fibre
Me 109 Messerschmitt Bf 109
Me 110 Messerschmitt Bf 110
ORB Operations Record Book
OTC Officer Training Corps
OTU Operational Training Unit
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force
RAFA Royal Air Force Association
RAFA Royal Air Force Association
RAFVR Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
RCAF Royal Canadian Air Force
RFC Royal Flying Corps
RNAS Royal Naval Air Service
RNVR Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
RNZAF Royal New Zealand Air Force
SFTS Service Flying Training School
UAS University Air Squadron
USAAF United States Army Air Forces
VAD Voluntary Aid Detachment
VCP Visual Control Post
WAAF Women’s Auxiliary Air Force