53°01′39″N 0°28′40″W / 53.02743°N 0.47773°W / 53.02743; -0.47773

No. 16 Squadron Royal Air Force
Squadron badge
ActiveRoyal Flying Corps (RFC):
10 February 1915 (1915-02-10) – 1 April 1918
Royal Air Force (RAF):
1 April 1918 – 31 December 1919
1 April 1924 – 1 June 1957
1 March 1958 – 6 June 1972
8 January 1973 – 29 February 1984
1 March 1984 – 11 September 1991
1 November 1991 – 11 March 2005
1 October 2008 – present
CountryUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
AllegianceKing Charles III
Branch Royal Air Force
TypeFlying squadron
RoleElementary flying training
Part ofNo. 3 Flying Training School RAF
Home stationRAF Wittering
Nickname(s)'The Saints'[1]
Motto(s)Operta aperta
(Latin for 'Hidden things are revealed')[2]
Battle honours * Honours marked with an asterisk may be emblazoned on the Squadron Standard
Insignia
Squadron badge heraldryTwo keys in saltire. The badge symbolises army co-operation duties. The keys indicate the unlocking of the enemy's secrets; the gold key by day, the black key by night. Approved by King Edward VIII in November 1936.
Squadron roundel
Aircraft flown
TrainerGrob Tutor T1

Number 16 Squadron Royal Air Force, nicknamed 'the Saints', is a flying squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF) who currently provide elementary flying training (EFT) with the Grob Tutor T1, presently based at RAF Wittering, an RAF airbase in Cambridgeshire, England.[3]

It originally formed as a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) on 10 February 1915, at Saint-Omer, France, to carry out a mixture of offensive patrolling and reconnaissance, and was disbanded in 1919 with the end of the First World War. The squadron reformed as part of the recently formed Royal Air Force (RAF) on 1 April 1924, and again took on a reconnaissance role which it continued throughout the Second World War. Post-war, the squadron was disbanded and reformed several times, and was converted to a bomber squadron. Equipped with the Tornado GR1 from 1984, the squadron took part in the Gulf War in 1990. It was again disbanded in September 1991, before reforming in November 1991 as the operational conversion unit (OCU) for the Jaguar. With the Jaguar's imminent withdrawal from service, the squadron disbanded once more in 2005. No. 16 Squadron reformed again and took on its current role on 1 October 2008.

History

Early years

An observer of the Royal Flying Corps in a Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft demonstrates a C type aerial reconnaissance camera fixed to the side of the fuselage, 1916.

The squadron was formed at Saint-Omer, France on 10 February 1915, from elements of Numbers. 2, 6, and 9 Squadrons. It immediately began fighting in the First World War under Hugh Dowding,[4] and for some time was based at the aerodrome at the Beaupré-sur-la-Lys Abbey in La Gorgue.[5] For the rest of the Great War, the 'Saints'[6] were deployed throughout Northern France and operated a mixture of aircraft including Bleriot XI, Martinsyde S.1 and Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c on offensive patrol and tactical reconnaissance duties.[7] Disbandment occurred on New Year's Eve 1919.[8]

In September 1915, Duncan Grinnell-Milne joined the squadron as a junior pilot, and later (1933) published an account of his time in the squadron. His portrait of Dowding (who when the book was originally published had not then attained his later fame) is unflattering.[4]

The squadron was reformed at Old Sarum in Wiltshire in the tactical reconnaissance role on 1 April 1924. Initially, it operated the Bristol Fighter, but this was replaced by the Atlas in January 1931, and by the Audax in December 1933.[8]

Second World War

North American Mustang I AG346, as used by 16 Squadron in 1944.

In May 1938, the Westland Lysander arrived,[9] and the Squadron continued in its tactical role in wartime France from April 1940.[10] In May 1940, it returned to England and conducted roving sea patrols searching for both downed aircrew and enemy forces.[11]

From April 1942, 16 Squadron was re-equipped with the Allison-engined North American Mustang I for fighter sweeps and reconnaissance duties over France from its base at RAF Weston Zoyland in Somerset. The Spitfire Mk.V took over this role from September 1943.[8] On 2 June 1943, the Squadron became part of the Strategic Reconnaissance Wing of the 2nd Tactical Air Force (2TAF) as a high-altitude photo reconnaissance unit with Spitfire PR Mk.IXs based at Hartford Bridge. In the build-up to D Day, No 16 supplied photographs instrumental to the planning of the Allied landings.[12]

Cold War (1946–1991)

No. 16 Squadron English Electric Canberra B(I)8 XM275 in 1972 wearing shark mouth nose art.

No. 16 Squadron was disbanded at RAF Celle on 1 April 1946 but reformed at RAF Fassberg the same day, and took the 24 cylinder H-engined Hawker Tempest Mk.V on charge, until converting to the radial-engined Mk.II on 7 June 1946. On 7 December 1948, the squadron took delivery of its first jet engined aircraft, the de Havilland Vampire FB.5, which subsequently gave way to the de Havilland Venom FB.1 in November 1954 until disbandment at Celle once more on 1 June 1957.[8]

Buccaneer S.2B XW526 of No. 16 Squadron in 1977 (this aircraft was lost over West Germany in July 1979.)

As East-West relations cooled, the Squadron reformed at RAF Laarbruch in West Germany on 1 March 1958. No. 16 Squadron maintained a permanent readiness state, tasked with meeting the Soviet threat, in the expected conventional phase and with the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The squadron was re-quipped with the Canberra B(I).8 armed with the WE.177, a dual-key free-fall nuclear bomb.[8]

The Canberra gave way to the Buccaneer S.2B on 16 October 1972. The squadron's twelve Buccaneers were equipped with a variety of conventional weapons and eighteen British WE.177 nuclear bombs.[13] Although Buccaneers could carry two WE.177 weapons, after taking into account attrition in the conventional phase of a high-intensity European war, and after withholding some aircraft in reserve, RAF planners expected that squadron strength remaining would still be sufficient to deliver the nuclear weapons stockpile. The Buccaneer distinguished itself in many bombing exercises; among its victories included the winning of the Salmond Trophy in 1978 and 1979.[14]

The squadron briefly expanded in 1983-1984, absorbing some aircraft and personnel from its sister 15 Squadron which had converted to the Panavia Tornado GR1. 16 Squadron followed in late 1984 following the 'designate' process where a new 16 Squadron 'formed up' at RAF Honington, before moving to Laarbruch and assuming the squadron standard from the Buccaneer unit which had continued to operate throughout. Despite the change of aircraft, the squadron's role remained unchanged in countering a Soviet threat in Europe with conventional weapons and eighteen WE.177 nuclear bombs. As with the Buccaneer, there was a ratio of 1.5 weapons per aircraft.[15]

Letter sent to 16/20 Squadron groundcrews upon return from Tabuk.

Ahead of Operation GRANBY in 1990 and the first Gulf War, the squadron deployed to Tabuk airbase. No. 16 was the lead squadron in the deployment, with No. 20 and crews from other Tornado GR1 squadrons. The 'Tabuk Force' used JP233s and 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) bombs on low-level sorties against Iraqi airfields and other targets. Some of the Squadron's aircraft later formed a TIALD flight that conducted accurate medium-level bombing.[16]

Following hostilities, the Squadron disbanded on 11 September 1991.[17]

SEPECAT Jaguar (1991–2005)

SEPECAT Jaguar GR1A XX116 of No. 16(R) Squadron in a commemorative livery, displaying 'the Saint' on its tail fin, 1995.

On 1 November 1991, the Squadron reformed at RAF Lossiemouth as No. 16(Reserve) Squadron, a reserve squadron and an operational conversion unit (OCU), replacing and taking over the aircraft and weapons of No. 226 OCU, training and converting new pilots for the SEPECAT Jaguar. Although no longer a front-line operational squadron, as a reserve, or shadow squadron, its twelve aircraft were equipped with conventional weapons and eight WE.177 nuclear weapons for use in a high-intensity European war, and it remained assigned to SACEUR for that purpose.[18][19][20][21]

Although a non-operational squadron, its pilots were still involved in Operation DENY FLIGHT and Operation NORTHERN WATCH. The squadron moved to RAF Coltishall in Norfolk, on 21 July 2000, thus consolidating the RAF's entire Jaguar force at one airbase, joining numbers 6, 41, and 54 squadrons.[8]

In December 2003, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced with the Delivering Security in a Changing World defence review, RAF Coltishall would close in 2007, and the recently upgraded Jaguar fleet would be retired early.[22] This led to the disbandment of No. 16 Squadron on 11 March 2005 as the Jaguar approached retirement.[23] The Squadron Standard[24] was laid up in Notre-Dame Cathedral Saint-Omer, France on 20 March 2005.[25]

Elementary flying training (2008–present)

On 1 October 2008, the Squadron was reformed at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, as part of No. 22 Group, operating the Grob Tutor T1.[26] No. 16(R) Squadron continues its training role by instructing new Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots in elementary flying training (EFT)[27] as part of No.1 Elementary Flying Training School (1EFTS). From 2005 to 2008, the unit was previously known as 1 Squadron, 1 EFTS following a restructuring of the RAF's pilot training.[28][29] 16(R) Squadron instructs the RAF's new pilots along with some pilots from overseas foreign militaries. The Squadrons' role is to provide pilots to the more advanced flying training courses on their way to earning the coveted aircrew brevet, or pilot 'wings', prior to joining a front line squadron or unit. In early 2008, Prince William took his first steps on his aviation career at No. 16 Squadron's site, flying his first solo sortie in Tutor G-BYXN;[30][31][32] his father was also taught to fly at RAF Cranwell in 1971.[33]

In the first half of 2015, No. 16(R) Squadron, along with No. 115(R) Squadron relocated to RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire, which saw flying return to the base for the first time since 2010.[34]

Aircraft operated

Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX painted in the colours of No. 16 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force.
A No. 16(R) Squadron student pilot flies his first solo formation sortie in Grob Tutor T1 G-BYWB, 2009.

Aircraft operated included:

Aircraft operate by No. 16 Squadron RAF
date fromdate tomanufactureraircraft model
February 1915March 1915Royal Aircraft FactoryR.E.5
February 1915March 1915VickersF.B.5
February 1915March 1915BlériotXI
February 1915May 1915MartinsydeS.1
March 1915May 1915VoisinIII
March 1915May 1917Royal Aircraft FactoryB.E.2c
May 1915November 1917Farman Aviation WorksS.11
March 1915December 1919Royal Aircraft FactoryR.E.8
19241931Bristol Aeroplane CompanyF.2 Fighter
19311934Armstrong WhitworthAtlas
19341938HawkerAudax
19381942WestlandLysander
19421944North American AviationMustang
19441946SupermarineSpitfire Mk.XI
19461948HawkerTempest V
19481948HawkerTempest II
19481954de HavillandVampire FB.5
19541957de HavillandVenom FB.1
19581972English ElectricCanberra B(I).8
19721984BlackburnBuccaneer S.2B
19841991PanaviaTornado GR1
19912005SEPECATJaguar GR1, GR3, T2, & T4
2008presentGrobTutor T1

Commanding officers

No. 16 Squadron's 'Saint' logo. The nickname stems from the original formation at Saint Omer in France. In the past, the logo has been painted onto No. 16 Squadron aircraft and worn as a badge on the flying suits. The badge is presented to student pilots after their first solo sortie.

Commanding officers included:

Officer commanding, No. 16 Squadron RFC / RAF
date fromdate torankname
8 February 191523 July 1915MajorF V Holt[35]
23 July 1915January 1916MajorH C T Dowding[36]
January 19165 August 1916MajorD W Powell[37]
5 August 191616 June 1917MajorP C Maltby[38]
16 June 1918June 1918MajorC F A Portal,[39] DSO and Bar, MC
June 19181919MajorA W C V Parr
19241925Squadron leaderJ O Archer, CBE
19251928Squadron leaderW A Coryton,[40] MVO
19281931Squadron leaderD O Mulholland, AFC
19311933Squadron leaderA R Churchman,[41] DFC
19331934Squadron leaderJ R I Scrambler, AFC
19341936Squadron leaderR P Musgrave-Whitman, OBE, MC
19361938Squadron leaderT Humble
19381939Squadron leaderR E S Skelton
19401940Wing commanderT Humble
19401941Wing commanderR C Hancock
19411942Wing commanderP W Stansfeld
19421942Wing commanderA F Pallot
19421943Wing commanderJ R Davenport
19431943Wing commanderR I M Bowen, DFC
19431943Squadron leaderMackie
19431944Squadron leaderE M Goodale, DSO
19441945Squadron leaderA N Davis, DFC
19451946Squadron leaderA S Baker, DFC
19461948Squadron leaderD C Usher, DFC, DFM
19481948Squadron leaderR E Mooney
19481949Squadron leaderL A Malins, DSO, DFC
19491951Squadron leaderL H Lambert, DFC, AFC
19511952Squadron leaderJ E J Sing, DFC
19521952Squadron leaderR H Benwell
19521954Squadron leaderR U P De Burgh
19541956Squadron leaderG G G Walkington
19561956Squadron leaderC E Keay
19561958Flight lieutenantH E Clements
19581960Wing commanderJ R Forsythe,[42] DFC
19601963Wing commanderJ E Holland, DFC
19631964Wing commanderJ V Horwood
19641966Wing commanderA L Bennett
19661968Wing commanderJ C Newby
19681970Wing commanderL C Swalwell
19701973Wing commanderK J Appleboom
19731975Wing commanderR A Edwards
19751977Wing commanderW I C Stoker
19771980Wing commanderD Cousins, AFC
19801983Wing commanderP C Norriss, KBE
19831984Wing commanderE R Cox
19841986Wing commanderR H Goodall, AFC
19861988Wing commanderR F R Carr
19881991Wing commanderI Travers Smith, DSO[43]
19911992Wing commanderN C Rusling
19921995Wing commanderJ W White, CBE
19951997Wing commanderB W Newby, AFC
19972000Wing commanderA J Sudlow, MBE
20002002Wing commanderP Allan
20022005Wing commanderG Stockill
20082009Squadron leaderI S Smith[44]
20092013Squadron leaderS J Foote
20132015Squadron leaderF C J Parkinson
20152017Squadron leaderC A Melen, CSM
2017presentSquadron leaderM Pickles

Stations

Stations included:

Stations and bases, No. 16 Squadron RFC / RAF
date fromdate tolocationnotes
10 February 19155 March 1915Saint-Omerinitial formation
6 March 191531 May 1915La Gorguedetachment to Aire
Battle of Neuve Chapelle began 10 March 1915
1 June 191517 July 1915Choques
18 July 191511 December 1915MervilleBattle of Loos between 25 and 28 September 1915
12 December 191530 August 1916La Gorgue
31 August 191624 May 1917BruayBattle of the Somme between 1 July and 18 November 1916
25 May 191720 October 1918Camblain-l'Abbe
21 October 191824 October 1918La Brayelle
25 October 191813 February 1918Auchy
14 February 191831 December 1918Fowlmeredisbanded following cessation of hostilities
1 April 192416 February 1940Old Sarumreformed as Army co-operation squadron
1938 - first squadron to operate the Lysander
17 February 194012 April 1940Hawkinge
13 April 194013 April 1940Amiens
14 April 194018 May 1940BertanglesBattle of France commenced 10 May 1940
19 May 19402 June 1940LympneDunkirk evacuation between 26 May and 4 June 1940
3 June 194028 June 1940Redhillfirst RAF squadron to operate there
29 June 19402 August 1940Cambridge
3 August 194014 August 1940Okehamptondetachment to Cambridge
15 August 19403 June 1941Western ZoylandDetachments to Okehampton, Roborough, RAF Tilshead, St Just, and Bolt Head.
Battle of Britain occurred between 10 July and 31 October 1940.
4 June 19415 June 1941Okehampton
6 June 19418 September 1941Western Zoylanddetachments to Lee-on-Solent and RAF Tilshead
9 September 194110 September 1941Okehampton
11 September 194124 September 1941Western Zoyland
25 September 19412 October 1941Thruxton
3 October 194122 November 1941Western Zoylanddetachment to Farnborough
23 November 194126 November 1941Lympne
27 November 194131 December 1942Western Zoylanddetachment to Okehampton
1 January 194325 February 1943Andover
26 February 194312 March 1943Ford, Wiltshire
13 March 19435 April 1943Andover
6 April 19438 April 1943Western Zoyland
9 April 194315 May 1943Andover
16 May 194321 May 1943Western Zoyland
22 May 194331 May 1943Andover
1 June 194328 June 1943Middle Wallop
29 June 194315 April 1944Hartford Bridgeoperated in Strategic Reconnaissance Wing of the 2nd Tactical Air Force
16 April 194419 September 1945NortholtD-Day on 6 June 1944, based several ALGs as part of 2TAF.
Disbanded following cessation of hostilities.
19 September 19451 April 1946Cellereformed and disbanded; renumbered from 268 Squadron
1 April 194631 May 1946Fassbergreformed from 56 Squadron
1 June 194611 June 1946Manston
12 June 194620 June 1946Fassberg
21 June 194613 July 1946Sylt
14 July 19464 September 1946Fassberg
5 September 194615 September 1946Manston
16 September 19463 February 1947Fassberg
4 February 194720 March 1947Gatow
21 March 19477 May 1947Fassberg
8 May 194719 May 1947Ahlhorn
20 May 194712 July 1947Fassberg
13 July 194711 August 1947Zeltweg
12 August 19475 October 1947Fassberg
6 October 194716 October 1947Middle Wallop
17 October 19472 November 1947Fassberg
3 November 194723 November 1947Lübeck
24 November 194731 November 1947Fassberg
1 December 19475 January 1948Gütersloh
6 January 19481 February 1948Gatow
2 February 194813 July 1948GüterslohBerlin Airlift begins on 24 June 1948
14 July 19486 August 1948Lübeck
7 August 19481 November 1950GüterslohBerlin Airlift ends 11 May 1949
2 November 19501 June 1957Celledisbanded
1 March 19586 June 1972LaarbruchCuban Missile Crisis between 8 and 28 October 1962
8 January 197329 February 1984Laarbruch
1 Mar 198411 Sep 1991Laarbruchsquadron took part in Operation GRANBY
1 November 199120 July 2000Lossiemouthbecame a Reserve squadron as Jaguar OCU
21 July 200011 March 2005ColtishallColtishall, the last surviving operational RAF base involved in the
Battle of Britain, closed on 30 November 2006
1 October 200816 May 2015Cranwellelementary flying training
16 May 2015presentWitteringelementary flying training

See also

References

  1. "16 Squadron at RAF Wittering graduates newly qualified pilots". RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  2. Pine, L.G. (1983). A dictionary of mottoes (1 ed.). London, England: Routledge & Kegan Paul. p. 163. ISBN 0-7100-9339-X.
  3. "Former Royal Navy pilot becomes instructor at RAF Wittering". PeterboroughToday.co.uk. Peterborough Today. 13 February 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  4. 1 2 Wind in the Wires, by Duncan Grinnell-Milne. London 1933. Revised by the author and republished by Doubleday, New York 1968.
  5. "Beaupré-sur-la-Lys (Abbey)". Cister.net. European Charter of the Cistercian Abbeys and Sites. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  6. The squadron has been known as the 'Saints' due to its formation at Saint Omer, the unofficial stickman logo from the novels and TV series was subsequently adopted in the 1960s. This logo could be found on many 16 Squadron aircraft, and as badges worn on the right arm of flying suits.
  7. "From the diary of Capt W T L Allcock RFC 1915-17". WTLA.Airwar1.org.uk. Airwar1. 2004. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "No 16 - 20 Squadron Histories". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  9. "Westland Lysander". HistoryOfWar.org. J Rickard. 2007. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  10. "16(AC) Sqn activities, May to Jun 1940". Traces of World War 2 website. Bart FM Droog. 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  11. "16 Sqn during 2nd World War". HistoryOfWar.org. J Rickard. 2007. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  12. "Gp Capt P W Stansfield's account of D-Day". DDayMuseum.co.uk. Memories of D-Day, Portsmouth City Council. 2009. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  13. "RAF nuclear front line Order-of-Battle 1973". Nuclear-Weapons.info.
  14. "1979". sites.Google.com. RAF Laarbruch. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  15. "RAF nuclear front line Order-of-Battle 1984". Nuclear-Weapons.info.
  16. "RAF aircraft deployed during Op GRANBY". RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence. 2004. Archived from the original on 27 October 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  17. "No. 16 Squadron". NationalColdWarExhibition.org. National Cold War Exhibition. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  18. "Weapon overview". Nuclear-Weapons.info.
  19. "RAF nuclear frontline Order-of-Battle 1992". Nuclear-Weapons.info.
  20. "RAF nuclear frontline Order-of-Battle 1993". Nuclear-Weapons.info.
  21. "RAF nuclear frontline Order-of-Battle 1994". Nuclear-Weapons.info.
  22. "16(R) and 54(F) Squadrons stood down". Target Aviation Photography website. Targeta. 2004. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  23. "Come in Numbers 16 and 54, your time is up". AirsceneUK.org.uk. Airscene UK. 2004. Archived from the original on 16 October 2010. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  24. "RAF Squadron Standards". RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence. 2009. Archived from the original on 8 October 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  25. "Saint Omer Aerodrome". WebMatters.net. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  26. "EFT Squadrons". RAF.MoD.uk. RAF Cranwell, Ministry of Defence. 2009. Archived from the original on 1 May 2009. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  27. "RAF Flying Training". RAF.MoD.uk. No. 22 Group RAF, Ministry of Defence. 2009. Archived from the original on 17 May 2009. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  28. "Brief history of JEFTS". RAFChurchFenton.org.uk. I Herbert, RAF Church Fenton. 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  29. "Letter regarding the Marston Report". Bris.ac.uk. Bristol MEC, University of Bristol. 2005. Retrieved 17 May 2009 via Google.
  30. "'Sharp eyes' William's first solo flight". News.BBC.co.uk. BBC News. 17 January 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  31. "Prince thrilled to fly solo". News.BBC.co.uk. BBC News. 17 January 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  32. "Prince William joins the RAF". MoD.uk. Ministry of Defence. 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  33. "Biography of Prince Charles". PrinceOfWales.gov.uk. Prince of Wales, GOV.UK. 2009. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  34. "Veteran Harrier pilot helps rebirth of flying at RAF airbase". RoyalNavy.MoD.uk. Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  35. Barrass, M.B. (2007). "Biography of Air Vice-Marshal Felton Holt". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  36. Barrass, M.B. (2007). "Biography of Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding of Bentley Priory". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  37. "List of 16 Sqn personnel - Feb to May 1916". Airwar1.org.uk. Airwar1. 2004. Retrieved 17 May 2009.
  38. Barrass, M.B. (2007). "Biography of Air Vice-Marshal Sir Paul Maltby". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  39. Barrass, M.B. (2007). "Biography of Marshal of the RAF Viscount Portal of Hungerford". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  40. Barrass, M.B. (2007). "Biography of Air Chief Marshal Sir Alec Coryton". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  41. Barrass, M.B. (2007). "Biography of Air Commodore Alan Churchman". RAFWeb.org. Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  42. "Obituary for Air Commodore Paddy Forsythe". TimesOnline.co.uk. London, England: Times Newspapers Ltd. 4 September 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
  43. "RAF honours awarded during Operation GRANBY". RAF.MoD.uk. Royal Air Force, Ministry of Defence. 2004. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
  44. "BBMF fighter pilots 2009". RAF.MoD.uk. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Royal Air Force. 2009. Retrieved 16 May 2009.
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