Alexander Appleford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander N Robin L Appleford
|
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | Alexander N Robin L Appleford |
| Born | September 1921 |
| Died | 17 April 2012 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 66 Squadron RAF No. 274 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Alexander N Robin L Appleford (1921–2012) was a brave pilot who flew for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He was one of the youngest fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain, a very important air battle. People called these pilots "The Few" because they were so important in defending Britain.
Early Life and Joining the RAF
Alexander Appleford was born in September 1921. He went to school at King's College, Taunton. After finishing school, he joined the RAF.
In May 1940, he was sent to No. 66 Squadron RAF at RAF Duxford. Here, he learned to fly fast and famous Spitfire planes.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a huge air fight in 1940. It was fought between the RAF and the German air force. Alexander Appleford was right in the middle of it.
On September 4, 1940, he was flying his Spitfire over the Thames Estuary. He got into a dogfight, which is an air battle between fighter planes. His plane was shot down by a German Bf 109 aircraft. Luckily, he managed to parachute out of his plane. He was only slightly hurt.
After the Battle
After the Battle of Britain, Alexander Appleford became a flying instructor. He taught other pilots how to fly.
In 1943, he went back to fighting. He joined No. 274 Squadron RAF in North Africa. There, he flew Hurricane planes to protect the coast. Later, he went to South Africa to continue teaching pilots.
Alexander Appleford passed away on April 17, 2012, in Henley-on-Thames. He is remembered as one of "The Few" who helped protect Britain during the war.
