Anthony Woods-Scawen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Anthony Woods-Scawen
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| Nickname(s) | "Tony", "Wombat" |
| Born | 18 February 1918 Karachi, British India |
| Died | 2 September 1940 (aged 22) Ivychurch, Kent, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938–1940 |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Battles/wars | Second World War
|
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Relations | Patrick Woods-Scawen |
Charles Anthony Woods-Scawen was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was one of the special group of pilots called "The Few" who fought heroically in the Battle of Britain. This important battle helped protect Britain from enemy attacks during the war.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Anthony Woods-Scawen was born on 18 February 1918 in Karachi, which was part of British India at the time. His parents were Philip Neri and Kathleen Florence Woods-Scawen. In 1924, he and his older brother, Patrick, moved back to their family home in Farnborough, Hampshire, England. Charles went to school at the Salesian College in Farnborough.
Joining the Royal Air Force
In March 1938, Woods-Scawen joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He became an Acting Pilot Officer and started his flight training on 21 May 1938. By 17 December, he had joined No. 43 Squadron RAF at RAF Tangmere, ready to serve as a pilot.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a major air battle during World War II where the RAF defended the United Kingdom against attacks from the German air force. Woods-Scawen was a key part of this defense.
On 31 May 1940, his Hurricane plane was damaged while fighting against German Messerschmitt Bf 109 planes. He managed to fly back to Tangmere and land safely, even though his plane was damaged. The very next day, on 1 June, he damaged another Bf 109.
Escaping from Enemy Territory
On 7 June 1940, Woods-Scawen had to parachute out of his plane over France after another fight with a Bf 109 near Dieppe. He landed in an area controlled by the German forces. He walked for about twenty miles until he met up with some British soldiers who were retreating. He was then taken by ship from Cherbourg Naval Base back to England. He arrived back at Tangmere just eight days after he had taken off.
More Air Combat and Close Calls
Woods-Scawen continued to show great courage in battle.
- On 8 August, he shot down a Bf 110 and likely shot down three Ju 87s near the Isle of Wight. His own plane was damaged, and he landed with small wounds in his legs.
- On 12 August, he damaged a He 111.
- On 13 August, he shot down two Ju 88s over Petworth. However, his plane was hit by enemy fire, and he had to parachute out again, but he was not hurt. His Hurricane crashed and burned.
- He shot down another He 111 on 15 August and two Ju 87s on 16 August. On this day, he was shot down again by a Bf 109 off the Sussex coast. He parachuted out and was slightly injured. His plane crashed near Parkhurst.
- On 30 August, Woods-Scawen shot down another Bf 109.
A Tragic Loss and Final Battle
On 1 September 1940, Charles's brother, Patrick Woods-Scawen, who was also a pilot, was shot down during a fight with Bf 109s. Patrick parachuted out, but sadly, his parachute did not open properly, and he died. His body was found a few days later.
The very next day, on 2 September 1940, Charles Woods-Scawen was also shot down in a fight with Bf 109s over Ivychurch. He tried to parachute out, but he was too close to the ground, and he died. His Hurricane plane caught fire and crashed.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Charles Anthony Woods-Scawen was given the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery. This important award was officially announced just four days after he died. The award recognized his outstanding courage and leadership.
The award statement said that he had taken part in all of his squadron's battles since the war began. He had destroyed six enemy aircraft and seriously damaged several others. It also mentioned that even though he had been shot down six times, he kept fighting with great courage and energy.
Woods-Scawen is buried in Hawkinge Cemetery in Kent, England.
