Billy Drake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Billy Drake
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Wing Commander Billy Drake in 1943.
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| Born | 20 December 1917 London, England |
| Died | 28 August 2011 (aged 93) Teignmouth, Devon, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1963 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Commands held | RAF Chivenor (1962–63) No. 20 Wing RAF (1943–44) Krendi Wing (1943) No. 112 Squadron RAF (1942–43) No. 128 Squadron RAF (1941–42) No. 421 (Reconnaissance) Flight RAF (1940–41) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) |
Billy Drake (born 20 December 1917 – died 28 August 2011) was a brave British fighter pilot and a "flying ace" during the Second World War. He was officially credited with shooting down 18 enemy aircraft. Later, this number was updated to 20 aircraft destroyed in the air and 13 more destroyed on the ground.
Drake flew famous planes like the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Curtiss P-40 (also known as Tomahawks or Kittyhawks). He served with squadrons in France, England, West Africa, North Africa, and Malta. He became the top-scoring Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot flying the P-40 and the second-highest-scoring British Commonwealth P-40 pilot.
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Early Life and Becoming a Pilot
Billy Drake was born in London on 20 December 1917. His father was Dr. Dennis John Drake. It is believed that his father was a descendant of Francis Drake, a famous explorer from the 1500s.
As a young boy, Billy traveled a lot with his father. He lived in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and even Morocco. He started school in Morocco before his family moved back to England. He later attended boarding schools in Switzerland, where he learned German and French.
When he was 12, his father taught him how to use a shotgun. This started his interest in shooting and marksmanship. Later, he visited a flying circus and took a short flight. This experience made him dream of becoming a military pilot. He read many books about aviation and pilots from the First World War. Even though his parents didn't want him to, he decided to join the RAF.
Joining the Royal Air Force
In 1936, Drake saw an advertisement to join the RAF. He convinced his parents to let him apply. He passed the interviews and eye tests, and joined the RAF in July 1936, just after turning 17.
He started his flight training in Hampshire. He learned to fly, do aerobatics, and navigate. After six weeks, he became an average-rated pilot. He then went to RAF Uxbridge for military training. Later, he continued his flight training at Netheravon in Wiltshire, learning to fly the Hawker Hart.
In 1937, Drake joined No. 1 Squadron RAF at RAF Tangmere. This squadron flew the Hawker Fury. He became one of the squadron's aerobatic pilots and improved his shooting skills. In 1938, he flew a Gloster Gladiator for the first time. On 19 October, he flew his first monoplane, a Hawker Hurricane, which would become a very important aircraft in the war.
World War II Combat
When Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany in September 1939, Drake's squadron moved to France. They were there to protect airfields.
Battles in France and the Netherlands
On 19 April 1940, Drake achieved his first victory. He spotted nine German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter planes. During the dogfight, he shot down one and possibly a second.
On 10 May 1940, Germany invaded the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Drake's airfield came under attack. He and another pilot each shot down a German Heinkel He 111 bomber.
The fighting was intense. On 13 May, Drake was on a patrol when his oxygen system failed. As he returned, he saw three Dornier Do 17 bombers. He shot down one, but then a German Messerschmitt Bf 110 shot him down. Drake had to bail out of his plane. He was injured by splinters in his leg and back. He was taken to hospitals in France and then flown back to England.
Defending Britain and the Channel
Drake returned to duty on 20 June 1940 as a flying instructor during the Battle of Britain. He trained many future flying aces. He kept asking to return to active combat.
On 2 October 1940, he joined No. 213 Squadron RAF at RAF Tangmere. This meant he was one of "The Few" pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain. He claimed a probable Bf 109 on 10 October.
Later, Drake volunteered for No. 421 (Reconnaissance) Flight RAF, flying Supermarine Spitfires. He flew special low-level patrols over the English Channel and the French coast. He damaged a German Do 17 bomber on 20 November 1940.
Before the end of 1940, Drake was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery and leadership.
Fighting in Africa and Italy
Drake was sent to West Africa to lead No. 128 Squadron RAF. While there, he shot down a French bomber from Vichy France Air Force. The French pilot refused to land, so Drake shot it down.
In March 1942, Drake was sent to Egypt. He joined No. 260 Squadron RAF to learn about desert combat. On 25 May, he became the commander of No. 112 Squadron RAF, known as the "Shark's Squadron," flying P-40 Kittyhawk planes. These planes had shark mouths painted on their noses.
Drake had to learn new tactics for close air support, which meant attacking targets on the ground. He learned to dive and strafe enemy vehicles and soldiers.
On 6 June 1942, he claimed a German Bf 109F. His squadron also attacked enemy airfields. On 17 June, he attacked Gazala airfield and destroyed three Bf 109s on the ground. He continued to score victories against German and Italian planes throughout 1942.
On 1 September 1942, Drake shot down two German Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers. He also claimed more Bf 109s and a Macchi C.202 fighter. By November 1942, he had shot down 13 enemy aircraft while flying P-40s.
For his bravery and success, Drake received a Bar to his DFC and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
In January 1943, Drake was promoted to wing commander. He then commanded the Krendi Wing on Malta, flying Spitfires. In July 1943, he made his last claim of the war, shooting down an Italian Macchi MC.202 over Sicily.
Later Military Career
In November 1943, Drake returned to England. He commanded No. 20 Wing RAF, which flew Hawker Typhoon aircraft. He also served as a liaison officer in the United States and received the American Distinguished Flying Cross. He finished the war as a staff officer at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force.
He continued to serve in the RAF, working as a staff officer and an air attaché at British embassies. He retired from the RAF on 1 July 1963, with the rank of group captain.
Later Life
After retiring from the RAF, Billy Drake lived in Portugal for 20 years. He managed properties and ran a bar called "Billys Bar." Later, he moved back to England and lived in Teignmouth, Devon. He was married twice and had two sons from his first marriage.
In 2004, Drake was featured in a documentary called Billy and the Fighter Boys, which focused on his experiences in France in 1940.
Billy Drake passed away on 28 August 2011.
