Bunny Currant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Frederick Currant
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Christopher Currant as Wing Commander with the Second Tactical Air Force circa 1943
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| Nickname(s) | 'Bunny' |
| Born | 14 December 1911 Luton, Bedfordshire, England |
| Died | 12 March 2006 (aged 94) Taunton, Somerset, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1959 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands held | No. 122 Wing No. 501 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches (2) Knight of the Order of St. Olav (Norway) Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
Christopher Frederick Currant (14 December 1911 – 12 March 2006) was a brave British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during the Second World War. This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft. Currant was officially credited with fifteen aerial victories.
Born in Luton, England, Christopher Currant was nicknamed 'Bunny'. He joined the RAF in 1936. After his training, he joined No. 46 Squadron. When the Second World War began, he was flying with No. 605 Squadron. He fought in the Battle of France and later the famous Battle of Britain. During these battles, he achieved many victories against enemy planes.
Later, he became an instructor, teaching other pilots. He then took command of No. 501 Squadron. With his squadron, he flew many missions over Europe. He even helped make the film The First of the Few. Towards the end of the war, he led No. 122 Wing. After the war, he stayed in the RAF. He worked in different roles and even helped the Royal Norwegian Air Force. He retired from the RAF in 1959. He then worked for an engineering company. Christopher Currant passed away in 2006 at 94 years old.
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Early Life and RAF Training
Christopher Frederick Currant, known as 'Bunny', was born on 14 December 1911. His hometown was Luton, in Bedfordshire, England. He attended Rydal School in Wales. At 25, in January 1936, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF).
After earning his pilot's wings, he became a sergeant pilot. In 1937, he joined No. 46 Squadron. This squadron was based at Kenley. They flew Gloster Gauntlet fighter planes. Later, he moved to No. 151 Squadron. This squadron also used Gauntlets, but soon switched to faster Hawker Hurricane fighters.
World War II Service
When the Second World War started, Currant's squadron flew patrol missions. On 15 March 1940, his engine failed during a patrol. He had to make an emergency landing at North Weald. In April, he became a pilot officer. He was then sent to No. 605 Squadron at Wick. This squadron also flew Hurricanes. Their job was to protect the Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow.
Fighting in France
A week after the invasion of France on 10 May, No. 605 Squadron moved. They went to Hawkinge in Kent, England. From there, they flew missions over France. They attacked Luftwaffe (German air force) planes. These German planes were attacking the retreating British soldiers.
On 22 May, Currant's Hurricane engine failed again. This happened after a fight with a German bomber. He had to crash-land in a field. He broke his nose but managed to reach Calais. From Calais, he got a ride on a ship back to England. He was then treated in a hospital in Folkestone.
Battle of Britain Heroics
After the battles in France, No. 605 Squadron moved to Drem. They rested and got new equipment there. On 15 August, they helped stop a large German air raid. This raid by Luftflotte 5 targeted northeast England. Currant shot down two Heinkel He 111 bombers over Newcastle. He also likely destroyed a third.
In September, the squadron moved south to RAF Croydon. They were soon in the middle of intense fighting. The Luftwaffe was heavily attacking London. On 8 September, Currant damaged a Dornier Do 17 bomber and a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter. Both attacks happened over Maidstone. The next day, he helped destroy a Bf 109 and a Messerschmitt Bf 110 near Brooklands.
On 11 September, he destroyed a He 111 over southeast London. He also damaged four other He 111s that same day. Currant helped destroy a Do 17 south of Hastings on 12 September. The next day, he was promoted to flight lieutenant.
Three days later, on Battle of Britain Day, he was very busy. He shot down two Do 17s over the southeast coast. He also damaged three more Do 17s and a He 111. Plus, he destroyed a Bf 109. On 27 September, he destroyed a Bf 110 over Kenley. He also damaged a Bf 109. The next day, he shot down a Bf 109 near Tenterden.
On 4 October, he helped destroy a Ju 88 near Dungeness. On 8 October, he helped destroy another Ju 88 near Gatwick. On the same day, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award recognized his bravery and skill. The official announcement said:
This officer has led his flight with great skill and courage in air combats in the defence of London. He has destroyed seven enemy aircraft and damaged a number of others. His splendid example and fine fighting spirit have inspired the other pilots in his flight.
On 15 October, Currant destroyed a Bf 109 near Rochester. This was his last victory during the Battle of Britain. In early November, he became the acting commander of No. 605 Squadron. He took over after the previous leader, Squadron Leader Archie McKellar, died. He received a Bar to his DFC on 15 November. This meant he earned the DFC again. The announcement stated:
Since September, 1940, this officer has personally destroyed six enemy aircraft and damaged several others, bringing his total to thirteen. He has led his flight, and occasions his squadron, with great success, and shows a sound knowledge of tactics against the enemy.
Squadron Leader Gerry Edge took over command of No. 605 Squadron at the end of November. On 1 December, Currant destroyed a Bf 109 over Dover. From early 1941, No. 605 Squadron began flying offensive missions. They crossed the English Channel to northern France. In February, Currant moved to No. 52 Operational Training Unit. He became its chief flying instructor in July. By then, he was an acting squadron leader.
Later War Missions
In August, Currant was given command of No. 501 Squadron. This squadron was based at Ibsley. They flew Supermarine Spitfire fighters on missions over France. Around this time, he appeared in the film The First of the Few. The movie starred David Niven and was filmed at Ibsley.
On 8 November, Currant damaged a Bf 109. On 9 March 1942, he was wounded during a mission. He was attacked by three Focke Wulf 190 fighters. A bullet hit him in the head. Despite this, he managed to escape and crash-land at Lympne. After hospital treatment, he returned to duty the next month. On 17 April, he likely destroyed a Bf 109.
In June 1942, Currant was promoted to wing commander. He took command of the Ibsley Wing. This group of squadrons flew missions over occupied France and Belgium. During his time at Ibsley, he received the Distinguished Service Order. This high award recognized his leadership and bravery. The official announcement said:
Squadron Leader Currant is a most courageous pilot and brilliant leader. His untiring efforts and outstanding ability have been reflected in the splendid work accomplished by the squadron which he commands. One day in March, 1942, he was wounded in the head during a sortie. Despite this, he flew his aircraft safely back to base. Following a short enforced rest, he returned with renewed vigour. Squadron Leader Currant has destroyed at least 14 and damaged many more enemy aircraft.
In February 1943, Currant took command of No. 122 Wing. This wing was part of the Second Tactical Air Force. Based at Zeals, he led missions to France. They targeted important transport links. One of his squadrons had several Belgian pilots. Because of this, the Belgian government in exile gave him the Croix de Guerre on 9 April 1943. He was also mentioned in official reports on 11 January 1944.
Currant's wing helped provide air cover for the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. Soon after, he took a break from flying missions. He went on a four-month speaking tour in the United States. When he returned, he worked at No. 84 Group Control Centre. There, he helped decide targets for air operations. He was mentioned in official reports again in early 1945. By the end of the war, he was credited with shooting down fifteen enemy aircraft. Five of these were shared victories with other pilots. He also likely destroyed two more planes and damaged twelve others.
After the War
Christopher Currant decided to stay in the RAF after the war. He was given a permanent role as a squadron leader. He attended courses at the Joint Services Staff College and the RAF Staff College. After that, he went to Washington, D.C., in the United States. He worked there for three years.
He then held an administrative job at the RAF station at Wattisham for two years. After that, he worked for 12 months in London at the Ministry of Supply. In 1955, he was sent to Norway. He worked as an instructor at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Staff College. The Norwegian government asked him to stay for an extra two years. He received the Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav for his "valuable services" as an adviser.
Later Life and Retirement
Currant retired from the RAF in January 1959. After leaving the military, he joined an engineering company in Luton. This company developed weapons for the RAF. He finally retired completely in 1976. He settled in Somerset, England.
Christopher Currant passed away in Taunton on 12 March 2006. He was survived by his wife, Cynthia, whom he married in 1942, and their four children.
Images for kids
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Christopher Currant as Wing Commander with the Second Tactical Air Force circa 1943
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David Niven and Bunny Currant in The First of the Few (1942)
