Byron Duckenfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Byron Leonard Duckenfield
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Byron Leonard Duckenfield |
| Nickname(s) | Ron |
| Born | 15 April 1917 Sheffield |
| Died | 19 November 2010 (aged 93) Bretby |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1935–1969 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Unit | No. 10 Flying Training School, 32 Squadron, 74 Squadron, 501 Squadron, RAF Northolt |
| Commands held | 66 Squadron, 19 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II: Battle of France, Battle of Britain |
| Awards | Air Force Cross, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air |
| Other work | Rolls-Royce |
Group Captain Byron Leonard "Ron" Duckenfield AFC (born April 15, 1917 – died November 19, 2010) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He is especially remembered for flying fighter planes during the Battle of Britain, a very important air battle.
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Early Life
Ron Duckenfield was born in Sheffield, England. He went to Sheffield City High School. Before joining the RAF, he worked as a milkman. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1935 when he was 18 years old.
Joining the Royal Air Force
Duckenfield started his pilot training at No. 10 Flying Training School in 1935. This school was located at RAF Ternhill. After becoming a qualified pilot, he was promoted to Sergeant.
Flying Hurricanes and Spitfires
In August 1936, he joined 32 Squadron at RAF Biggin Hill. Here, he flew Hurricanes, which were powerful fighter planes. He also helped test new radar systems called Chain Home Low. These systems helped detect enemy aircraft flying low.
In April 1940, he moved to 74 Squadron. This squadron flew Spitfires, another famous British fighter plane.
Battle of France and Britain
Soon after, Duckenfield was sent to France with 501 Squadron. After only six days, he had a very close call. The transport plane he was on, a Bristol Bombay, crashed in France. Three people from his squadron and the crew died, and six others were hurt. Ron was sent back to the UK for hospital treatment.
He returned to 501 Squadron in July. During the Battle of Britain, he fought bravely in the skies.
- On August 15, he shot down one German Dornier Do 215 bomber and likely shot down another.
- On August 28, he claimed to have shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 109, a German fighter plane.
- He claimed another Messerschmitt 109 on September 8.
On September 15, he was moved to RAF Northolt. Here, he became a test pilot for the Air Fighting Development Unit. This meant he tested new aircraft and flying techniques.
Awards and Prisoner of War
In late 1941, Ron Duckenfield was given the Air Force Cross. This award is for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry while flying, though not in active operations against the enemy." He was also "Mentioned in Despatches" for his brave actions.
In December 1942, while serving with 615 Squadron in Burma, his plane was shot down. He was captured near Magwe. He spent two and a half years as a prisoner of war in a jail in Rangoon. He was finally freed in May 1945.
Post-War Service
After the war, in November 1949, Duckenfield took a refresher course to get back into flying. He then took command of 19 Squadron. This squadron flew Hornets and Meteors from RAF Church Fenton.
Later, he was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. This award recognizes valuable service in the air.
After holding several important staff jobs, he retired from the RAF. He retired as a Group Captain on May 28, 1969. By the end of his flying career, he had shot down three enemy planes, shared in destroying one, and damaged another.
Life After the RAF
After leaving the Royal Air Force, Ron Duckenfield worked for Rolls-Royce. He worked in marketing in Japan from 1969 until 1982.
He then retired to Bretby Park in Derbyshire, England. He enjoyed walking, reading, and doing crosswords.
Byron Duckenfield passed away on November 19, 2010, in Bretby, Derbyshire. He was 93 years old.
