Cyril Stanley Bamberger facts for kids

Cyril Stanley Bamberger, known as "Bam," was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force. He was born on May 4, 1919, and passed away on February 3, 2008. Bam fought in some very important conflicts, including the Battle of Britain, the defense of Malta during World War II, and the Korean War. He was recognized for his courage with awards like the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Early Life and Joining the RAF

Cyril Bamberger was born in Hyde, Cheshire. He went to school in his local area. When he was 14, in 1934, he left school. He then started working as an electrical apprentice for a company called Lever Brothers.

In 1936, Bam decided to join the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, which was a volunteer air force. He was assigned to No. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron, where he worked as a photographer. Two years later, in 1938, he was accepted for pilot training with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This was the start of his amazing flying career.

World War II: A Hero in the Skies

When World War II began, Bam was called to full-time service. He finished his pilot training quickly. By July 27, 1940, he rejoined his old squadron, No. 610, at RAF Biggin Hill. This time, they were flying powerful Spitfire planes. Bam was a sergeant pilot.

Fighting in the Battle of Britain

Bam flew with No. 610 Squadron during the early air battles over the English Channel. These fights happened right after the Dunkirk evacuation. His squadron faced many dangers and lost many pilots. However, Bam was very skilled. On August 28, he was credited with probably shooting down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 plane off the coast of Kent.

In mid-September 1940, No. 610 Squadron was pulled back for a rest. Bam was then sent to No. 41 Squadron RAF at Hornchurch. He was soon back in action, fighting in the famous Battle of Britain. On October 5, he achieved his first confirmed victory. He shot down another Bf 109 over Canterbury.

Defending Malta

As the Battle of Britain slowed down, Bam volunteered for a dangerous mission in Malta. From late November 1940, he flew Hurricane planes with No. 261 Squadron RAF from Hal Far. In January 1941, he was credited with shooting down two German Junkers Ju 87 planes over the Grand Harbour in Malta.

In 1942, Bam joined No. 93 Squadron RAF. He was sent to Tunisia. On February 9, 1942, he became a pilot officer. He was promoted again to flying officer on October 1, 1942. With the same squadron, he returned to Malta in 1943. On July 13, he shot down another Junkers Ju 87, this time over Sicily.

For his bravery and success in combat, Bam was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award was officially announced on September 28, 1943. He was promoted to flight lieutenant on February 9, 1944. In July 1944, he returned to the UK. In November of that year, he received a Bar to his DFC, meaning he had earned the award a second time.

Life After World War II

After the war, Bam left the RAF in 1946. He went back to work for Lever Brothers for a short time. Then, he joined the management team of a company that was part of Guinness.

Returning to the RAF

When No. 610 Squadron RAF was restarted as a Royal Auxiliary Air Force unit, Bam rejoined it. He became a flight commander with the rank of flight lieutenant. In 1950, he became the squadron's Commanding Officer. He learned to fly new Gloster Meteor aircraft.

When the Korean War started, Bam decided to join the RAF permanently. During most of that conflict, he worked as an intelligence officer at the Air Ministry. He was promoted to squadron leader on January 1, 1957.

Later in his career, Bam learned to fly helicopters. He flew the Bristol Sycamore aircraft in Aden. He retired from the RAF in 1959. He was awarded the Air Efficiency Award with a clasp for his long and dedicated service.

Business and Later Years

After leaving the RAF in 1959, Bam started a new chapter in his life. He began a business that made packaging materials. Later, he ran an antiques business.

He remained very involved with RAF matters. He was a key member of the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust, serving as its vice-chairman. This trust helps preserve the history of the Battle of Britain.

Cyril Stanley Bamberger passed away on February 3, 2008, at the age of 88. He was survived by his wife, Heather, whom he married in 1954. He also had three sons and a daughter. A special moment happened on September 18, 2005, when Bam's granddaughter presented a bouquet of flowers to the Duchess of Cornwall at the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Monument in London.