Guy Branch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guy Rawstron Branch
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| Born | 27 October 1913 London, England |
| Died | 11 August 1940 (aged 26) English Channel, off Cherbourg, France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937–1940 |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Service number | 90137 |
| Unit | No. 601 Squadron RAF No. 145 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Empire Gallantry Medal |
Guy Rawstron Branch was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was born on October 27, 1913, and sadly died in battle on August 11, 1940. He was one of "The Few", a special group of pilots who defended Britain during the Battle of Britain. He even received a special award called the Empire Gallantry Medal for his bravery.
Early Life of Guy Branch
Guy Rawstron Branch was born in London, England, on October 27, 1913. His parents were Charles Churchill Branch and Mary Madelaine Bernadette Branch. He went to two famous schools: Eton College and Balliol College, Oxford.
On May 7, 1937, Guy joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force as a pilot officer. This was the start of his flying career. On March 25, 1939, he married Lady Prudence Mary Pelham in Lewes. Her father was the 6th Earl of Chichester.
Heroic Rescue and Award
On January 8, 1938, Guy Branch was a student pilot. He was flying as a passenger in a Hawker Demon plane with another pilot, Pilot Officer Crawley. Suddenly, their plane crashed at RAF Upavon and caught fire!
Guy managed to get out of the burning plane. But he saw that Pilot Officer Crawley was stuck inside. Even though the plane's fuel tank could explode at any moment, Guy bravely went back into the flames. He stood on the burning parts of the plane to free the trapped pilot and pull him to safety.
For his amazing courage, Guy was given the Empire Gallantry Medal on March 25, 1938. The award said that his quick and brave actions definitely saved the pilot's life. The plane was completely destroyed by the fire, showing how dangerous the situation was.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
During the Battle of Britain, Guy Branch was a flying officer. He flew a Hawker Hurricane plane with No. 145 Squadron RAF. This was a very important time when British pilots fought against German planes trying to attack Britain.
On August 8, 1940, Guy showed his skill by destroying two German Junkers Ju 87 planes. Just a few days later, on August 11, 1940, he was flying his Hurricane (serial number P9251) to stop German bombers. A huge air battle happened near Cherbourg, France. Sadly, Guy's plane was shot down, and he was killed in action.
Guy Branch was buried in a churchyard in Quiberville, France. His name is also remembered on the Battle of Britain Monument in London and at the Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-le-Ferne. He is honored as one of "The Few" who bravely defended their country.
