Keith Lawrence (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keith Ashley Lawrence
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|---|---|
| Born | 25 November 1919 Waitara, New Zealand |
| Died | 2 June 2016 (aged 96) Devon, United Kingdom |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Britain, Siege of Malta |
| Awards | DFC |
Keith Ashley Lawrence (25 November 1919 – 2 June 2016) was a brave pilot from New Zealand. He joined the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and fought in World War II. He was one of the last surviving members of "The Few", a special group of pilots who defended Britain during the Battle of Britain.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the RAF
Keith Lawrence was born in Waitara, New Zealand on 25 November 1919. He went to Southland Boys' High School from 1933 to 1936. After school, he worked at a bank for two years.
In June 1938, Keith decided he wanted to fly. He applied to join the RAF for a few years. He was accepted in November. On 1 February 1939, he sailed to the United Kingdom to start his training.
Learning to Fly
Keith began his pilot training at RAF Yatesbury. He learned to fly on de Havilland Tiger Moth planes. After his basic training, he officially joined the RAF. On 31 May, he moved to RAF Sealand for more advanced training on Airspeed Oxford planes.
By 31 October, he had finished his training. He then joined the new No. 234 Squadron RAF at RAF Leconfield. At first, they flew Avro Tutors and Miles Magisters. In December, they started training on Bristol Blenheim planes. By March, the squadron began to use Supermarine Spitfire Mk1s. These famous fighter planes were ready for combat by 8 May. Keith also trained to become the squadron's Navigation Officer.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
On 30 June, Keith rejoined 234 Squadron. They had moved to RAF St Eval, Cornwall. Their main jobs were patrols and quick take-offs to stop enemy planes. On 8 July, he helped shoot down a Junkers Ju 88 bomber. This was the squadron's first victory! On 12 July, he damaged another Ju 88.
On 15 August, 234 Squadron moved to RAF Middle Wallop. They helped defend cities like Portsmouth and Southampton. They often flew to help other RAF groups further east. On 24 August, Keith damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 110 enemy plane.
On 7 September, German bombers attacked London during the day. 234 Squadron was sent to stop them. Keith damaged a Dornier Do 17 bomber. Then he attacked 12 Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter planes. He chased one to the coast and shot it down. After this intense day, 234 Squadron moved back to St Eval to rest. Keith, however, was sent to No. 603 Squadron RAF at RAF Hornchurch. This was because the RAF wanted experienced pilots to keep fighting. On 15 September, he shot down one Bf 109 and damaged two more. On 17 September, he shot down another Bf 109.
On 8 October 1940, Keith joined a new unit called No. 421 (Reconnaissance) Flight RAF. This unit was created to spot high-flying enemy fighters. On 23 November, he damaged a Bf 110. On 27 November, while flying alone, he was attacked by three Bf 109s. He was shot down by a fourth plane. His Spitfire lost a wing, and he fell out of the sky. He managed to open his parachute and landed in the sea. A lifeboat rescued him. He was taken to hospital with a broken leg and dislocated shoulder. He then went to an RAF hospital where he met his future wife, Kay.
Defending Malta
After recovering, Keith rejoined his unit on 4 December 1941. He then went for a quick flying course on Spitfires. Soon after, he was sent to Valletta, Malta. He joined No. 185 Squadron RAF on 17 February 1942. Malta was being heavily bombed by German and Italian forces during the Siege of Malta. It was one of the most bombed places in World War II.
The RAF pilots on Malta were often outnumbered. Their Hurricane planes were slower than the German Bf 109s. In April, there were over 3,500 bomber attacks on Malta. It was normal for the squadron to take off two or three times a day to fight. But this depended on whether their planes were working and if the runways were not damaged by bombs.
On 17 March, Keith was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. On 23 March, he helped shoot down a Heinkel He 111. On 9 April, he damaged a Ju 88. On 24 April, he damaged a Bf 109. On 9 May, the squadron received new Spitfire Mk Vb's. That day, Keith destroyed a Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber. On 10 May, he destroyed another Stuka that was attacking a ship called the Welshman. On 19 May, Keith damaged a Bf 109. On 28 May, he became the Acting Squadron Leader and led 185 Squadron. He stayed in command until he returned to the UK on 27 June.
For his bravery, Keith was given the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award recognized his "great courage and outstanding keenness." He was credited with shooting down four enemy planes, probably destroying two, and damaging seven.
Becoming an Instructor
In August 1942, Keith started a long period as an instructor. He taught new pilots how to fly Spitfires for combat. He worked at 52 OTU at Aston Down and later at 57 OTU.
In July 1943, Keith went to RAF Duxford. He worked with the United States Army Air Forces, flying planes like the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. In October 1943, he trained to become a Spitfire gunnery instructor. From December 1943 to May 1944, he taught gunnery at Ayr. In June 1944, Keith moved to 28 OTU, RAF Wymeswold. Here, he flew Hawker Hurricanes to help train air gunners. He would make pretend attacks on Vickers Wellington bombers. He continued similar duties until January 1945.
Flying Fighter-Bombers
On 5 February 1945, Keith returned to combat. He joined No. 124 Squadron RAF, a fighter-bomber squadron. They flew Spitfire Mk IX.HF(e)'s. Their main job was to dive-bomb V-2 rocket launch sites near The Hague. They carried 500 or 1000 lb bombs. The biggest danger was heavy anti-aircraft fire around the launch sites.
The squadron also attacked railway lines and supply routes to the V-2 sites. They also flew as escorts for heavy bombers attacking Germany.
By the end of April, Keith had flown about 50 combat missions. After the Netherlands was freed, 124 Squadron moved to RAF Hutton Cranswick for training. On 15 July, Keith joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) but stayed with 124 Squadron.
On 24 August 1945, 124 Squadron moved to RAF Molesworth. They began to train on the Gloster Meteor, the RAF's first jet fighter. In October, the unit moved to RAF Bentwaters. Keith left the RAF on 11 March 1946. He returned to New Zealand in May 1946.
Life After the War
Keith Lawrence married Kay Harte in 1945. They had two daughters and three sons. They later moved back to Great Britain. There, Keith ran different businesses. He retired at age 65 in Devon. For 18 years, he flew gliders with the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club.
In 2002, Keith had a special flight. He was invited to fly in The Grace Spitfire. This was his first Spitfire flight in 57 years!
In 2010, for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Keith was asked to represent "The Few." He filmed a short video for the BBC at the Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-le-Ferne. This video was shown at the Festival of Remembrance.
Keith Lawrence passed away at his home on 2 June 2016, at the age of 96.
