Kenneth Stoddart facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kenneth Stoddart
Nickname(s)	Ken
Born	(1914-05-26)26 May 1914 Liverpool, England
Died	26 December 2008(2008-12-26) (aged 94) Liverpool, England
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Royal Air Force
Years of service	1939–1945
Rank	Wing commander
Unit	No. 611 Squadron RAF
Battles/wars	World War II Battle of Britain
Awards	KCVO, KStJ, AE
Other work	Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, High Sheriff of Merseyside, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside

Sir Kenneth Maxwell Stoddart (born May 26, 1914 – died December 26, 2008) was a brave pilot during the Battle of Britain. He was a Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force (RAF), which means he was a senior officer. After the war, he continued to serve his community in important public roles.

Who Was Sir Kenneth Stoddart?

Kenneth Stoddart was born in Liverpool, England, on May 26, 1914. He went to Sedbergh School and then to Clare College, Cambridge for his education. After finishing college, he joined his family's businesses. These companies, Cearns and Brown Ltd and the United Mersey Supply Company, provided supplies for ships in the busy Port of Liverpool.

Joining the Royal Air Force

On December 18, 1936, Kenneth Stoddart joined the Auxiliary Air Force as a pilot officer. This was a part-time air force for volunteers. He learned to fly different planes, starting with Avro Tutors, then Hawker Harts and Hinds. In May 1939, he began flying the famous Spitfire Mk I.

When World War II started, he was at a summer training camp. By January 1940, he had become a flight lieutenant, which is an officer rank, and was in charge of 'B' Flight at RAF Digby.

Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain

In June 1940, Stoddart helped with the Dunkirk evacuation. This was when many Allied soldiers were rescued from France. During one mission, his Spitfire was hit by an enemy cannon shell. The shot tore a big hole behind his seat and blew off the cockpit cover. Even though his plane was badly damaged, he managed to land it safely at Martlesham Heath.

He also flew with his squadron, No. 611, during the Battle of Britain. This was a very important air battle where the RAF defended Britain against German attacks. His squadron was kept in reserve for much of the battle. However, on September 11, he attacked an enemy plane, but he didn't see if his shots hit it. He didn't claim any enemy planes shot down during his time with No. 611 Squadron.

People who knew him described him as a very brave person. He seemed calm and relaxed, even when talking about dangerous flights. This calm attitude hid his true courage and strong determination.

Life After the War

After leaving the RAF, Kenneth Stoddart became a public servant. This means he worked for the government and his community.

• In 1958, he became a deputy lieutenant of Lancashire. This is a special role that helps the Lord Lieutenant, who represents the King or Queen in a county.
• From 1974 to 1975, he was the High Sheriff of Merseyside. This is an old and important role, mainly ceremonial today, but it used to be about law and order.
• From 1979 to 1989, he served as the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside. This was the highest role he held, acting as the King's or Queen's personal representative in the area.

He also stayed connected to the RAF by becoming the Wing President of the Merseyside Air Cadet Organisation. This group helps young people learn about aviation and develop skills.

In 1940, he married Jean Young. They had two daughters named Jennifer and Charlotte.

Sir Kenneth Stoddart passed away on December 26, 2008. A special service was held for him at Liverpool Cathedral on February 12, 2009, to remember his life and service.

Links

• post.co.uk/views/letters-to-editor/2009/01/20/an-inspiration-to-many-64375-22731705/ Letter from George Edwards, Former Officer Commanding 7F (1st City of Liverpool) Air Cadets & former chair of the Liverpool Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Advisory Committee in Liverpool Daily Post
• Gazette Entries
• Details of Photographs
• 3wallasey.boys-brigade.org.uk