Paul Farnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Farnes
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| Birth name | Paul Caswell Powe Farnes |
| Born | 16 July 1918 Boscombe, England |
| Died | 28 January 2020 (aged 101) Chichester, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938–1958 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | No. 501 Squadron RAF No. 611 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 124 Squadron RAF No. 229 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Medal Mentioned in Despatches Air Efficiency Award |
| Spouse(s) |
Cynthia Farnes
(m. 1994; died 2012) |
| Children | 3 |
Paul Caswell Powe Farnes (born July 16, 1918 – died January 28, 2020) was a brave British Royal Air Force pilot. He was a flying ace during the Second World War. Paul Farnes was famous for flying in the Battle of Britain. He was one of "The Few" pilots who defended Britain. He flew powerful planes like the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. He shot down 8 enemy aircraft during his time as a pilot.
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Paul Farnes' Early Life
Paul Caswell Powe Farnes was born in Boscombe, England, on July 16, 1918. He went to Surbiton County School and Kingston Technical College. In April 1938, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). This was a group for people who wanted to train as pilots.
Training and Joining the RAF
After finishing his pilot training, Paul Farnes joined No. 501 Squadron RAF in September 1939. This was just as the Second World War was starting. His squadron moved to France in May 1940.
Paul Farnes in the Second World War
Paul Farnes achieved his first victories during the Battle of France. He helped shoot down two bombers. He also shot down a He 111 bomber by himself.
Heroism in the Battle of Britain
In August 1940, Paul Farnes shot down five more enemy planes. This was during the intense Battle of Britain. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) in October 1940. He was a sergeant pilot at this time. Later, he became a pilot officer in December 1940.
Instructor and Flight Commander
In February 1941, Farnes became an instructor. He taught other pilots at No. 57 Operational Training Unit. In November 1941, he moved to No. 73 Operational Training Unit in Aden. He was promoted to flying officer in December 1941.
In February 1942, Farnes became a flight commander. He joined No. 229 Squadron RAF in North Africa. On March 27, 1942, he flew with his squadron to Malta. He later took charge of the squadron there.
Later War Service
Farnes returned to North Africa in May 1942. He was promoted to flight lieutenant in July 1942. He then went to Iraq and worked at the RAF headquarters. He stayed there until March 1945. He was promoted to squadron leader in May 1944.
When he returned to the United Kingdom, he took command of No. 124 Squadron RAF. He led this squadron until the war ended. By the end of the war, he held the rank of acting wing commander.
Paul Farnes' Life After the War
After the war, Paul Farnes worked for the Air Ministry. He helped with training centers. In September 1945, he officially became a squadron leader in the RAF. In 1948, he became a flying instructor.
Paul Farnes stayed in the RAF until June 27, 1958. He retired with the rank of wing commander.
A Long and Full Life
Paul Farnes passed away on January 28, 2020. He was 101 years old. He died at his home in West Sussex. He was the last ace fighter pilot from the Battle of Britain. Only two other members of "The Few" were still alive after him.
Paul Farnes' Family Life
Paul Farnes was married twice. His first wife was Pamela Barton. They married in Worthing, Sussex, in 1948. Pamela passed away in 1989. He then married Cynthia in 1994. Cynthia passed away in 2012.
Paul Farnes had three children. He had a son named Jonathan and a daughter named Linda. His second son, Nicholas, sadly passed away in 1954.
