Richard Gordon Wakeford facts for kids

Air Marshal Sir Richard Gordon Wakeford (April 20, 1922 – February 13, 2007) was a brave officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He served for 36 years, from 1941 to 1977. He started as a pilot flying large "flying boat" planes for Coastal Command. Later, he became a flying instructor and even commanded the Queen's Flight, which flies members of the Royal Family. After many important roles, his last job was helping with intelligence for the UK's military.

Growing Up and World War II

Early Life and Joining the RAF

Richard Wakeford was born in Torquay, England, on April 20, 1922. He went to school at Kelly College in Tavistock, Devon.

In 1941, when he was 19, Wakeford joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He trained to fly planes with the US Navy in Florida, in the United States.

Flying in Coastal Command

After his training, he joined Coastal Command. This part of the RAF protected ships from enemy submarines. He flew large Catalina "flying boats." These planes could land on water.

From November 1942, he flew with No. 212 Squadron. He spent 18 months patrolling the Indian Ocean from a base in Pakistan. He helped keep shipping lanes safe.

After teaching other pilots how to fly these planes, he joined No. 210 Squadron in October 1944. This squadron was based in the Shetland Islands in Scotland. From there, he patrolled the Norwegian Sea. He helped protect supply ships going to Russia and looked for German submarines.

The Last U-Boat Sinking

Wakeford was involved in a very important event on May 8, 1945. This was the day after VE day, which marked the end of the war in Europe. All German submarines were told to stay on the surface of the water. If they were underwater, they could be attacked.

While flying a Catalina over the North Atlantic, Wakeford found a German submarine that was still underwater. He had used all his depth charges, which are bombs dropped into the water to destroy submarines. So, he dropped special listening devices called sonobuoys to track the submarine.

He then flew back to his base. Another Catalina plane took over and damaged the German submarine, called U-320. The German crew later sank their own submarine off the coast of Norway. This was the last German U-boat to be sunk in the war.

After the War: A Long Career

Transport and Training Roles

After World War II, Wakeford flew large transport planes like the Liberator and York. He worked with Transport Command in the Far East, moving supplies and people.

He then became a flying instructor at the RAF College at Cranwell. In 1948, he married Anne Butler. He later became an examiner, testing other flying instructors. For his excellent work, he received the Air Force Cross in 1953.

Serving in Malaya and with the Queen

In 1955, he served in Malaya (now Malaysia) as a wing commander. This was during the Malayan Emergency, a time of conflict there. He was recognized for his service and became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1958.

From 1959 to 1961, he had a very special job: he commanded the Queen's Flight. This meant he was in charge of the aircraft used to fly the Royal Family. He received another award, becoming a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Leading RAF Bases and Regions

After studying at the RAF Staff College, he was promoted to group captain. In June 1964, he became the commander of RAF Scampton. This was an important base for V bombers, which were large planes like the Vulcan bomber. He was in charge of three squadrons of these powerful aircraft.

From 1966 to 1969, he was an assistant leader at the RAF College. During this time, the college joined with the RAF Technical College.

In February 1969, he was promoted again to air vice-marshal. He became the commander of the Northern Maritime Air Region. This meant he was responsible for RAF squadrons that watched Russian forces in the North Atlantic Ocean. He also worked in intelligence for the Ministry of Defence.

Final Commands

From 1973, he was the second commander of the ANZUK Force in Singapore. This was a special military group with forces from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The group was later ended in January 1975.

His last important job was as the Deputy Chief of Defence (Intelligence) at the Ministry of Defence. He held this role from 1975 to 1978. In 1976, he was given the high honor of being appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

Retirement and Helping Others

After a long and distinguished career, Sir Richard retired in 1977. He moved to Perthshire in Scotland. He enjoyed fly fishing and playing golf.

He continued to help others. From 1978 to 1989, he was a director for the RAF Benevolent Fund in Scotland. This fund helps former members of the RAF and their families. He also served as a trustee for the MacRobert Trust from 1980, helping hospitals and other groups that support ex-service members and education.

In 1986, he became a Commander of the Venerable Order of St John. In 1987, he received the first-ever President's Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering. He moved to Inchberry in Moray in 1987.

His wife, Anne, passed away in 2002. Sir Richard Gordon Wakeford died from cancer in Aberdeen on February 13, 2007. He was survived by his two sons, Richard and Christopher, and his daughter, Susan. Another daughter, Sally, had passed away before him.