20 October
On This Day, 1988: Sheila Scott died on 20 October 1988, leaving a legacy of solo world flights, polar exploration and record-breaking…
Read the entry →People
Profiles of the men and women who shaped the Royal Air Force — from its founding officers to the aircrew, engineers and commanders of today.
Eric Edward Williams
1912 15 October 1940 aged 86
Eric Edward Williams was a Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot of 46 Squadron, killed over the Thames Estuary and commemorated at Runnymede.
View profile → Nationality British
Service Royal Air Force
Years served 1928–1940
Era Second World War
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Victoria Cross Recipients
Members of the Royal Air Force and its predecessor services awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy.
View all 7 recipients →A–Z Index
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Arthur Coningham Air Marshal · Senior Commander · 19 January 1895–30 January 1948
Charles “Jock” Calder Wing Commander · Aircrew · 1997
John Alexander Cruickshank VC Flight Lieutenant · Aircrew · 20 May 1920–9 August 2025
John Cunningham Group Captain · Aircrew · 27 July 1917–21 July 2002
Leonard Cheshire Distinguished Service Order (DSO and Two Bars) · Aircrew · Awarded for gallantry and distinguished service in bomber operations; awarded early in his operational career, with later Bars recognising further sustained leadership on operations.–Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Winston Churchill Lieutenant · 30 November 1874–24 January 1965
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Arthur Harris Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 13 April 1892–5 April 1984
Bert Hinkler Petty Officer, later honorary Squadron Leader (RAAF Reserve) · Aircrew · 8 December 1892–7 January 1933
George Walton Holden Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (DFC) · Aircrew · By February 1943 he held the Distinguished Flying Cross and was awarded a Bar while serving with 102 Squadron; the published citation referred to a sortie in January 1943 in which, despite severe icing, engine failure and difficulty in controlling the aircraft, he pressed on to bomb his target successfully.
John Hemingway Group Captain · Aircrew · 17 July 1919–17 March 2025
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Arthur Tedder: RAF Commander and Architect of Allied Air Power Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 11 July 1890–3 June 1967
Charles Portal Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 21 May 1893–22 April 1971
Keith Park Air Chief Marshal · Senior Commander · 15 June 1892–6 February 1975
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