Second World War

People profiles from the second world war era of the Royal Air Force.

12 People Profiles
Featured Second World War Profile

Air Chief Marshal

Keith Park

GCB KBE MC & Bar DFC
Senior Commander

Keith Park directed 11 Group during the Battle of Britain and later held senior RAF commands in the Middle East and home defence.

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Rank Air Chief Marshal
Born 15 June 1892
Died 6 February 1975
Era First World War

All Profiles

Aircrew

Frank Whittle

Air Commodore

OMKBECB 1 June 1907-8 August 1996
Senior Commander

Arthur Coningham

Air Marshal

KCBKBEDSO 19 January 1895-30 January 1948
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Senior Commander

Charles Portal

Marshal of the Royal Air Force

KTGCBOM 21 May 1893-22 April 1971
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Aircrew

John Alexander Cruickshank

Flight Lieutenant

VCAE 20 May 1920-9 August 2025
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Senior Commander

Arthur Tedder

Marshal of the Royal Air Force

GCBCMGDSO 11 July 1890-3 June 1967
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Aircrew

George Walton Holden

Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (DFC)

Wing Commander 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.
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Aircrew

Leonard Cheshire

Distinguished Service Order (DSO and Two Bars)

other 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)
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Senior Commander

Arthur Harris

Marshal of the Royal Air Force

GCBOBEAFC 13 April 1892-5 April 1984
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Senior Commander

Keith Park

Air Chief Marshal

GCBKBEMC & Bar 15 June 1892-6 February 1975
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Senior Commander

Hugh Dowding

Air Chief Marshal

GCBGCVOCMG 24 April 1882-15 February 1970
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Aircrew

Douglas Bader

Group Captain

Knight BachelorCBEDSO & Bar 21 February 1910-5 September 1982
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Aircrew

Guy Gibson

Wing Commander

VCDSO & BarDFC & Bar 12 August 1918-Distinguished Service Order & Bar