Articles relating to 21 Squadron

Wing Commander John Owen Cecil Kercher DSO

In an article for the Sunday Express, published on 1st July 1973, I came across my first reference to Wg Cdr Kercher. The author, famous cricketer and ex-Blenheim pilot Bill…

Posted in 21 Squadron, memoriam | 1 Comment

Wing Commander Peter F Webster DSO DFC & Bar 21 Squadron

Wg Cdr Peter Fitzgerald ‘Tom’ Webster made a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to have made his acquaintance. Without exception, he was described in terms ranging from utmost admiration,…

Posted in 21 Squadron, memoriam | 3 Comments

Mast High Over Rotterdam by Lionel ‘Rusty’ Russell

In June of 2015, through a remarkable coincidence, I was contacted by by Lionel ‘Rusty’ Russell, a retired RAF pilot who has spent a large chunk of his life researching…

Posted in 1941, 21 Squadron, Stories In Detail | 5 Comments

21 Squadron Pilots 1939

Pilots of 21 Squadron pose in front of a Mk IV Blenheim The picture was taken at the eastern exit of Hangar 1 (it is only at this position that…

Posted in 1939, 21 Squadron | 9 Comments

German Landing Grounds in Norfolk? By Peter Meston 

Wing Commander Peter Meston RAF Retd, served at Watton in 1939/40 with 21 Squadron and was involved in a very strange affair. In a letter to Colin Waugh who has…

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RAF Watton – Extracts from the 1940 Diary of Jack Bartley

The following are extracts from the personal diary of Jack Bartley ex. RAF No. 626100 who served at RAF Watton with No 21 Sqdn as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner during…

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Chronicles of a Charmed Life  By Jack Bartley. Ex. RAF No. 626100 

Jack served at RAF Watton with No 21 Sqdn as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner during the first half of 1940. During the advance of the German army into the low…

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Eclipse of an Air Gunner By Jack Bartley. Ex. RAF No. 626100 

Jack served at RAF Watton with No 21 Sqdn as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner during the first half of 1940. On the morning of 14th May 1940 we looked up…

Posted in 1940, 21 Squadron, memories | 3 Comments

It’s All In a Day’s Work. A difficult job removing wounded aircrew for Harry Osbourne 

When on 10th May 1940, Hitler’s troops crossed the Maginot Line into Belgium, it brought them into confrontation with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) who were rushed up from France.…

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