Showmasters Admin showmasters Posted January 19, 2009 Showmasters Admin Share Posted January 19, 2009 Latest Guest Group Captain Billy Drake This is a very rare opportunity to meet this hero from WWII Drake joined No 1 Squadron in May 1937 and went with the squadron to France in September 1939 and during April/May 1940 scored around 5 victories before being shot down, wounded and flown back to England. After a short spell as a flying instructor, he was posted to 213 Squadron on October 2 1940, and three weeks later he joined 421 Flight, as a Flight Commander. He was awarded the DFC (7.1.41). In October he formed and commanded 128 Squadron in West Africa, then commanded 112 Squadron. Awarded a Bar to the DFC (28.7.42) and the DSO (4.12.42). He took command of the Spitfire Wing in Malta in June 1943. He received the DFC (US)(22.10.43) and was appointed Wing Leader 20 Wing, Typhoons, in late November. He took part in the first Battle of Britain flypast in September 1945. His final score card was 24 victories and he retired from the RAF on July 1 1963. He was later sent on liaison duties to Fort Leavenworth in the United States. On 22 October 1943, he was awarded the American Distinguished Flying Cross. Drake later served as deputy station commander at RAF Biggin Hill, and finished the war as a staff officer at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Drake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
descartes Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I have always wanted my North African Campaign books signed and Billy Drake is a very fine representative to do so. He has some great stories to tell about his days in 112 Sqdn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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