Service number:

87022

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Len Ratcliff joined the RAFVR in early 1939 to train as a pilot. In 1941 he completed a full tour of 30 operations in Bomber Command with No. 49 Squadron. After a rest period he was posted to 161 (Special Duties ) Sqn as Flight Commander flying agents and supplies in and out of France, Belgium, Holland, Norway and Denmark. He then spent a period in charge of A.I.2.C at the very centre of clandestine activities in the whole of occupied Europe. He returned to 161 Squadron in 1943 as Flight Commander and later Squadron commander. In 1943, he famously dropped Yvonne Cormeau, the Special Operations Executive agent codenamed Annette, into Bordeaux. Her exploits were immortalised in the 2001 film Charlotte Grey.
After the war Ratcliff became a successful grain merchant.

Promotions:
October 19th, 1940: Pilot Officer (probation)
October 19th, 1941: Flying Officer (war sub)
October 19th, 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
January 8th, 1945: Squadron Leader (war sub)

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 26th, 1942

Citation:
"This officer has completed numerous sorties, including attacks on Frankfurt, Essen, Kiel and Hanover. All his work has been characterised by the greatest determination to reach and bomb his objective. On the night of 28th December, 1941, on the outward journey to Huls, his aircraft was intercepted by two enemy fighters. Despite bright moonlight, he skilfully evaded his attackers, and flew on to Huls where he bombed the synthetic rubber plant. On another occasion in January, 1942, when flying to attack the German warships at Brest he showed great skill which enabled his gunners to frustrate the attacks of two enemy fighters.
Flt. Lt. Ratcliff has set a very valuable example."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

June 2nd, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 14th, 1943

Citation:
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed many sorties and has achieved much success. He is a most efficient flight commander, whose keenness and devotion to duty have been unfailing. On one occasion, Squadron Leader Ratcliff was detailed for an important sortie. When passing over the enemy coast he experienced engine trouble. Nevertheless, Squadron Leader Ratcliff went on to the target and sucessfully completed the operation, afterwards flying on to North Africa to make a safe landing. His effort was worthy of high praise."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With Palm.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35609 published on the 23 June 1942
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36033 published on the 28 May 1943
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36285 published on the 10 December 1943
  - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36609 published on the 11 July 1944
  - Flight Global - Archive
  - Royal Air Force Fighter Pilots
  - BBC News
  - CherMedia
  - Mirror Online
  - The Tempsford Special Duties Squadrons