England, Richard Geoffrey

Date of birth:: April 7th, 1916
Date of death:: October 22nd, 1943
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Flushing (Vlissingen)
Row: G. Grave: 14.
Nationality:: British

Biography

On 22 October, 1943 thirty six Boston IIIA aircraft of Nos. 88, 107 and 342 squadrons, led by Wg.Cdr. England, were detailed to attack the Aircraft and Aero-engine Repair Works at Courcelles.
The Boston of Wing Commander England flew in received a direct hit in the starboard engine, making the aircraft colliding with Boston BZ223 and crashing two kilometres south of Kamperland.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 88 (Hong Kong) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: July 4th, 1942

"In June, 1942, Squadron Leader England and Pilot Officer Baker were captain and navigator respectively of the leading aircraft of a bomber force which attacked shipping in Dunkirk harbour. When nearing the target, a fierce barrage of antiaircraft fire was encountered. Undeterred, Squadron Leader England resolutely pressed home his attack, skilfully guided to the selected target by Pilot Officer Baker who, accurately aiming and releasing his bombs, scored a hit on an enemy tanker. Throughout the operation, Squadron Leader England displayed brilliant leadership and high courage, awhile Pilot Officer Baker's skilful navigation and accurate bombing contributed materially to the success achieved. Squadron Leader England, accompanied by Pilot Officer Baker as navigator, has led formations of aircraft on many sorties."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: No. 107 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: November 9th, 1943

"This officer has taken part in a very large number of sorties including attacks on important targets in Northern France. In August, 1943, Wing Commander England led a formation of aircraft in an attack on a target at Rennes. Bad weather was encountered on the outward flight but Wing Commander England unerringly led his force to the precise target which was successfully attacked from a low level. Some days later, this officer led a bomber force in an attack on a works at Demain. In spite of poor visibility and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, the objective was bombed accurately. Much of the success of these operations can be attributed to Wing Commander England's inspiring."

Posthumously awarded