F/Lt Dicky Bird 605 Sqn 1941

[brian]

Hi guys

I am endeavouring to identify F/L Dicky Bird, who flew with 605 Squadron in 1941. He went to Malta with the Squadron but returned soon thereafter, possibly on compassionate grounds. Another pilot wrote:

"Dicky was a regular RAF pilot. First he was in a Blenheim squadron, which was entirely wiped out and then he was a test pilot for Supermarine. He’s flown over fifty types, including Manchesters and Whirlwinds. He was once nearly killed on a Spitfire doing a shoot up and a roll at ground level. He came too low and crashed at 200mph whilst inverted. Thus he is lucky to be alive (he happened, by good fortune, to have been strapped more tightly than he is used to, into his seat. He was injured, of course). Later with a Spitfire squadron he shot down a Ju88 in flames."

Does this help to identify him?

Cheers
Brian

[Resmoroh]

Brian Hi,

Possibly yr man? Enlisted 1579936 Apr-Oct 1941 (location not known)

Commissioned 1579936 John Richard BIRD (152271)

SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 11 JUNE, 1957 3511
Flight Lieutenants, retaining their rank :—
J. R. BIRD (152271). 11th Apr. 1957.

HTH

Peter Davies

[brian]

Hi Peter

Thanks for the interest but I don't think he is 'my' man!

Apparently regular RAF pre-war.

Cheers
Brian

[Franek Grabowski]

Brian, have you checked LG for possible leads?