Branse Burbridge
| Branse Burbridge | |
|---|---|
Burbridge (right) with his radar operator Bill Skelton (left)
|
|
| Birth name | Bransome Arthur Burbridge |
| Nickname(s) | Branse |
| Born |
4 February 1921 Brixton, London |
| Died | 1 November 2016 (aged 95) Chorleywood |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Service number | 100067 |
| Unit | 85 Squadron 141 Squadron 157 Squadron 100 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) |
| Other work | Scripture Union |
Wing Commander Bransome Arthur "Branse" Burbridge DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar (4 February 1921 – 1 November 2016) was a Royal Air Force (RAF) night fighter pilot and flying ace—a pilot credited with at least five enemy aircraft destroyed—who holds the Allied record of 21 aerial victories achieved at night during the Second World War.
Burbridge was born in February 1921 into a family with strong Christian and pacifist beliefs. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe on 3 September 1939 Burbridge registered himself as a conscientious objector but changed his mind in 1940 and enlisted in the RAF.
Burbridge completed his training within a year and was posted to No. 85 Squadron RAF and claimed only one probable claim against enemy aircraft with a further aircraft damaged by the end of 1942. Burbridge was then posted to an Operational Training Unit (OTU) as an instructor before spending a year as a staff officer. In July 1943 he had reached the rank of flight lieutenant.
Burbridge returned to operations in late 1943 with 85 Squadron, now equipped with the de Havilland Mosquito. The unit performed night defence operations over the British Isles. Burbridge was assigned radar operator Bill Skelton who flew with him. Burbridge achieved success in a relatively short time period. By the end of the German air offensive Steinbock in May 1944 he had shot down five enemy aircraft making him a night fighter ace. Both men were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in May 1944.
...
Wikipedia