Eric Burchmore

Air Commodore Eric Burchmore, CBE (18 June 1920 – 11 October 1994) was a Royal Air Force officer with a long and distinguished career. During the late 1960s and early 70s, Burchmore led the introduction into RAF service, of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier aircraft.

Eric Burchmore was born on 18 June 1920, in Thornaby-on-Tees, the son of a steel worker and was educated at the Robert Atkinson School. After leaving school, Burchmore joined the RAF with the ambition of being a pilot, however he was turned down for pilot training due to his defective colour vision and trained to be an aircraft engineer instead. He served for three years as an apprentice at RAF Halton, followed by a posting to RAF Kenley as an aircraft fitter.

Burchmore served at Kenley throughout the Battle of Britain. Later in the war, Burchmore was commissioned as an engineering officer and was posted to No. 159 Squadron based in India.

In October 1944, No. 159 Squadron mounted an audacious minelaying raid on the Japanese held port of Penang. The mission entailed a round trip of over 3,000 miles, which at the time was the longest distance bombing raid in history. Burchmore was in charge of the modification and preparation of the Consolidated Liberator aircraft used for the mission. The raid was led by Wing Commander James Blackburn and was a complete success, with the port of Penang completely blocked by mines and all of the aircraft and crews returning safely. Burchmore was awarded a military MBE in recognition of his contribution to the operation, whilst Wing Commander Blackburn was awarded a Bar to his DSO and was also awarded the American DFC by the United States Air Force.

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