Robert Stanford Tuck
| Robert Stanford Tuck | |
|---|---|
Stanford Tuck in the cockpit of his Hurricane c. 1940.
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Bob |
| Born |
1 July 1916 Catford, London |
| Died | 5 May 1987 (aged 70) Canterbury, Kent |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1935–1949 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands held |
No. 257 Squadron RAF (1940–42) RAF Coltishall (1947–48) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Two Bars Air Force Cross Mentioned in Despatches (3) Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) |
Wing Commander Robert Stanford Tuck DSO, DFC & Two Bars, AFC (1 July 1916 – 5 May 1987) was a British fighter pilot and test pilot. Tuck joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1935 and first engaged in combat during the Battle of France, over Dunkirk, claiming his first victories. In September 1940 he was promoted to squadron leader and commanded a Hawker Hurricane squadron. In 1941–1942, Tuck participated in fighter sweeps over northern France. On 28 January 1942, he was hit by anti-aircraft fire, was forced to land in France, and was taken prisoner. At the time of his capture, Tuck had claimed 29 enemy aircraft destroyed, two shared destroyed, six probably destroyed, six damaged and one shared damaged.
Tuck was born in Catford, SE London. After a less-than-stellar school career he left St Dunstan's College, Catford in 1932 to join the Merchant Navy as a sea cadet (seaman's Discharge Number R112769) aboard the ss.Marconi from 19 May 1933 before joining the RAF on a short service commission as an acting pilot officer in 1935. Following flying training, Tuck joined 65 Squadron in September 1935 as an acting probationary pilot officer. He became a pilot officer on probation in September 1936 and his pilot officer rank was confirmed in early 1937 (which was backdated to December 1936). In September 1938 he was promoted to flying officer and in May 1940, he was posted to 92 Squadron, based at Croydon, as a flight commander flying Spitfires.
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