242 Squadron, comprised primarily of Canadians, was Douglas Bader's first command. Having suffered heavy losses in the disastrous Battle of France, the tough Canadians re-equipped with new Hawker Hurricanes, re-organized under their energetic new leader and became well known for their fierce efficiency.
On this day, August 30, 1940, following hard fighting, S/L Bader tucked in alongside his wingman, "Willie" McKnight as they returned to base. The exuberant Bader held up two fingers indicating his two victories. The Canadian flashed back three indicating a "Hat Trick". Bader was elated. The squadron that day claimed a total of 12 enemy A/C destroyed without loss to themselves. The tide of the battle was turning.
To be promoted to Squadron Leader and be assigned to your very first squadron is a major event in an officer's career. When Douglas Bader received his order to assume command of the only "All Canadian" squadron in the R.A.F., he couldn't wait to get to their base at Coltishall! Winston Churchill's prediction "The Battle for Britain is about to begin" was coming true and 242 Squadron needed spares, equipment and more training if it was to become "operational" again. He led by example and they responded with enthusiasm. The quiet, keen-eyed Willie McKnight from Calgary became a leading ace with over 16 victories and the D.F.C. and Bar before his death on a raid over France shortly after the "Battle".
Bader himself was shot down over France during a raid in 1941 leading the Tangmere Wing with 22 enemy aircraft to his official credit. He survived 4 years as a P.O.W., was awarded a knighthood and inspired scores of amputees with his attitude, (he had lost both legs in a pre-war flying accident) successful post war career, and his driving spirit. He died in 1982.
Another of 242's British Aces, Denis Crowley-Milling, D.S.O., D.F.C. became a Wing Commander by war's end, later rising to the rank of Air Marshall. He was also shot down in 1941 and was a P.O.W. before returning to fight on. He too received a knighthood. Noel Stansfeld shot down 7 enemy aircraft including an HE-III bomber on August 30, 1940 and won the D.F.C. He flew aircraft "D" (depicted here) on several sorties, although "K" was his usual mount. Having been a wingman to these two outstanding members of 242, it was heartening to hear him recall the contributions and the sacrifices made by his comrades years before, all too much of which is of significance to only a "few" today.