Glider
Captain
I am sure that we have all come across people who have remarkable stories and over the last week I have come across two who stand out for opposite reasons.
One is the youngest pilot to fly combat missions for the RAF and quite possibly the youngest combat pilot of any airfirce. The other is the oldest person to take part in active combat in regular service for the UK but I admit he served at sea and on land not in the air.
First of all I give you the youngest combat pilot in RAF service.
Flight Sergeant Dobney
In August 1940 Tom Dobney applied to join the RAF, He lied about his age but blagged his way through the initial selection process and medical and was accepted for training at the age of 14 and three months.
On 12 May 1941 he had his first training flight in Tiger Moth at the age of 15 and four days and soloed three weeks after his fifteenth birthday.
Tom was awarded his wings when 15 four months and three days and with that his promotion to flight sergeant. Selected for bomber aircraft he flew three missions as the pilot in Whitley bombers including one combat against German fighters when his father tracked him down and he was grounded aged 15. Finally discharged from the RAF in January 1942 while still aged 15 he was told in writing that when he was the right age he could apply for the RAF and would be qualified to wear his wings from the first day.
Personally I would have loved to be there when the rest of his crew was told. Can you imagine it, sorry guys the skipper wont be coming back, Why? he was only fifteen!! Next move a rush to the bar
One is the youngest pilot to fly combat missions for the RAF and quite possibly the youngest combat pilot of any airfirce. The other is the oldest person to take part in active combat in regular service for the UK but I admit he served at sea and on land not in the air.
First of all I give you the youngest combat pilot in RAF service.
Flight Sergeant Dobney
In August 1940 Tom Dobney applied to join the RAF, He lied about his age but blagged his way through the initial selection process and medical and was accepted for training at the age of 14 and three months.
On 12 May 1941 he had his first training flight in Tiger Moth at the age of 15 and four days and soloed three weeks after his fifteenth birthday.
Tom was awarded his wings when 15 four months and three days and with that his promotion to flight sergeant. Selected for bomber aircraft he flew three missions as the pilot in Whitley bombers including one combat against German fighters when his father tracked him down and he was grounded aged 15. Finally discharged from the RAF in January 1942 while still aged 15 he was told in writing that when he was the right age he could apply for the RAF and would be qualified to wear his wings from the first day.
Personally I would have loved to be there when the rest of his crew was told. Can you imagine it, sorry guys the skipper wont be coming back, Why? he was only fifteen!! Next move a rush to the bar
