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Operation Torch (8–16 November 1942) was the Anglo–American invasion of French North Africa during the Second World War. It was aimed at reducing pressure on Allied forces in Egypt, and enabling an invasion of Southern Europe. It also provided the ‘second front’ which the Soviet Union had been requesting since it was invaded by the Germans in 1941. The region was dominated by the Vichy French, officially in collaboration with Germany, but with mixed loyalties, and reports indicated that they might support the Allied initiative. The American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, commanding the operation, planned a three-pronged attack, aimed at Casablanca (Western), Oran (Center) and Algiers (Eastern), in advance of a rapid move on Tunis.
Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams carried out on 16–17 May 1943 by Royal Air Force No. 617 Squadron, later called the Dam Busters, using a purpose-built "bouncing bomb" developed by Barnes Wallis.
Born in London in 1922 of Irish parents, Michael “Slim” Kilburn flew with No 124 and No 56 Squadrons during the war. Credited with 7 aerial victories and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and French Croix de Guerre, Kilburn graduated as an aeronautical engineer after the war and became a test pilot for de Havilland. Born in London in 1922 of Irish...
Flying SM825, 20-victory ace John Sheperd shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 towing a Messerschmitt Me 163 rocket fighter on 14 April 1945, destroying both. Flying SM825, 20-victory ace John...
Flying Spitfire SM823, seven-victory ace Patrick Coleman destroyed three Focke-Wulf Fw 190 over Germany on 1 May 1945. Flying Spitfire SM823, seven-victory...
Flying RM791, S/L Benham shot down two Focke-Wulf Fw 190D fighters over Germany on 23 January 1945. Flying RM791, S/L Benham shot down...
Flying RM791, S/L Benham shot down two Focke-Wulf Fw 190D fighters over Germany on 23 January 1945. Flying RM791, S/L Benham shot down...
Flying NH915, F/L Rake claimed No 41 Squadron’s last victory of the war, a Junkers Ju 188, on 3 May 1945. Flying NH915, F/L Rake claimed No 41...
Flying MB882, F/L Spencer shot down Hauptmann Emil ‘Bully’ Lang, a German ace credited with 173 aerial victories, on 3 September 1944. Spencer's final score was of ten confirmed victories. Flying MB882, F/L Spencer shot down...
Arthur A. "Pinky" Glen, DFC & Bar, was a Royal Air Force ace with 9 aerial victories. Arthur A. "Pinky" Glen, DFC &...