Pilots of No. 64 Squadron RAF discuss their experiences on the fighter sweep they have just made over France, on returning to Hornchurch, Essex.

 

Supermarine Spitfire Mark VB, BM252 'MT-E', of No. 122 Squadron RAF, being checked over by ground crew, prior to starting up at Hornchurch, Essex.

Pilots of the Hornchurch Wing attend a briefing by the Intelligence Officer prior to a fighter sweep over France, at Hornchurch, Essex.

Pilot Officer W V Crawford-Compton of No 485 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF, sitting in the cockpit of his Supermarine Spitfire Mark VB, "Samson", at Kenley, Surrey. At the time this photograph was taken, Crawford-Compton had shot down 3 enemy aircraft. He joined No. 611 Squadron RAF as a flight commander in August 1942, and in December 1942 was given the command of No. 64 Squadron RAF, which he led until July 1943. After promotion to Wing Commander Flying at Hornchurch he lectured on tactics in the USA, returning to operations in April 1944 in command of No. 145 (Free French) Wing of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. His final total was 21.5 victories and, having been awarded the DSO and Bar and DFC and Bar, he became the most highly-decorated New Zealand fighter pilot of the war.