Air Chief Marshal Sir Cyril Newall, Chief of the Air Staff

Cyril Newall was born in India in 1886. After undergoing training at Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in 1905. His early years of military service were marked by active duty on the North West Frontier in 1908. In a significant turn of events, he later joined the 2nd Gurkha Rifles. While on leave back home in 1911, he ventured into the world of aviation, mastering the art of flight in a Bristol Biplane at Larkhill. His aspiration to soar the skies culminated in the acquisition of his RFC ‘wings’ at the Central Flying School (CFS) in Upavon in 1913. Subsequently, he assumed the role of an instructor at the newly established Indian CFS in Sitapur.

With the outbreak of the First World War, Newall found himself in the ranks of No 1 Squadron. However, his destiny was to lead, and he soon took command of No 12 Squadron, expertly guiding the unit across the English Channel to France. By the close of 1916, he had risen to prominence as Commander of 9 Wing, reporting directly to the renowned Trenchard. This wing played a pivotal role in the RFC’s primary long-range bombing and reconnaissance operations in France. In the following year, Newall took the reins of the newly formed 41 Wing, a precursor to the Independent Force, entrusted with the critical mission of striking high-value military targets within German territory.

Newall’s exceptional leadership qualities during wartime did not go unnoticed. He was well-positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the post-war RAF. His tenure included three years in the Air Ministry as Deputy Director of Personnel, and later, he assumed the role of deputy to the Commandant at the newly inaugurated No 1 School of Trade Training in Halton. Here, he played a pivotal role in establishing the institution’s reputation and ensuring the success of the Apprentices Scheme, which would become integral to the future RAF’s capabilities.

The interwar period saw Newall in various influential positions. Between 1926 and 1931, he served at the Air Ministry as Director of Operations and Intelligence, concurrently holding the role of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. His expertise extended to the Middle East, where he served as Air Officer Commanding in Cairo from 1931 to 1934. In January 1935, he assumed the newly created position of Air Member for Supply and Organisation, overseeing the rapid expansion of the RAF through successive growth initiatives. His responsibilities encompassed the organization and provisioning of the Service, forming the bedrock of its rebuilding plans.

In a surprising turn of events, Newall was appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) in 1937, a decision that raised eyebrows among many. However, he proved his worth, wasting no time in submitting comprehensive expansion plans for the RAF. These plans, particularly focused on Home Air Force and Bomber Command units, aimed to ensure at least parity with Germany. Despite resistance from some government quarters, Newall’s resolute leadership prevailed, leading to a shift in emphasis toward fighter aircraft within the scheme. His unwavering commitment was further exemplified by his approval of large-scale production for three heavy bombers in 1938. Notably, he staunchly resisted the deployment of RAF fighters and bombers to France in September 1940, fearing it would leave the country inadequately defended. This set the stage for the legendary Battle of Britain, led by Air Chief Marshal Dowding and his valiant “Few.” Newall’s steadfast support and the dedication of his staff played a pivotal role in achieving victory.

On October 24, 1940, Cyril Newall concluded his tenure as CAS. Having served in this demanding role for over three years, he navigated through immense pressure and criticism, understandably bearing the strains of leadership. His subsequent journey led him to become the highly respected Governor General of New Zealand during the remainder of the war. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was elevated to the peerage in 1946. Cyril Newall passed away in 1963, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the Royal Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Fighter Command

Hugh Dowding, born in Moffat in 1882, received his education at Winchester and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. He began his military career as a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery and spent his initial service years overseas. After dedicating two years to the Staff College at Camberley, Dowding seized the opportunity to explore the world of aviation at Brooklands. In 1913, he achieved the significant milestone of gaining his RFC wings.

As the Great War erupted, Dowding found himself stationed in France, serving with Nos 6 and 9 Squadrons. However, his burgeoning interest in wireless telegraphy drew him back to the United Kingdom, where he established the Wireless Experimental Establishment at Brooklands in April 1915. Nevertheless, his return to France was swift, this time as the Officer Commanding No 16 Squadron. Soon after, during the Battle of the Somme, he assumed command of the Ninth (Headquarters) Wing. Differences in perspectives with Trenchard led to Dowding’s reassignment to the UK, where he took charge of the Southern Training Brigade in Salisbury—a position he held for the remainder of the war.

Following the war, Dowding ventured into roles within the Air Ministry and various staff officer positions. However, his pivotal contribution came with his appointment to the Air Council as Air Member for Supply and Research at the end of 1930. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Air Member for Research and Development, where his influence shaped the future of Britain’s defense strategies. Dowding was a staunch advocate for the development of advanced fighter aircraft. He played a key role in the initiative to order the production of the Hurricane and Spitfire in 1934. His commitment extended to the realm of enemy aircraft detection, where he wholeheartedly supported the development of Radio Direction Finding (RDF) equipment.

Given his profound interest in defense, Dowding was the natural choice to lead the newly established Fighter Command in July 1936. However, his aspirations for the position of Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) in 1937 were dashed when the role was awarded to Newall. Dowding remained dedicated to preparing his Command for impending war, overseeing the introduction of new aircraft, implementing bullet-proof wind-screens, and contributing to the development of the Observer Corps. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in integrating RDF units into a cutting-edge communications and control structure, setting a global standard.

The heavy fighter losses in France prompted Dowding to issue a stark warning to the War Cabinet about the dire consequences of sustaining the current wastage rates. A letter dated May 16, 1940, is now considered a historic document. Following the successful evacuation from Dunkirk, Dowding managed to maintain just enough aircraft to engage the Luftwaffe effectively. His comprehensive air defense system in the UK was put to the test, and though the situation was deemed “critical in the extreme,” the “Few,” as Churchill affectionately named them, emerged victorious in the Battle of Britain, employing the organization Dowding had meticulously crafted. However, the Luftwaffe’s defeat was attributed to their poor leadership, flawed tactics, and erroneous target selection.

Dowding’s personal role during the battle was limited, with day-to-day control of the fighters entrusted to the Group Commanders. Among these, Air Vice-Marshal Park of 11 Group closely aligned with Dowding’s views, whereas Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory of 12 Group favored deploying large formations of defending aircraft, known as ‘big wings.’ Dowding’s inability to resolve this dispute between the two leaders drew substantial criticism. The Air Ministry favored Leigh-Mallory’s policies, and Dowding’s cooperative spirit was increasingly questioned. Consequently, within weeks of the Battle of Britain’s conclusion and with the appointment of a new CAS, Air Chief Marshal Portal, Dowding, now 58 years old, stepped down from his role.

Churchill persuaded Dowding to head an aircraft purchasing mission to the USA, a position for which he was ill-suited. Additionally, he led a major RAF economy study before finally retiring in July 1942. Despite his exemplary service, Dowding’s reluctance to deviate from established Service precedents meant he was never promoted to the rank of Marshal of the Royal Force, even when suggested by the King. Consequently, he spent the latter part of his life largely detached from the RAF.

In his later years, Dowding assumed the role of President of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association. After his passing in 1970, he received a well-deserved honor as his remains were interred in Westminster Abbey, a fitting tribute to his extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering dedication to the Royal Air Force.

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Keith Park, Air Officer Commanding 11 Group

A New Zealander and the son of Professor James Park, he journeyed to Britain to serve in the First World War initially as a gunner before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and receiving a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force.

On April 10th, 1918, he assumed command of No 48 Squadron, which was the first to be equipped with the Bristol Fighter. Subsequently, he passed through the RAF Staff College before being appointed as the air attache to Argentina. By 1938, he had become Sir Hugh Dowding’s right-hand man as the senior Staff Officer in Fighter Command. He was later appointed as the Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group.

However, much like his commander, Park was relieved of his post shortly after the Battle of Britain due to pointed criticism of his tactics by Air Officer Commanding No. 12 Group, Leigh-Mallory. Leigh-Mallory had gained favor within the War Cabinet and held a strong dislike for both Dowding and his ally, Park.

In 1942, Park assumed the role of Air Officer Commanding Malta during a crucial and anxious period when the defense of the island depended on a few Hurricanes. These fighters exhibited remarkable determination and courage until additional aircraft and aid arrived, ultimately saving the garrison and clearing the Mediterranean.

In January 1944, he was appointed as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Middle East, and a year later, he became the Allied Air Commander-in-Chief of South-East Asia Command. He passed away at the age of 82 in New Zealand in 1975. It has been noted by one of the great fighter leaders of the Second World War, Air Vice-Marshal ‘Johnnie’ Johnson, that “he was the only man who could have lost the war in a day or even an afternoon.”

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Air Officer Commanding 12 Group

Born on November 7, 1892, in Mobberley, Cheshire, he enlisted with a Territorial battalion of the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment at the outbreak of World War I. Shortly thereafter, he received a commission in the Lancashire Fusiliers. In July 1916, he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps and was promoted to the rank of major in the Royal Air Force when it was formed in April 1918. For his services in France, he was mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

After securing a commission in the RAF as a squadron leader, he joined the School of Army Co-operation in 1921, eventually assuming command for a three-year period. During this time, he gained valuable experience in air-land co-operation. Following service at the Air Ministry and overseas, he took command of No. 12 Group in 1937. Five years later, he transitioned to No. 11 Group and was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal, subsequently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Fighter Command.

Tragically, Leigh-Mallory met his demise in November 1944 when the plane carrying him and his wife to his next appointment as Air Commander-in-Chief, South-East Asia Command, crashed en route.

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Quintin Brand, Air Officer Commanding 10 Group

Quintin Brand was born in Beaconsfield, South Africa, on May 25, 1893. After receiving his education in his home country, Brand had an illustrious career during the First World War as a member of the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force. He distinguished himself by earning the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, and Distinguished Flying Cross. One remarkable achievement in his career was the downing of a German Gotha bomber during the final raid on England in the war.

In 1920, along with General Sir Pierre van Ryneveld, he made history by completing the first flight from England to the Cape. This remarkable journey, from Brooklands to Wynberg, took six weeks due to challenging weather conditions and several mishaps. The actual flying time amounted to approximately 109 hours. Their aircraft, a Vickers Vimy bomber, crashed near Wadi Haifa and was severely damaged. However, they managed to salvage the engines and attach them to a second aircraft, which unfortunately crashed near Bulawayo as they were departing from Pretoria. They finally reached their destination in a third aircraft provided by the South African government. Their remarkable achievement earned them a telegram from the King and both were subsequently knighted.

Brand went on to serve as the Director General of Aviation in Egypt from 1932 to 1936. He then assumed the role of Director of Repair and Maintenance at the Air Ministry from 1937 to 1939 before becoming the Air Officer Commanding No. 10 Group in Fighter Command from 1939 to 1941. He retired from the RAF in 1943 and passed away in Rhodesia in March 1968 at the age of 74.

Air Vice-Marshal Richard Saul, Air Officer Commanding 13 Group

Richard Saul was one of the distinguished all-around sportsmen within the Royal Air Force. He was responsible for overseeing 220 aircraft and four sector stations tasked with defending the North of England, Scotland, and critical strategic targets like the major naval base at Scapa Flow. His career, which began as an observer on aircraft such as the RE8 and BE2 during the First World War, included representing the RAF in both rugby and hockey. Furthermore, he earned the RAF tennis championship outright.

His appointment as the commander of 13 Group followed his tenure as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Fighter Command Headquarters, a role previously held by Keith Park upon his departure. It was Saul’s exceptional organizational acumen that played a pivotal role in molding Fighter Command’s structure into an effective fighting force during the late 1930s.